Governor Tomblin Orders U.S. and State Flags Lowered in Observance of Memorial Day

In keeping with the presidential proclamation, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin ordered U.S. and State Flags at all state-owned facilities be displayed at half-staff from dawn until Noon, Monday, May 27, 2013 in observance of Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to pay tribute to and remember those who have fought bravely to preserve our freedom and security,“ said Governor Tomblin. “On this Memorial Day, I encourage all West Virginians to recall those brave men and women of the armed forces who have risked and given their lives to keep us safe.“

Governor Tomblin asks all West Virginians to unite in prayer for permanent peace at 11:00 AM and to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of our military men and women.

WV Joins Other States In Urging U.S. Supreme Court to Consider Fight Over Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and Attorney General Patrick Morrisey today announced West Virginia joined Kansas and Montana in filing an amicus, or “friend of the court,“ brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a challenge to Environmental Protection Agency rules that would allow the federal government to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources.

The amicus brief asking for a writ of certiorari was filed Thursday, May 23, 2013 and follows a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in favor of the EPA in four consolidated cases. If allowed to stand, the D.C. Circuit’s ruling will fundamentally alter the Constitution’s separation of powers and grant unprecedented authority to the EPA and other federal agencies.

Significantly, the states contend the EPA’s “tailoring rule” contradicts explicit provisions of the Clean Air Act and establishes new compliance levels for greenhouse gas emissions that are significantly higher than the levels specified in the statute.

West Virginia and the other amicus states maintain the U.S. Supreme Court should hear the case to clarify that the EPA has misinterpreted the Clean Air Act and acted outside the scope of its legal and Constitutional authority.

“In addition to this brief, I wrote to the President last month urging him, in the strongest of terms, to direct the EPA to discontinue its anti-coal policies,“ Governor Tomblin said. “The EPA’s proposed limits on greenhouse gas emissions threaten the livelihood of our coal miners to the point of killing jobs and crippling our state and national economies, while also weakening our country’s efforts toward energy independence. I hope the high court recognizes the urgency and critical importance of our brief for all Americans.“

Attorney General Morrisey said the EPA’s rules regarding greenhouse gas emissions are another example of the federal agency overstepping its role to the detriment of West Virginians.

“The EPA’s decision to regulate greenhouse gas emissions in this way will have a devastating impact on the industries that must comply with these rules, as well as consumers,“ Morrisey said. “Once again, the EPA is moving ahead on an issue with little regard for the plain language of the statute and the people who are directly impacted by these incredible new burdens.“

“Governor Earl Ray Tomblin: This bill will save lives!”

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin said, this bill will save lives, just before he put pen to paper to officially sign Senate bill 2018, or the seat belt bill, into law.

Starting July 09, 2013 if you are not wearing your seat belt in a moving vehicle in the state of West Virginia, you can be pulled over by law enforcement and fined.

That goes for passengers as well as drivers.

Up until now, wearing your seat belt has been a secondary offense. Police could only fine you for not buckling up if you were pulled over for another offense. This bill changes that.

The signing came just one day before the start of the Memorial Day weekend and during the annual “Click It or Ticket campaign”.

West Virginia Conservation Camp Ready for 72nd Season

The award-winning West Virginia State Conservation Camp is accepting registrations for the 2013 camp, scheduled June 10-15, 2013 at Camp Caesar near Cowen in Webster County.

Young people, ages 14-18, are eligible to register.

The camp, sponsored by a number of state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection, focuses on West Virginia’s natural resources and how to be responsible stewards of the environment.

Named one of “55 Good Things About West Virginia” by The State Journal, the State Conservation Camp has had more than 16,000 young people attend since it first began in 1941. According to camp Director Mike Hall, the Conservation Camp is believed to be the oldest camp of its kind in the United States. This year will mark 72 years of conservation education.

Participants spend the mornings learning about West Virginia’s natural resources in a block-schedule format that provides a total of 12 hours of instruction by the week’s end. Subject areas include: forestry, soil conservation, water resources, fish management, game and non-game wildlife management, natural resource and environmental law enforcement, parks and recreation, and youth environmental initiatives.

Afternoons provide a wide variety of opportunities to further experience the outdoors. Beginning with an afternoon assembly, participants observe the staff in action as they conduct a mock forest fire suppression and investigation; a trout stocking event; a turkey trapping exhibition; and a firearms safety demonstration. Afterward, campers have their choice of a wide variety of afternoon activities. Choices include: trap shooting, archery, boating, outdoor cooking, rifle marksmanship, rappelling, and fishing. Special awards to campers will be presented during the closing ceremony on Friday night.

This year, the camp registration fee is $185. However, nearly all first-time attendees receive a scholarship. Previous campers are also welcome to attend if age requirements are met.

For more information and to register for the camp, contact Ben Spong, camp chairman, West Virginia University Extension Service, P.O. Box 6125 Morgantown, WV 26506 304.293.9425, ; or Alan Miller, secretary/treasurer, 4290 Greenawalt Gap Road Upper Tract, WV 26866 304.358.3298 or visit wvconservationcamp.com

A Minute with Jay: Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, Senator Rockefeller encourages West Virginians to pay tribute to the incredibly brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

West Virginia in Spotlight for Food Movement

With eight in 10 farmers making less than $10,000 a year, West Virginia will never rival big Midwestern factory farms in producing food. But creative collaborations with food entrepreneurs are seeding a new kind of economy that federal officials say could become a model for 12 other Appalachian states.

Officials with the Appalachian Regional Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Education are meeting with nearly two dozen groups across West Virginia this week as part of an Appalachian Foodways Tour. It began in North Carolina, hit Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, and continues next month in Ohio and New York.

In Romney this week, officials visited a high school where students not only sell and show their pigs but produce sausage for Hampshire County’s school cafeterias. In Charleston, they’ll learn about a program that trains women in business planning, record keeping, and farm and food safety. And in Philippi, they’ve seen how an out-of-business IGA is becoming a new kind of supermarket, one where jams, flowers, baked goods and produce are gathered from dozens of sources and sold at a single cash register.

“Instead of 30 people marketing their wares, you have one person marketing the wares for everyone,“ said Savanna Lyons, program director for the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition. The concept is called aggregating, and it’s catching on.

One place where it is evident is in Huntington, where the local food market The Wild Ramp at Heritage Station in downtown Huntington will mark its one-year anniversary this summer.

“It’s going better than we ever could have imagined,“ said Gail Patton, president of the board of Tri-State Local Foods, parent organization of The Wild Ramp.

The aim of the market is to connect local producers with consumers, she said, and as it stands now, there is far more demand than local farming operations to meet it.

Patton is hoping that will change, and she’s encouraged that it will.

Right now, the market has 79 producers who sell locally grown or locally made products at the market. Since it opened in July 2012, the market has returned $160,000 to local farmers and is hoping to reach $30,000 in sales just this month. It’s sold $224,447 in local food and food products since July 12, 2012, Patton said.

She knows of farmers who are scaling back their other jobs to part time so they can grow more. She knows of farmers who are thinking about expanding their operations and farmers thinking about retiring because they’re selling so well at The Wild Ramp.

“The response has been phenomenal,“ she said.

She’d love to serve the school system, hospitals and other institutions, but farmers need to grow more first, she said.

“To even dream of that, there’s a long way to go to increase the amount of food we produce here,“ she said. That’s why experts come in on a regular basis to teach local farmers about techniques to extend their growing season and other tips.

