Education-Focused Reporter Roundtable Talks Charter School Funding, Teacher Shortage
Feb 24, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have another Friday reporter roundtable. WVPB reporters Chris Schulz and Randy Yohe are joined this week by Mountain State Spotlight’s Ian Karbal to discuss bills proposed to give more money to charter schools and study alternative school schedules to help districts without enough teachers.
Also, the Senate once again turned its focus on the state’s health systems today by passing two bills, including one to expand their own oversight capabilities.
We also take a look at a public hearing in the House where speakers came to express their feelings on House Bill 3042. Officially, the purpose of this bill is to forbid excessive government limitations on exercise of religion and creates the Equal Protection for Religion Act. Members of the LGBTQ community are concerned the bill may be used to undo fairness protections.
Finally, it was Motorsports Day at the legislature. Enthusiasts from around the state, who race on four wheels or two came to promote their racetracks and ask lawmakers to enhance their speed driven industry. Randy Yohe has our story.
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The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Lawmakers Discuss Flooding Challenges And Goals
Feb 23, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, heavy rainfall late last week prompted Gov. Jim Justice to declare a state of emergency for all 55 counties in West Virginia. Flooding is common in West Virginia and Assistant News Director Caroline MacGregor brings us this perspective on the problem.
And to discuss what the state legislature can do about it, MacGregor sits down with the Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources Del. Clay Riley, R-Harrison, and the Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Flooding Sen. Chandler Swope, R-Mercer.
Also, a public hearing is set for Friday on a bill relating to forbidding government limitations on the exercise of religion. The contentious proposal failed in 2016. Randy Yohe reports on the debate.
Finally, the Senate passed five bills Thursday related to elections in the state, as well as issues around diabetes. Chris Schulz has this story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlaR18QB0K4
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
How Surplus Dollars Could Spur Economic Development, Fight Poverty
Feb 22, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, there’s a House bill pending that would divert the lion’s share of $500 million federal COVID-19 relief dollars from general economic development to specific and local poverty fighting projects. Government Reporter Randy Yohe has the story.
Large budget surpluses, in recent years, have encouraged what to do with that money. One thought is to use a large portion of it for economic development projects — enticing companies to set up shop in West Virginia. Another school of thought is to invest that money in poverty programs and to bring the poorest West Virginians up.
Reporter Chris Schulz spoke with Mitch Carmichael, the Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, and Rev. Matthew Watts from the Tuesday Morning Group, about possibilities.
Also, the Senate passed several bills Wednesday morning to address issues surrounding child protective and social services in the state. Chris Schulz has more.
The first of two bills aimed at restructuring the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources completed legislative activity.
Finally, thoughts that Senate, House and executive branch leadership were working toward a tax reform compromise got a shake up on the House floor.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNyMIX_FPfE
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Contentious Campus Carry Bill Heads To Governor
Feb 21, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, emotions ran high and the rhetoric ran long as the House of Delegates debated the contentious campus carry firearms bill. As Government Reporter Randy Yohe reports, the bill was approved in the chamber and is now on its way to the governor.
Also, between the Roads to Prosperity and the federal infrastructure law, there is a lot going on when it comes to roads and bridges. Curtis Tate speaks with Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston and Sen. Charles Clements, R-Wetzel, the chairman of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to discuss the state’s progress.
Tuesday was Recovery Advocacy Day at the West Virginia Legislature, the capitol rotunda filled with smiling faces, clear heads and hopeful hearts. The goal was to identify areas related to treatment, prevention and recovery efforts and lobby for important legislation. Randy Yohe has this story.
A bill meant to staff each West Virginia hospital with a qualified sexual assault nurse examiner passed the Senate unanimously and is headed to the governor’s desk. Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice has more.
Finally, the Senate took up a bill that would change how and how much counties pay for inmates they send to the state's correctional system. Chris Schulz has more.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuKcl6k-UrU
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Campus Carry Bill Nears The Legislative Finish Line
Feb 20, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Senate Bill 10 is expected to pass the House of Delegates on Tuesday and head to Gov. Jim Justice for a signature. The bill would allow people with concealed carry permits to carry guns on college and university campuses. West Virginia University and Marshall, among others in the state, have spoken out against it. At a public hearing last week, 38 of the 40 speakers spoke against the bill.
Government Reporter Randy Yohe sat down with Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, and Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, to get a better understanding on the bill.
Also, it was the 41st day of the 60-day West Virginia Legislative session, and it was also the last day to introduce bills in the Senate. The House passed that milestone last week.
The House of Delegates held a public hearing Monday morning. It was focused on a bill that would change the state’s workers compensation law limiting the penalties companies pay when a worker gets injured on the job. Randy Yohe has our report.
