The House completed work on SB 4 on January 31st. The bill repeals a nuclear power ban that has been in effect in the state for 26 years. This move makes it possible for nuclear production in the Mountain State. Our action sends strong message to the global economy that we arere moving forward with our economy. The bill now awaits action by the Governor.

“Technology is moving quickly, and West Virginia has to keep up to compete on a global scale, which also means meeting the global economy’s demands. We don’t think the fossil industry is going away any time soon, nor do we want it to. Our fossil industry will continue powering the country for the foreseeable future, but we want to be sure West Virginia is providing options and signaling to the rest of the world that we’re a great place to consider doing business of all kinds.” Speak of the House, Roger Hanshaw

A newly created committee, the Select Committee on Coalfield Communities, whose design is to “focus on ways to solve the problems facing coalfield communities,” reported out its first piece of legislation tis week. HB 4497. This bill creates the Coalfield Grant Facilitation Act of 2022 is designed to create matching funds in order to secure federal, private or nonprofit grants targeted specifically for coalfield communities. This commission would work with higher education in the state to get help in applying for the funding.

“A lot of effort has been going on both openly and behind the scenes with our Coalfield Communities group ever since the end of last year’s session, and we’re so pleased to already have a bill created and passed out of our brand-new committee. I know it can be discouraging when it feels like nothing is being done or things aren’t moving quick enough, but we’re excited to have regular, weekly meetings now and really work through a lot of the recommendations we’re ready to see implemented.” Delegate Ed Evans, D-McDowell.

House Bill 4479, the Coalfield Grant Facilitation Act of 2022, would create a commission to administer the necessary matching funds to secure federal, private or nonprofit grants for coalfield community organizations or entities to fund development projects. The new commission also would coordinate with higher education institutions throughout the state to help in applying for those grants.

HB 4007 was introduced on February 3rd and will reduce personal income tax rates. It also creates a fund where half of each Fiscal year’s general revenue surplus would be deposited. Presently surplus is deposited into the Rainy-Day Fund.

“Tax Freedom Day is the date when, theoretically, taxpayers on average have worked enough days to earn exactly what’s needed to pay their total tax bills for the entire year. Right now, it’s mid-April for West Virginia, and I want us to be able to keep more money in our pockets to get to Tax Freedom Day sooner.” Eric Householder, Chair of Finance

The newly formed Select Committee on Jails and Prisons, which I am honored to chair, was created at the beginning of the session charged with the task of seeking long term solutions regarding our jails and prisons.

The committee toured the Western Regional Jail this week. Western is currently one of only two jails in the state that has a G.O.A.L.S. unit (Getting Over Addictive Lifestyles Successfully) and the only one of its kind that has a unit for females to participate in the program.

G.O.A.L.S., is a 6-9-month drug rehabilitation program where participating inmate are sectioned off from the main population of the jail. The purpose if to focus on their recovery. I believe this is one pf the best programs around that tackles the problems that accompany addiction.