“We’re doing everything we can to help them understand that this stuff is in demand year round and there’s a way to grow it here. ... We are looking for a larger space because we want to do more aggregation, which is bringing stuff together and maybe get it out to schools and institutions, to help our farmers sell to even bigger markets.

“We’ve just scratched the surface and are just getting started, but it has huge potential for economic development. It’s not Toyota, you know, but it’s a lot of little businesses coming together that can make a difference.“

A handful of local restaurants—including Savannah’s, Huntington Prime, 21 at the Frederick, La Famiglia, Backyard Pizza, Let’s Eat, and River & Rail Bakery—shop at The Wild Ramp regularly, Patton said. When one farmer brought in 75 pounds of asparagus the other day, she was concerned that the market wouldn’t be able to sell it quickly enough. With the help of the restaurants, it was gone in two days.

Lyons, of the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition, this week is trying to help federal officials understand the opportunities and obstacles to using food as economic development tool.

“Being small and isolated can be both an advantage and a disadvantage,“ Lyons said. “When it’s harder to get your products out there, you have to organize more. You have to get creative. You have to really talk to each other. It’s really a different kind of agriculture than out west, where the farms are so huge and they’re wholesaling.“

Earl Gohl, federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, is trying to discern what role his agency can play in supporting such ventures. Already, ARC has funded foodways activities in every Appalachian state, investing $7.6 million since 2001.

What’s happening in West Virginia, he said, is impressive in both scope and enthusiasm.

Though it has just 1.8 million people, the state has emerged as a leader in the local-foods movement. Since 2005, the number of farmers’ markets has more than tripled, from 30 to 93. Thanks to the state Department of Health and Human Resources, 18 of those now accept the debit cards that replaced food stamps.

Public health officials are on board because a region beset by high rates of obesity, diabetes and cancer could benefit from having easier access to healthy food. Allowing the use of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP cards, also aims to ensure farmers’ markets don’t just serve white-collar workers with higher incomes.

ARC officials say West Virginia has also gone further than most in drafting a statewide strategic plan, the “Road Map for a Food Economy.“ An official who helped schedule Gohl’s visit calls it cutting-edge thinking.

ARC officials say West Virginia is recognizing and seizing opportunities where they make sense—and the demand has been there to support them.

While ARC, the USDA and others can support those initiatives, Gohl said, “the reality is the energy around local foods started in West Virginia, lives in West Virginia and is going to grow in West Virginia.“

Lyons, who’s been working on local food programs for three years, said the road map encourages investment. At least one bank has made multiple donations to various ventures because it can look at the plan and see tangible benefits.

“There’s the economic development half of this, which is often communities looking for a way to create energy, to create excitement, to reflect the character of the place,“ Lyons said. “On the other side are health advocates and people advocating for food access. And both are equally powerful.“

The key to helping West Virginia and other states grow what they’ve started is redefining expectations.

Investors typically like to see large facilities and large sales, she said, but “that’s not how we do things here.“

“Here in West Virginia, it’s micro. So we have to be willing to invest on a micro scale and in micro-scale infrastructure,“ Lyons said. “We have to right-size our businesses and grow them gradually and carefully, and help people grow into them.“

~~  Vicki Smith, Jean Tarbett Hardiman ~~

WVDA Declares Quarantine to Protect Walnut Trees

West Virginia has declared a quarantine to prevent thousand cankerous disease from killing walnut trees in West Virginia.

The Department of Agriculture said Thursday that the quarantine went into effect May 20, 2013.

Plant Industries Division director Sherri Hutchinson says no walnut plants or plant parts from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington can be brought into West Virginia or moved through the state.

The quarantine also applies to areas of any state where the disease has been found.

The quarantine includes any hardwood firewood from infected areas, the fungus that causes the disease, and the walnut twig beetle, which infects trees with the disease.

Nuts, nutmeats, processed lumber and finished wood products such as furniture are exempt from the quarantine.

West Virginia to Launch New Oil, Gas Job Training Center

Two West Virginia colleges are teaming up to open a new training center for people who want to work in the oil and gas industry, complete with indoor and outdoor laboratories to simulate drilling operations.

The Community and Technical College System of West Virginia said Thursday it is planning a formal announcement next week about the launch of the Appalachian Petroleum Technology in the I-79 Technology Park.

Pierpont Community and Technical College and West Virginia Northern Community College will offer associate and certificate programs in Petroleum Technology, plus a variety of other customized training programs.

“The oil and gas industry spoke, and we responded,” said Martin J. Olshinsky, president of West Virginia Northern.

Both schools will house indoor drilling simulation labs, and they’ll share an outdoor lab in Fairmont.

Doreen Larson, president of Pierpont CTC, said the training center grew from a partnership and conversations with what she called “the power industries of our region.”

“However, the ‘power’ of the program lies in engaging and developing the intelligence and work ethic of the people of West Virginia,” she said.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and industry leaders are expected to attend the ceremony on Wednesday, when information about how to enroll and other details will be revealed.

USDA Seeks Applications to Finance Construction and Rehabilitation of Rural Rental Housing

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that applications are being accepted from lenders for loan guarantees to finance rural rental housing. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

“USDA’s housing programs are an important part of the Obama Administration’s policies for strengthening the rural economy,“ Vilsack said. “They make a real difference in the lives of thousands of rural Americans nationwide. As the President said in his radio address recently: ‘Our economy and our housing market are poised for progress, but we could do so much more if we work together.‘  Revitalizing rural rental housing helps create construction jobs, while maintaining safe and stable rural communities.“

USDA is seeking proposals from lenders for loans under the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program. The Department plans to make up to $150 million available for this program.  Approved applications from prior years’ notices will be the first to receive funding.

Loan guarantees are available to construct, acquire and rehabilitate affordable rural rental housing. The Agency will review responses submitted by eligible lenders, on the lender’s letterhead, and signed by both the prospective borrower and lender. Although a complete application is not required in response to this notice, eligible lenders may submit a complete application concurrently with a response.

For more information, see page 30854 of the May 23, 2013 Federal Register, or visit www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-05-23/pdf/2013-12325.pdf. The deadline for submitting applications is December 31, 2013.  Selected responses that develop into complete applications and meet all Federal eligibility requirements prior to September 30, 2013 will receive conditional commitments until all FY 2013 funds are expended.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way, strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration, the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

WV State BOE President: ‘There’s More to a School Than Test Scores’

West Virginia’s schools will be operating free of the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act when the new school year begins in August.

State Board of Education President Wade Linger says the waiver the U.S. Department of Education granted to the Mountain State this week is needed.

“The goals for No Child Left Behind, when you get into the 2013-2014 time frame, they always were unrealistic,” he said on MetroNews “Talkline.”

The waiver will let West Virginia evaluate school progress using a wide range of criteria.

A new West Virginia Accountability Index (WVAI) will categorize schools using five rankings: priority, support, focus, transition and success.  Help will be provided to struggling priority schools.  Already, 32 have been identified.

Up to now with the law, there have been rigid standards for what is considered “adequate yearly progress.”  That assessment was based on the results of annual standardized tests.

But Linger says there is more to a school than just test scores.

“If you want to know what kind of school you have, you also have to look at the learning conditions, the curriculum, the culture in the school and so forth and management efficiencies, how well are they doing the finances and the facilities,” Linger said.

West Virginia is one of more than 35 states, to receive a waiver from the requirements of No Child Left Behind since 2011.

