Legislative Session: Week 1 Recap
Happy Valentine's Day!
Session began on Wednesday, followed by the Governor’s State of the State and committees are already digging into hearings & bills. Quick run through of our first week—
State of the State: Meh
The SOTS was the first real Governor meets the Legislature occasion. He had many build in applause lines meant for the good people of West Virginia, and many, many digs at the GOP & the Legislature. Lots of “what we’ve inherited” and “we’re dead last in everything so I’m here to save you.”
Okay Things: I look forward to the streamlined permitting, and the collaboration for energy and technology innovation. He called for banning cell phones in schools - it’s not certain how, as schools and county boards are already able to do that. I’m not opposed to the idea though!
The Budget: clear as mud. Justice said he was leaving us with a huge surplus, a week later now Governor Morrisey announces a $400M shortfall. House GOP say they aren’t buying it, but one thing is clear — someone is lying. We are paying attention and trying to make sense of the Governor’s proposed budget that zeroes out a LOT of budget line items including Jobs & Hope. It has 2% cuts across the board and consolidates agencies.
On PEIA: the Governor proposed $45M to make up the funding gap…but the gap reported by PEIA themselves is over $113M. Make it make sense. He said NOTHING about raises or solutions to the over 30%+ premium hikes happening to our PEIA members.
On Broadband & Education: the message was “Hey Legislature - you’ve done a terrible job, but dont worry, Trump is coming to save us” which lol no. I’m still convinced the pay raises he mentioned for education are locality pay only.
We didn’t hear a SINGLE WORD about Childcare or Foster Care or CPS reform.
The Gross: The Governor couldn’t help himself and had to send some red meat to the base - at the expense of trans people and women straight from the national playbook. It sounded like the Women’s bill of rights from last year will return in some form from that ghoul swimmer.
My response to the SOTS on WCHS: “What I’ve gathered so far is that we’re going to spend a lot of time on social issues that don’t do anything for West Virginians in any capacity. We didn’t hear anything about helping to lower prices or anything tangible other than dashboards and portals for West Virginians getting jobs,” she said. “I’m worried that session is going to be a lot of that, and it seems like right now the house and the senate and the governor’s office is already fighting so I think it’s going to be a long session.”
House Rules —
The rules came and went into effect on Wednesday. Here’s a video describing the new changes and our proposed amendments that sadly all failed:
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On the new committee structure: During our first Government Organization meeting, we ran two bills to see how the new process flows. The first day is Hearing day and now the sponsor explains the bill and answers questions, rather than the House Counsel. We also took testimony from the state agency on the issue. We then had a discussion on the topic of vendor payment times with legislators and an agency, without actually running a bill… So far, I’m a HUGE fan of the new format of committees.
You’re hearing it here first
Something has got to give with the division and lack of governance from the GOP. Their incessant need to force division, when West Virginians deserve unity & being seen and heard. We are more alike than we are different.
Right before Session, I pre-filed for the 2026 Election. Being in the House means the campaign never stops.
Please consider making a small monthly donation to help build up our reserve for what’s next — holding the line & growing our numbers. I’m still the target, so even a $5, $10, or $20 monthly donation makes a big difference.
(Note: If you were previously donating monthly, that was turned off post-election)
Links Galore:
If you’re keeping up with the Legislature, let me introduce you to the BULLETIN BOARD! The bulletin board is incredible useful for seeing what’s on our calender today, the daily schedule, bills and resolutions being introduced.
I personally really enjoy seeing the bills introduced daily. (Bills can be intro’d in the House until March 18th)
Calenders & Information
2025 Session Info Packet (There is SO much information in here)
Exciting News
Our House Dem Caucus has started a Substack to keep up with all the goings on in the Legislature. It’s not run by me & will provide different info from all members of our caucus! rename Spruce Knob after him
Any change of getting a bill passed to put succeeding to Canada to a vote
Thanks for making time to inform us, Kayla. I'm glad you're finding things to like about the new rules and process; it sure looks grim from out here.