With the number of public high school students that decide to pursue college education seeing a noticeable decline over the past few years, legislators are trying to bolster post-secondary education numbers. Shepherd Snyder has more.
Finally, at the start of the session, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw said improving the state’s post-secondary attainment rate was a priority. Chris Schulz has more on where those proposals stand.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRdK3RBtWHo
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Reporter Roundtable Talks Campus Carry, DHHR And Tax Reform
Feb 17, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have our Friday reporter roundtable where we discuss the big news of the week. WVPB’s Randy Yohe and Chris Schulz are joined this week by veteran TV newsman from WCHS in Charleston, Bob Aaron.
Also, the Senate gaveled in a little early Friday morning to pass several bills relating to fiscal issues, including changes to the state’s retirement systems.
And the Senate also enacted a change in leadership Friday. As Chris Schulz reports, the seemingly small change was met with great emotion.
Finally, it was Adventure Travel Day at the West Virginia Legislature. On and off road enthusiasts touted some mean machines on two wheels and four - and some machines, not so mean. Randy Yohe has the story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8HUqcuQ_i4
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Lawmakers Discuss Legislation Aimed At Helping West Virginians Stay Sober
Feb 16, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, substance use disorder, sober living homes, homelessness, mental health treatment – the challenges facing West Virginia to help people regain sobriety continue to mount.
Government Reporter Randy Yohe speaks with two delegates, Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, and Del. Scot Heckert, R-Wood, to discuss what’s working and what needs changed.
Also, Wednesday was Black Policy Day at the West Virginia Legislature. As Chris Schulz reports, it was an opportunity for advocates to highlight the issues facing Black West Virginians to legislators.
About 40,000 West Virginians live with some degree of Alzheimer's dementia, according to the West Virginia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Some say recent legislation focused on law enforcement and those suffering with Alzheimer's in the community did not go far enough. Randy Yohe reports on new bills meant to increase awareness.
Finally, concerns over Hope Scholarship students being allowed to play local public school sports sparked debate in the House of Delegates Thursday. Randy Yohe also has this report.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY5xzmIs2I0
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Lawmakers Discuss School Choice; Campus Carry Bill Sees Public Debate
Feb 15, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, from the Hope Scholarship to charter schools, West Virginia’s educational landscape has changed in the last few years. Education Reporter Chris Schulz sat down with Del. Kathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam, and Sen. Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, to discuss.
Also, with another university campus mass shooting earlier this week, legislative and public debate Wednesday morning on the Campus Self-Defense Act fostered heightened emotion from both sides. Will allowing the concealed carry of firearms on campuses add more protection or create more danger? Government Reporter Randy Yohe has this report.
Residential substance use disorder service facilities will be required to offer discharged patients a way home if Senate Bill 243 passed the Senate. Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice has more.
Finally, Wednesday was Black Policy Day at the West Virginia Legislature. As Chris Schulz reports, it's an opportunity for advocates to highlight the issues facing Black West Virginians to legislators.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CpwigzAOtw
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Physician And Lawmaker Talks State Health Issues
Feb 14, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, West Virginia often gets poor grades for the health of its citizens. Recently, the American Lung Association rated the state as failing when it comes to several categories relating to smoking cessation. WVPB’s Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice sat down with Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell, who is a practicing physician.
Also, after hearing stories in the House of Delegates about health care provider misconduct and foster families not receiving their proper funds, a proposal to split the state Department of Health and Human Resources into three cabinet positions was up for a final vote Tuesday. Randy Yohe has the story and outcome.
A bill allowing the Foster Care Ombudsman more authority to protect children in state care passed the Senate unanimously. As Emily Rice explains, the bill has been through many amendments before Tuesday’s vote.
Finally, the American Heart Association was in the rotunda this Valentine’s Day promoting heart health. Chris Schulz has the story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d__TmFgOz_g
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Understanding The Judicial Redistricting Process
Feb 13, 2023
Show notes
On this episode of The Legislature Today, every ten years, the West Virginia Legislature is tasked with completing a judicial redistricting proposal – 2023 is one of those years.
The goal is to ensure the state's civil courts are not clogged and criminal courts are working efficiently. Government Reporter Randy Yohe speaks with the West Virginia Supreme Court’s Chief Justice Beth Walker on how the process works.
Also, Yohe talks with the House and Senate Judiciary Committee chairmen Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, and Del. Moore Capito, R-Kanawha, to get a better understanding about the judicial redistricting process.
And the Senate passed a bill Monday that would help the creation of more charter schools in the state. Senate Bill 47 would create a stimulus fund for potential founders who otherwise would not have the means to open a charter school.
Monday was also Library Day at the legislature. As Chris Schulz reports, the day was a celebration of public libraries throughout the state, but also an opportunity to request funding.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y-yFcH6bfk
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
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