Federal Judge Recuses Herself from WVU Degree Lawsuit

U.S. District Judge Irene Keeley has disqualified herself from hearing a lawsuit filed over a 6-year-old degree scandal at West Virginia University, citing a federal statute that requires judges to step aside if their impartiality could be questioned.

The order entered Tuesday doesn’t offer specifics, but Keeley is a past member of the WVU Board of Advisors, the predecessor to today’s Board of Governors. She has also served on the WVU Alumni Association’s board of directors and on the College of Law’s visiting committee.

Judge John Preston Bailey will now hear the case brought by former business school dean Stephen Sears and former associate dean Cyril Logar. They say WVU has ignored an academic integrity policy requiring “diligent efforts” to restore the reputations of people cleared of misconduct.

The lawsuit stems from a 2007 decision to award Heather Bresch an executive master of business administration degree that she hadn’t earned.

Bresch is the chief executive officer of Pennsylvania-based Mylan Inc. and the daughter of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin. She was also a friend of then-WVU President Mike Garrison, who ultimately resigned over the scandal.

Last summer, Special Academic Integrity Officer Nigel Clark said there would be no further action against anyone involved in altering transcripts, creating grades and awarding Bresch the degree.

But Sears and Logar say WVU is ignoring an academic integrity policy that requires it to “undertake diligent efforts” to restore the reputations of people cleared of misconduct. They’re now alleging breach of contract and demanding damages.

WVU has said it won’t comment on pending litigation.

Division of Natural Resources Warns:  Don’t Feed the Bears!

The Division of Natural Resources reminds all West Virginia residents that feeding black bears is a violation of state law, as well as a misguided disservice to our state animal, according to Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the DNR Wildlife Resources Section.

“Some people will illegally set out food so they can get a closer look at this often secretive animal,” Carpenter said.  “However, these actions often lead to the destruction of the bear. Bear movements are tied to food sources. Bears that roam in and around residential areas in search of food are less likely to stay if they do not find anything to eat.”

Capturing and moving bears that have become accustomed to humans is a costly and often ineffective way of addressing the problem, especially if it just moves the problem from one place to another.

Bear populations have increased in both number and distribution in the past 20 years.  Bears are now found in areas where they have been absent for decades and have been reported in all 55 counties. Multiple reports of sows with cubs have been received from the northern and western portions of the state. “There is simply nowhere to move bears that have become a problem,” Carpenter said.

Human/bear interactions increase during the spring and summer for several reasons.  Natural food sources are at their lowest point when bears leave their dens in the spring. Bears often spend several weeks feeding on green vegetation while continuing to lose weight. High-energy foods such as serviceberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries do not become available until later in the summer.

In addition, the bear breeding season, which peaks from late June through July, puts many bears on the move.  During the breeding season, males will cover large areas while searching for females. This is also the time of year when adult female bears will chase off their yearlings so that they may breed again.  Human-related food sources are higher in calories and easier to obtain than natural foods.  All bears, especially yearlings that are on their own for the first time, will take advantage of easy food sources. Bears will continue on their way if they do not find easy food.

Bears quickly become habituated to handouts in the form of trash, bird seed, pet food and feed placed out for other animals, and lose their fear of humans. They then resort to raiding garbage, outdoor freezers, storage sheds, vehicles and other structures associated with people.  Unfortunately, when these activities are repeated, DNR personnel are forced to humanely destroy the offending animal for safety reasons.

“The unintentional feeding of black bears is something that can be prevented, “Carpenter said.  “Garbage should be secured in a bear-proof facility and placed out for collection on the morning of pick-up, not the night before. Food scraps that produce large amounts of odor should be sealed in a plastic bag before being placed in the trash. Food scraps should not be placed in a compost pile during the summer months. Residents should remove all outside pet food at night, and bird feeders should be taken down, cleaned, and stored until late fall to further discourage bears from feeding around human habitation. If you do not remove food attractants until after a bear has become a nuisance, you may have caused the death of that animal.”

Feeding of any wildlife should be avoided for numerous reasons, including, but not limited to, disease transmission, increased predation, habitat destruction around the feeding site, ethical concerns, and the animal’s overall health. Following these practical and common sense recommendations will reduce human-bear conflicts and assure that more of the state’s animals remain wild.

June Deadline for Storm Disaster Loans in WV

Small businesses and private nonprofits affected by severe storms last summer can still apply for federal disaster loans.

June 19 is the deadline to apply for economic injury disaster loans offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The loans are available to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in 36 counties covered by a federal disaster declaration.

The SBA said Monday that loans of up to $2 million are available.

Interest rates are 3% for private nonprofit organizations and 4% for small businesses.

The loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses.

Construction Zone Zero Tolerance

Highway construction season is officially underway here in West Virginia. State Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox stressed the need for safety on the roads.

“We really need people to focus, slow down and pay attention to what they’re doing,” said Mattox.

This spring and summer the DOH has about $500 million worth of road construction planned. That means thousands of construction workers will be doing the dangerous job of working on the roads while traffic zooms by.

One of the DOH slogans they want drivers to remember is this: “Zero Fatalities: Saving One Life at a Time.”

Mattox says all too often distracted driving in construction zones leads to accidents.

“We had two fatalities occur in our work zones last year and that’s two too many. Our goal is zero,” Mattox said.

There will be plenty of signage on the roads to tell you when you’re coming up on a construction zone. Then there’s the orange cones and barrels to give you another reminder. But maybe the most effective tool is the State Troopers stationed at major construction zones with lights flashing.

If you are caught speeding or driving recklessly through a construction zone and you are pulled over by police, you’re looking at a fine that’s doubled.

Mattox says the best advice is to put down your cell phone, place both hands on the wheel, slow down and be aware of your surroundings when making your way through construction zones.

Inaugural WV Trout Festival Set for June

West Virginia’s trout anglers are gearing up for the first-ever celebration of the state’s trout-fishing heritage.

The inaugural Mountain State Trout Festival has been scheduled to begin June 01, 2013 at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

The two-day event begins the day after the state’s final springtime trout stockings, and during the week when trout tend to feed most eagerly.

Event coordinator Phil Smith says the festival is a celebration of West Virginia’s sportsman’s heritage and the trout waters of the state.

West Virginia his home to more than 1,200 miles of trout streams.

The event is sponsored by the West Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited.

It will feature a fishing tournament and several presentations by trout-fishing experts.

Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Reopens Following Storm Repairs

Although it will be some time before the vegetative area at Blackwater Falls State Park’s iconic falls has regenerated completely, the boardwalk has reopened just before Memorial Day Weekend. The boardwalk had to be closed to the public because of damaged and downed trees caused by last fall’s major storm.

“Visitors enjoy the vantage points the boardwalk provides of the falls,” said Robert Gilligan, park superintendent. “We have some very dedicated employees who have gone beyond work expectations in getting it repaired and reopened. We also appreciate all of the local residents who have assisted us in getting the boardwalk reopened. This summer and into the future, visitors will observe nature’s self-healing and the continued recovery work by the park staff and local volunteers.”

Images of the damage to the Blackwater Falls boardwalk resulting from Superstorm Sandy in late October 2012 are posted on the photo gallery of Blackwater Falls State Park’s website, www.blackwaterfalls.com.

Blackwater Falls is located in Tucker County between the towns of Thomas and Davis. The park is open year-round and offers lodge and cabin accommodations for vacation consideration, camping, hiking, a full-service restaurant and a nature interpretive program. The iconic Blackwater Falls is nationally recognized.

Visit www.blackwaterfalls.com for more information.

To prevent Cases of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome WV Wants Warnings on Prescription Drugs

State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says he thinks putting warnings on opioid-based pain killers would be just one part of a much larger effort to address West Virginia’s prescription drug abuse problems.

“It’s one step of many, many steps that we need to take, as a state, in order to ensure that the prescription drug overdose issues come down,”  Morrisey said on MetroNews Talkline.

Earlier this week, he signed on to a letter with officials from 42 other states and territories that calls on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to put “black box” warnings on all opioid-based pain killers.

It would warn pregnant women that those drugs can cause Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a series of serious health problems a newborn can suffer as a result of exposure to illegal or prescription drugs.

There could be problems with a baby’s nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system.

Morrisey says the number of NAS cases are growing in West Virginia.

WV Receives Federal Approval on Education Flexibility Waiver (NCLB)

The West Virginia Board of Education has received a stamp of approval from the U.S. Department of Education on a proposal seeking relief from certain provisions of federal education law.

The West Virginia Board of Education and West Virginia Department of Education sought permission from the U.S. Department of Education to free West Virginia public schools from certain federal rules and deadlines so the state may focus more on improving learning and instruction. Those rules fell under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as the No Child Left Behind Act. The waiver allows West Virginia to use its own accountability system to more effectively identify struggling schools and to efficiently direct resources to struggling schools.

“This is an exciting time for education in our state,“ said Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. “Quality education is the doorway to a vibrant, healthy economic future for our state. The flexibility schools now have will allow them to focus on achievement and improvement so that all students are prepared for college and career success.“

The U.S. Department of Education developed the flexibility process in 2011. In exchange for flexibility, states must show detailed plans for preparing all students for college and careers, targeting federal aid to students most in need, and pushing for better evaluation and support of teachers and principals. The state Board of Education submitted its waiver request in September 2012 in collaboration with several education stakeholders, including the West Virginia Governor’s Office and teacher organizations.

“With this approval, we believe our schools will have the flexibility they need to increase the quality of instruction and enhance student achievement,“ said West Virginia Board of Education President Wade Linger. “Our plan gives schools, especially those struggling with low performance, the ability to focus on continual improvement in every classroom and at every programmatic level.“

The ESEA Flexibility Waiver provides West Virginia with the flexibility needed to fully implement the Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives. The request also allows for the establishment of a high-quality accountability system that values individual student academic growth, supports schools, and expands the Educator Evaluation System pilot. The request still holds schools accountable for student achievement results but shifts from a large number of schools not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress to a smaller number of schools flagged for targeted support.

As part of the new West Virginia Accountability Index (WVAI) proposed in the ESEA Flexibility Waiver, schools will fall into five rankings: priority, support, focus, transition and success. Schools identified for targeted support will receive resources and support from various entities, districts, Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs), WVDE and others as appropriate.

“While we are excited about the opportunities that gaining flexibility gives our schools, we know the hard work is just beginning,“ West Virginia Superintendent of School Jim Phares said. “Our goal is to ensure that all West Virginia students graduate from high school truly prepared for college and career success.“

County-By-County Unemployment Rates Tell the Story – April 2013

West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined four-tenths of a percentage point to 6.6% in April 2013.

Unemployment rates declined in 52 counties as well.

Two counties, Pocahontas and Monongalia, reported increasing unemployment rates, while Jefferson County reported no change in the monthly rate.

Three counties reported an unemployment rate above 11%.

These included Pocahontas (11.3%), Clay (12.2%), and Webster (12.7%).

Three counties recorded an unemployment rate of less than 5%.

These included Pendleton (4.9%), Jefferson (4.3%), and Monongalia (4.2%).

WV Resort Offering Help to Drug-Convicted Women

Women are daughters, each of us. That’s how Tammy Jordan, inspirational author, agriculturist and business owner, views it. So much so, she’s sharing her bounty with women unaccustomed to walking through doorways to opportunity.

Jordan is calling on her culinary experience and agriculture expertise in developing a curriculum to teach drug-convicted women valuable skills in food management and agriculture. The skills are intended to serve the women positively both in the job market and personally as they move out of a place of barrenness and into a place of fruitfulness. She has gained agreement to pilot the program in cooperation with the Greenbrier County Drug Court this summer.

“This is under the ‘training’ part of the Training and Retreat Center,“ explains Jordan of the sister companies to primary endeavor Fruits of Labor Inc. “The program will last eight weeks and will offer two nationally recognized certifications — ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Manager — to eight women.“

Two additional certifications offered to the women at her facility in Dawson will include West Virginia Welcome guest services (for frontline foodservice employees) and a county food handler’s certification. Following the success of the initial eight students, Jordan is committed to growing her concept by scheduling classes throughout the year.

As she relates her life to that of the ladies she seeks to serve, she does so not to count her own blessings, but to make her blessings count. Using what you have to benefit others is just one lesson she took from her parents — in particular, her mother.

You’d think Jordan had a hidden crew to help her maintain both her busy catering business, Fruits of Labor Inc., and her 218-acre Training and Retreat Center, “a place of sustainability in agriculture, lifestyle principles and spiritual growth.“

But there is just one other inside her industrial kitchen in the quiet Dawson countryside most days: Jordan’s mom, Dyanna. Together in business for 12 years, the two have provided excellent food and beverage services to mark key events in lives — weddings, anniversaries, carrying off the large and the small together, without falter. Their biggest crowd to feed, with additional help called in only for service, numbered over 1,500 people.

As Fruits of Labor Inc.‘s vice president and a talented cake decorator for over 40 years, Dyanna has served as both mentor and lead support to her daughter in growing her business and her mission. Jordan is quick to offer her gratitude for an ideal upbringing. “I am one of those rare people blessed with a family where the parents have been able to stay together and they’ve poured their lives into their children.“

Planting was a large part of what knit the family together. Still today, Jordan grows the food she prepares for her businesses and for distribution to food programs in her community. “We grew because it tasted better. And what you got from what you grew was sometimes exponentially more than you expected.“

For classes during the growing seasons, Jordan will teach her students using produce she’s grown on her own farm at The Retreat in Spring Dale, which she also uses extensively for women’s retreats and church groups. Near the program’s end, she plans to organize a dining service there during which farmers, chefs and others will get to network with the new trainees as potential, willing employers. She also has as a goal to host several train-the-trainer programs for others wanting to help the women in the drug court systems of their counties.

Greenbrier County Drug Court will help select the appropriate candidates, women who have demonstrated seriousness about getting their lives back on track and who have achieved a measurable level of sobriety to match their commitment. Jordan is hoping to make her program a model for others like it throughout the state, region and beyond, but it will only work to the extent each woman is ready for change. “They are coming voluntarily. They’re not being forced. We’re starting with a group that has the highest potential for success,“ states Jordan.

As part of the curriculum, author Jordan will employ her debut devotional, titled “The Door to Fruitfulness,“ and her second book, available to the general public in September, titled “The Seed Sower,“ a 40-day personal journey into sowing “positive seeds into the lives of others.“ Both are available through ShadeTree Publishing (www.shadetreepublishing.com).

When students put on their chef’s coats, says Jordan, it provides them a feeling of professionalism, excitement and changes in attitude toward opportunity.

“This is about getting them back on track and helping them to develop self-confidence,“ she says. “They’ll be able to hold down a regular job while building on their current resume and developing their people skills. They’ll also learn what it’s like to prepare and to eat nutritious food.“

The cost of the program is $150 per week for each participant — not a cost for profit, but to provide the resources needed to fulfill each certification. “We’re looking for churches and private donors to sponsor a week for the ladies in the program,“ appeals Jordan. So far, she has received donations enough to cover a full week of instruction for the first eight ladies. Her goal, with the cooperation of her community, is to provide scholarships for all.

“You look at the whole problem of drugs in our community and it can be overwhelming. Donating to this program is for those who say ‘Yes, I can do something.‘“

For more information about the program or for information on how to contribute, email or visit www.fruitsoflaborinc.com.

Grants Can Help Landowners Create Habitat in West Virginia

West Virginia landowners who want to apply for grants to improve wildlife habitat have until June 14, 2013 to contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The agency is currently considering projects for Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, funded by the federal farm bill.

They will be ranked and considered for funding in July.

West Virginia State Conservationist Greg Kist says the program funds activities that increase food, shelter and nesting habitats for various species.

Landowners can create habitat by cutting back woodland borders, fencing sensitive areas, restoring streams and planting warm season grasses, among other things.

Species targeted for help include the cottontail rabbit, grouse, mussels, trout and various songbirds, including the Golden Winged Warbler in West Virginia.

Congressman Nick Rahall: Honoring our Nation’s Promises to its Veterans

On Memorial Day, many in the Mountain State and across our Nation spend time in somber poses – remembering those who have given their lives in behalf of our country and in the name of protecting our freedom and democracy.
West Virginians proudly fly their flags and solemnly visit cemeteries, war monuments, and battlefields, laying wreaths in memory of family and friends lost in past and present wars.  We honor their patriotism and final sacrifices by supporting our troops serving around the world, as well as those who have returned home.
In Congress, I have always strived to ensure that our veterans know the heartfelt appreciation we hold for them and their service.  I am therefore very concerned about the backlog of disability claims at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Currently, there is a backlog of almost 850,000 claims, forcing veterans to wait, on average, up to 305 days for their benefits to be processed.  It is outrageous that the men and women who have served and sacrificed in defense of our Nation are threatened by financial ruin and even death while waiting for their claims to be acted on.

I have consistently supported and voted in favor of additional resources for the VA to reduce the backlog.  I am encouraged by the VA’s increased focus and its recent announcement that it would require employees to work overtime as part of a renewed effort to get ahead of the problem.
Still, in part, because the number of new claims continues to increase as our service members return home, and, in part, because claims submitted are more complex than ever before, the backlog continues to be a serious, ongoing problem.
In order to help expedite the filing and adjudication of claims for our veterans, I have advocated increased funding and cosponsored legislation that would enable and require the VA to develop a better system of electronic measurements to track the backlog of claims, expedite disability examinations, and facilitate information sharing.
Most recently, I have urged passage of legislation that would require the VA to provide a course of action for each VA Regional Office with claims pending an average of 200 days or more.  With more funding must come increased accountability.
I also have cosponsored legislation that would require the VA to develop a system of electronic measurements to better track the backlog in order to quickly identify shortfalls and potential solutions.
Also, because lengthy wait times for a medical disability examination at a VA Medical Center is a common hurdle a veteran faces in filing for disability and adjudicating a claim, I have supported legislation that would extend the VA’s authority to contract with private facilities to expedite disability examinations.
I know that our VA employees in West Virginia care deeply about our veterans – especially since many of them are veterans themselves – and that they are on the front lines of confronting this crisis.  I want to ensure that the VA and the Department of Defense provide them with the necessary guidance and support they need to help.  That is why I cosponsored legislation that would require the Department of Defense to provide certified, complete, and electronic service treatment records within 21 days of military discharge or release.
Our wounded warriors deserve to have their claims processed accurately and expediently; not doing so unnecessarily prolongs the physical and mental suffering of those who have already sacrificed so much.  I will ardently continue to seek ways to address the claims backlog.
As a nation, we rightly thank our veterans by helping to ensure access to affordable health care, educational and job opportunities, and other benefits and services which I proudly support. 
On Memorial Day, as we strive to articulate what their service means to our country, let us begin by ensuring that we honor our promises to them, and remembering our world is safer and the ideals of democracy and freedom endure thanks to their service.

Governor Sees WV as Leader in Natural Gas Industry

The 2013 Appalachian Basin NGV Expo and Conference in Charleston has drawn to a close and now it’s time for West Virginia to take the lead in the industry.

“We have all this energy sitting right underneath the ground here and we could really be a leader in saying that the United States can be independent of the foreign imports that we are having to depend on right now,” said Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.

For three days, hundreds of natural gas and automotive industry professionals from across the nation pooled their ideas together in regards to the future of natural gas use in the U.S.

“It brings a lot of good people together to exchange ideas so I think it’s very important for us with a lot of natural gas,” said Tomblin.

The event concluded with the Governor’s Luncheon, which featured a panel discussion with special guests Jim Bruce, vice president of corporate public affairs with UPS, and Donald Itzkoff, executive counsel, government affairs and policy with GE Transportation.

The discussion focused on where the industry sits right now and the obstacles it would need to overcome to continue to grow in the future.

One of those obstacles pertains to the cost associated with converting a vehicle to natural gas, something Tomblin is working to address.

“I along with about twenty other governors around the country have kind of banned together to ask the automobile manufacturers to see how they can, I guess, lower the price and build vehicles with the natural gas motors already in them,” said Tomblin.

Tomblin believes that would cut down the costs considerably.

Not only is cost a big obstacle at this time, but also the lack of stations where someone could fill their natural gas vehicle.

Tomblin hopes to have three natural gas fueling stations built along I-79 in West Virginia by the end of the year which will greatly help the industry in the state.

“That will make the fueling sources more available which also would encourage private businesses to convert their fleet as well as individuals to convert their personal automobiles,” he said.

It is estimated that it would cost someone with a natural gas vehicle 50% less to fill up as it does for someone with a gasoline vehicle.

Tomblin said he wants to see the state in the next four years become a leader in this industry.

~~  Travis Brinks - WVMN ~~

Senator Manchin Staff to Visit Area Counties

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is pleased to announce that his office will launch its fifth “Commonsense Connections” Week beginning Monday, May 20, 2013.

Representatives from Senator Manchin’s office will make more than 95 stops across West Virginia – traveling to all 55 counties – to meet with constituents, hear their commonsense priorities and concerns, and gather their feedback.

“Bringing the government directly to our citizens and knowing their concerns and ideas have always been top priorities for me as a former governor and now as U.S. Senator,” Senator Manchin said. “West Virginians should have access to assistance and that is what ‘Commonsense Connections’ is all about – my staff travels to every corner of the state, to every county, and meets with West Virginians to hear about their personal challenges and suggestions for Washington.”

Senator Manchin launched his first-ever “Commonsense Connections” Week in February 2011, when representatives from his office traveled to all 55 counties in the state. This is the fifth time the staff has crisscrossed the state for “Commonsense Connections.”

A list of stops is included below (Area Counties):

Braxton
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Braxton County Senior Citizens Center, 33 Senior Center Drive, Sutton.

Calhoun
Date:  Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Calhoun County Public Library, 250 Mill Street North, Grantsville.

Clay
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Clay Town Hall, 956 Main Street, Clay.

Doddridge
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Doddridge County Courthouse, 118 East Court Street, West Union.

Doddridge
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Doddridge County Senior Center, 403 West Main Street, West Union.

Gilmer
Date: Monday, May 20, 2013
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location:  Gilmer County Courthouse, 10 Howard Street, Glenville.

Gilmer
Date: Monday, May 20, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location:  Gilmer County Library, 214 Walnut Street, Glenville.

Harrison
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location:  Harrison County Courthouse, 301 West Main Street, Clarksburg.

Harrison
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013

Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Harrison County Library, 404 West Pike Street, Clarksburg.

Jackson
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2013
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Ripley Town Council Chambers, 203 South Church Street, Ripley.

Jackson
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2013
Time:  6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Gino’s, 201 Washington Street, Ravenswood.

Lewis
Date: Monday, May 20, 2013
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location:  Lewis County Commission Office, 18 Garton Plaza, Weston.

Lewis
Date: Monday, May 20, 2013
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location:  Lewis County Senior Center, 171 W 2nd Street, Weston.

Nicholas
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Nicholas County Courthouse, 700 Main Street, Summersville.

Ritchie
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Pennsboro Branch Library, 411 Main Street, Pennsboro.

Ritchie
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Harrisville Town Hall, East Main Street, Harrisville.

Roane
Date:  Thursday, May 23, 2013
Time:  11:00 AM – Noon
Location: Roane County Library, 110 Parking Plaza, Spencer.

Upshur
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2013
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location:  Upshur County Courthouse – Room 302, 38 West Main Street, Buckhannon.

Upshur
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2013
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location:  Upshur County Library, RR 6 Box 480 Tennerton Road, Buckhannon.

Upshur
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: CJ Maggie’s Restaurant, 16 East Main Street, Buckhannon.

Webster
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Webster Springs Town Hall, 146 McGraw Avenue, Webster Springs.

Wetzel
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013
Time: 11:30 AM –1:00 PM
Location: Quinet’s Court Restaurant, 217 Main Street, New Martinsville.

Wetzel
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Paden City Town Hall, 208 West Main Street, Paden City.

Wirt
Date: Friday, May 24, 2013
Time: 11:00 AM – Noon
Location: Wirt County Committee on Aging, Inc., 74 Senior Circle, Elizabeth.

Wood
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Time: 11:00 AM – Noon
Location: Williamstown Town Council Chambers, 100 West Fifth Street, Williamstown.

Wood
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Wood County Commission Room, 1 Court Square, Parkersburg.

Wood
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Vienna Public Library, 2300 River Road, Vienna.

Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 05.20.13

I want to thank the Braxton County High School chapter of the Quill and Scroll Society for inviting me to speak at their annual induction ceremony for new members last week.  Jean and I enjoyed the evening with parents, students, Board of Education officials and school faculty in attendance, including their advisor, Mrs. Brenda Gibson.  It was also my honor to present a legislative citation to Mrs. Gibson in appreciation for her longtime service and the many honors the BCHS Chapter and individual students have received over the years.  This is the 30th Anniversary of the BCHS chapter was a special milestone.

It was great to take time and personally meet these outstanding students in academics and journalism.  I know that whatever field they choose later in life, their writing, interviewing and communication skills will serve them well.

Last week brought the sudden and totally unexpected news that Speaker Rick Thompson was accepting a position with Governor Tomblin’s administration as Cabinet Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  I congratulate Rick on his new position, which will likely become effective sometime in mid-June.  While he still remains Speaker until he resigns to begin his new job, the abrupt announcement has set off a chain of events that may reshape the House.  Within ten days after he officially resigns, the Governor will issue a proclamation for the House to meet for the purpose of selecting a new Speaker.  Meanwhile, at least six members have expressed an interest in the position.  I have also informed members of my intent to pursue the office of House Speaker and have been speaking with colleagues on the subject.

First and foremost, I believe this needs accomplished with little disruption to the current leadership team.  Our state can ill afford a divided House of Delegates at a time when we have consistently had productive sessions, working closely with the Governor and Senate, working in a bipartisan manner as often as possible with our minority House members, and continue to keep the State in a fiscally strong and stable position without any tax increases.  In fact, state taxes have gone down.

In placing my name in consideration for Speaker, there certainly are no guarantees of the end result.  However, my first and foremost responsibly is to our area as an advocate and strong voice for the citizens of Braxton and Gilmer Counties.  Moreover, I believe that I can contribute in a positive manner to the House and our state as Speaker.  That being said, I want to make certain that we move forward with a plan for the greater good; not to benefit any one person’s personal agenda.  I’m proud and honored to represent each of you as delegate, first and foremost.

While all the speculation and rumors continue to run rampant regarding the Speaker’s vacancy, circumstances this week regarding two of our House members remind us all of what is truly important in life.  Delegate Bill Hartman’s wife, Mary, passed away this week.  Also Delegate Charlene Marshall’s daughter is in Ruby Memorial in ICU at this writing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families in this difficult time.  It is a reminder of what is truly important in life: faith and family.

Please send your inquiries to the Capitol Office at:  Building 1, Room 224-M, Charleston, WV 25305.  Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220; Assistant to the Majority Leader, Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942 or fax to 304.340.3213.  If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.  For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is: “Brent.Boggs@WVhouse.gov” .

You may also obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and leave me a message on the Legislature’s web site at www.legis.state.wv.us/.  When leaving a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide. Additional information, including agency links and the state government phone directory, may be found at www.wv.gov. Also, you may follow me on Facebook at “Brent Boggs”, Twitter at “@DelBrentBoggs” , as well as the WV Legislature’s Facebook page at “West Virginia Legislature” or on Twitter at twitter.com/wvlegislature.

Continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Until next week – take care.

Manchin’s Message from the Hill to the Mountains: SALUTING OUR VETERANS AND THE HONOR FLIGHT NETWORK

I am filled with so much pride every time I meet our military veterans.  They remind us just how patriotic West Virginia is.  We are a state of people with courage, nobility and valor.

This week, I met with 31 veterans from West Virginia, representing three generations of warriors, who came to the nation’s capital to see the memorials that commemorate their sacrifice and courage.

I am so deeply grateful to these special Americans who helped keep this nation free and made the world safer for liberty-loving people across our country and beyond our borders.

I also am grateful to the Honor Flight Network, which arranges for World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans from all over America to visit the memorials in Washington – free of any cost to the veterans.

In West Virginia, the driving forces behind the Honor Flight Network are the Denver Foundation and Little Buddy Radio in Princeton.  They have arranged three Honor Flights for West Virginia veterans so far, and I look forward to many more.

The veterans I met this week ranged in age from 63 to 94.  And while their step has slowed, their spirit is keen, their pride is undiminished, and their patriotism is unbridled.

These brave West Virginians served this great country in a wide variety of ways – as a B-24 pilot over Italy in World War II; in a heavy mortar company at “Heartbreak Ridge” in Korea; as a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam.

They stitched up wounds in hospitals; they assembled bombs; they inspected combat aircraft; they operated radios and radars; they cooked; and they built roads through jungles and bridges over rivers.

They won the Bronze Star, the Soldier’s Medal, the Purple Heart and Presidential Citations. Some were lieutenants, some sergeants, some corporals. Some served abroad, some stateside. But every one of them answered this country’s call in its time of need.

These heroic West Virginians came to Washington to tour our beautiful Capitol, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial. But this tour included a special “Flags of Our Heroes” ceremony to honor World War II veterans who passed away before they could visit the memorial commemorating their service. Sadly, we are losing World War II veterans at the rate of approximately 800 per day – members of what we have come to recognize, and rightly so, as the “Greatest Generation.”

This generation of Americans was united by a common purpose and by common values – duty, honor, courage, service, integrity, love of family and country.  And their triumph over tyranny will be remembered forever.

This Memorial Day, when we honor all of America’s fallen warriors, let us offer a special salute to the “Greatest Generation” of warriors who inspire us still with the physical and moral courage that made them heroes.

May it ever be so, and may God always bless the United States of America and all the men and women who keep Her free.

Manchin’s Message from the Hill to the Mountains: CONNECTING WITH WEST VIRGINIANS

I didn’t know it at the time, but at the ripe old age of 10, I started to learn the importance of serving the people of West Virginia.  It all began with me working for my grandfather in our town’s grocery store. I bagged and delivered groceries, priced goods and stocked supplies for Papa Joe.

I did that until I was old enough to start working in Dad’s furniture shop. Those in our family who were muscular enough worked in the warehouse loading trucks and delivering furniture until the age of 16.  At that point, Dad gave us a blazer and made us salesmen.  And he gave us this piece of advice:  “There’s no such thing as shoppers. They’re all buyers, they just don’t know it yet.”

In other words, never underestimate the value of connecting with people, truly understanding their needs and delivering the best services to them.

Dad’s philosophy stuck with me through the years as I worked my way through high school and college, and then when I started my own small businesses.  And when I decided to get into public service, it was just common sense to take what I learned in business and apply it to my role in government.

From my days as a state legislator to my six years as Governor to my current position as your United States Senator, I have been truly committed to this concept of “retail government.” Connecting with West Virginians and providing them the services they need is the only way I know how to serve the public.

West Virginians have always elected me to be their voice, listen to their priorities, respond to their concerns and consider their commonsense ideas.

West Virginians should have direct access to those they elect. However, even though I return home every chance I get, Senate business often times keeps me in Washington. That is why, since I have been in the Senate, I have organized “Commonsense Connections” weeks where representatives from my office travel to every corner of the state, to all 55 counties.

So far, we’ve held five “Commonsense Connections” weeks, and there will be many more ahead.  Although I would prefer to visit every community in person all the time, this outreach initiative is another resource for West Virginians to relay their messages to me.

To stay connected to our younger folks while I am in D.C., I use the videoconferencing tool, Skype, to hold engaging conversations with a different school around West Virginia every week. We discuss everything, from reducing our debt to lowering lower the cost of student loans.

Fortunately, I travel to our beautiful state most weekends and when the Senate does not hold votes. That’s when I get to host town halls, participate in roundtable discussions with business people, bankers or community officials, share a cup of coffee with seniors, personally thank our brave veterans for their sacrifices and listen to our students’ innovative solutions to our national challenges.

During my next trip home, I will visit communities across the state to talk about jobs, jobs and more jobs. It’s my statewide “Working for West Virginians” tour, and I’ll be talking about creating and maintaining jobs, better job training, more opportunities for small businesses and the importance of community banks to local economies.

Whether I am traveling around West Virginia or I am representing you on Capitol Hill, I encourage all West Virginians to reach out to me as often as possible. I truly value your ideas and input.

Although Papa Joe and Dad inspired my “retail government” approach, my grandmother, Mama Kay, moved me to become a public servant. Her unflagging compassion and desire to help those in need — whether it was offering them a meal at the dinner table or a dime for working in the garden — will always drive me to better serve the beautiful people of West Virginia. 

WV Governor: The Appalachian Region - Fueling The Transportation Needs of Tomorrow

It is an exciting time for natural gas development.  I believe now is the time to begin taking advantage of this abundant, clean burning, domestic natural resource.  That is why I joined the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association to host the first-of-its-kind, Appalachian Basin Natural Gas Vehicle Conference and Expo.  It was an opportunity for everyone-members the business community, state government leaders and employees, as well as the public- to learn about the economic, environmental, and safety benefits of natural gas vehicles. During the conference, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel discussion with representatives from two national leaders in transportation, United Parcel Service and GE Transportation, both of whom are leaders of natural gas transportation innovation. We identified the hurdles our country must overcome to fully make use of this abundant, domestic energy source for our transportation needs. We discussed the benefits of shifting to natural gas as a transportation fuel.  Lastly, we laid out the steps that West Virginia and other states can take to advance natural gas deployment for transportation. I’m proud to say, our state has already taken a number of these steps.

Last year, West Virginia, along with 22 other states, demonstrated interest in using natural gas fueled vehicles in its state fleet and encouraged auto manufacturers to increase production of these vehicles to meet the needs of those interested. Together, our goal was to leverage greater purchasing power to pursue the transition of state vehicle fleets to compressed natural gas vehicles. Our automakers responded-and said they are prepared to meet an increasing market demand for compressed natural gas vehicles.

Last year, I also brought together public and private sector transportation, government, and natural gas industry experts, establishing the Governor’s Natural Gas Vehicle Task Force. I charged the Task Force with finding the most sensible and cost-effective approaches to encourage the use of natural gas to fuel our state’s transportation needs.

The Task Force found the primary consideration for natural gas vehicle infrastructure development should be in counties that have the largest vehicle concentration and host interstate traffic. In January, I had the opportunity to join IGS Energy to announce the development of three compressed natural gas stations in West Virginia.  The Task Force also recommended transitioning 25 percent of the state fleet to natural gas vehicles in four years. This means our state government could have nearly 2,000 natural gas vehicles on the road by 2017.

I believe we can make West Virginia a national leader in the utilization of natural gas for government transportation. As we begin to see more natural gas vehicles on our roads, and natural gas fueling stations opening in our communities, I believe consumers will be encouraged to learn more about the benefits of natural gas powered vehicles. Natural gas as a vehicular fuel is currently half the cost of regular gasoline. Transitioning to this fuel source can save us money, create new jobs, and has the potential to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. I believe it will open many doors-for our state and our nation.

Tomblin’s Three-Pronged Approach to Education

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin entered this recent Legislative session aiming to improve the state’s education system and pushed through the Governor’s Education Reform bill, which he signed into law.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin education reform bill has spawned three executive orders addressing the needs of youth from birth to high school graduation.

Last Week, Tomblin announced his third executive order in as many months: the Early Childhood Education Task Force. Hallie Mason, Tomblin’s director of public policy, said it completes the governor’s three-pronged approach to reforming education.

The first executive order created the Governor’s Commission on Middle Grades, and appointments are still being made to that group. They’ll be charged with raising student achievement in grades five through eight.

“This will give a task force the opportunity to review common standards that are necessary for high school readiness, eliminating programs and policies that have failed to improve student achievement,” Mason said.

“We have found that students determine they are going to drop out of high school in middle school.”

The task force also will be charged with finding ways to improve teacher expertise in all subject areas, especially math and science.

The second executive order reinstituted the state Workforce Planning Council, whose goal is to prepare high school students to pick a college degree that can be turned into a job in West Virginia. For those not heading to college, the aim is to move them toward a career or technical program that provides job skills.

Mason said the challenge for the council is to drive partnership between schools and businesses.

“We want to make sure that we’re communicating so that the schools are preparing the workers for businesses in West Virginia,” she said.

This week’s executive order focused on children from birth to pre-K. The task force will prioritize the programs across the state that help parents with early education and identify the costs. The panel is scheduled to meet for the first time this week.

All three groups are charged with reporting to the governor and the lawmakers no later than the end of the year. That gives Tomblin and his administration time to evaluate recommendations and create any legislative action that needs to take place during the 2014 session.

~~  Jennifer Smith ~~

Darrell McGraw and Jorea Marple Honored

The West Virginia Citizen Action Group honored Darrell McGraw and Jorea Marple at its annual banquet Friday night in Charleston for their outstanding community service.

Marple, former state superintendent of schools, was awarded the Don Marsh Public Award, named in honor of the late editor of the Charleston Gazette.

Marple said it was an honor to receive an award named after such a great guy.

“He was an intellectual, fearless warrior for the rights of the people and he understood very clearly the importance of education in terms of how everything turns out,” said Marple.

Marple’s husband, Darrell McGraw, longtime state attorney general and Supreme Court justice, was awarded the Si Galperin, in Defense of Democracy Award, a tribute to former legislator Galperin’s lifelong dedication to election reform and civil rights advocacy.

During the event, time was taken to highlight the accomplishments of both Marple and McGraw over their long careers both in politics and education. Marple said the night was ultimately about the kids.

“I think it’s a time for all of us to recommit to using our voice and our advocacy to put in place what our children need in this state,” said Marple.

Marple added that the event was a pleasant change for the two of them, who have had some obstacles to overcome since November. McGraw lost his bid for a sixth term as attorney general in November and Marple was fired abruptly by the state Board of Education from her state superintendent position in the same month.

Marple has since sued the board over the incident and that case is still pending in federal court.

“It is always a good thing to take the time to be with friends and to celebrate an honor like this,” said Marple.

The West Virginia Citizen Action Group is celebrating its 39th year as the oldest consumer advocacy organization in the state. The group was formed in 1974.

~~  Travis Brinks - WVMN ~~

G-Comm™: Hoppy’s Commentary - Musical Chairs Among House Democrats

Four Democratic members of the West Virginia House of Delegates could be considered front runners to succeed Rick Thompson as Speaker.  Thompson announced Thursday that he’s stepping down next month to take a state job as Secretary of Veterans Assistance.

The four are House Judiciary Committee Chairman Tim Miley from Harrison County, House Finance Committee Chairman Harry Keith White from Mingo County, House Majority Leader Brent Boggs from Braxton County and Delegate Doug Skaff from Kanawha County.

The Thompson announcement took House Democrats somewhat by surprise and the candidates for his replacement have not yet had time to fully flush out the leadership race.  However, Miley, White and Skaff did gather last night in Charleston for a meeting.  It’s notable that Boggs was not invited.

That meeting may produce a decision among the three as to which will be the candidate for Speaker, with Boggs in the race regardless of what Miley, White and Skaff decide.  With that in mind, here are four possible scenarios:

–Miley as the Speaker with Skaff as Majority Leader and White staying at Finance and Boggs as the odd man out.  That also opens up the Judiciary Committee Chairmanship, which could go to Marion County’s Tim Manchin.  It also likely takes Miley out of a 2014 challenge to state Senator Sam Cann.

–Skaff as Speaker with Miley as Majority Leader and White at Finance.  Again, that leaves Boggs out of the top tier, but Skaff would be inclined to find a leadership spot for him, possibly as Judiciary Chairman.

–White as Speaker and Skaff as Majority Leader with Miley staying at Judiciary.  That opens up the Senate Finance Chairmanship.  Under this scenario, Miley would more seriously consider running for the state Senate in 2014.

–Boggs as Speaker with perhaps Randy Swartzmiller from Hancock County as Majority Leader.  Since it appears to be Boggs vs. Miley/Skaff/White, this scenario leaves Boggs in a position to build support by promising the chairmanships of the powerful Finance and Judiciary Committees.

This will play out over the next several weeks.  Thompson will resign June 15th, and the House must be called into session within ten days to choose a new Speaker. No doubt allegiances will shift many times between now and the end of the June.

It’s also possible that if a majority of the four cannot come to some agreement and hard feelings develop that they’ll have to go to another House Democrat as a compromise candidate that everyone can agree upon.

Meanwhile, the Republicans will watch with interest, hoping the selection devolves into a battle that splits the majority party.  That could make it harder for the Democrats to maintain their 54-46 advantage in the 2014 election.

A Republican surge in the next election means all the maneuvering currently underway by Democrats will be moot, since it will be the GOP that will have to make key leadership decisions.

But for now, all the drama is with the House Democrats.

G-Comm™: Hoppy’s Commentary - Tomblin’s Window of Opportunity

A recent survey by Republican pollster Mark Blankenship found that Governor Tomblin is riding a remarkable crest of popularity.

Tomblin’s job approval rating is at 69%, unchanged from March.  That’s higher than Senator Joe Manchin (63%) and Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (54%).

Perhaps more importantly, voters don’t blame Tomblin for the state’s economic problems, and the Governor can thank President Obama for that.  When asked who is most responsible for job losses in West Virginia, nearly half said the President.  Fifteen percent said the West Virginia Legislature, ten percent said Congress and only three percent blamed Tomblin.

That’s amazing, especially since West Virginia has lost jobs over the last year and Republicans criticized Tomblin and the Democratic majorities in both houses for not doing more this past session for job creation.

So, Tomblin has this bank of political capital.  What’s he going to do with it?

One challenge for the Governor is to figure out a way West Virginia can take full advantage of the enormous Marcellus Shale reserves.  The gas boom has cooled a bit because of over-supply and the drop in prices, but West Virginia is going to be pumping gas for years to come.

The key to maximizing the economic benefit to the state is to make sure that industries that use natural gas as a feedstock locate here.  How do we do that?  Tax reform?  Tort reform?  A better infrastructure for natural gas shipping and storage?

The state has made progress on the tax front in recent years with the lowering of the corporate net and the elimination of the business franchise tax, but there is still work to be done.  West Virginia has an onerous personal property tax on the inventory machinery and equipment of a business that could be eliminated (Republicans have been pushing for that).

Tomblin could tackle the state’s crumbling roads and bridges.  The state’s gas tax no longer keeps up with highway construction and repair needs.  Taxes and/or fees would have to be raised.  Tomblin may be reluctant to go there, especially in 2014 since many Democrats, who are most likely to support an increase, will be up for re-election.

The Governor will also face pressure next legislative session to raise teacher salaries.  The teacher unions believe they are due, especially after they compromised on the Governor’s major education reform legislation this year.

The trick will be finding money for a raise, while also paying the rest of the state’s bills, including rising Medicaid costs.  Tomblin has kept in his back pocket a cigarette tax increase.  West Virginia’s per pack tax (55 cents) is among the lowest in the nation, and sin taxes are usually the easiest to raise.

Tomblin had a couple of significant accomplishments in the last session, including education reform and a new law to relieve prison overcrowding.  He has an opportunity to do more, but that window will close quickly.

Next year, politics will play an even bigger role under the capitol dome because it will be an election year and Republicans believe they have a chance to take over the House of Delegates.

And it won’t be long afterward that lawmakers will begin to see Tomblin, who cannot run again in 2016, as a lame duck.

A Minute with Jay: National Police Week

Senator Rockefeller marks National Police Week, a time to honor the men and women who serve our communities as police officers, thank them for their hard work, and remember the families of those who have lost loved ones.

Child Abuse Cases Rising in WV after Brief Decline

West Virginia child-welfare officials say the number of active abuse and neglect cases has been climbing the past two years, but they are handling fewer than they were five years ago.

The Department of Health and Human Resources took action on 1,569 cases in March.

That is down from an average of 2,300 cases per month in 2007.

The decline may be the result of a more comprehensive three-step system the state began using in 2010 to review complaints.

Kathie King of the Bureau for Children and Families says there may be fewer duplicate referrals now.

The state is also investing more in prevention.

And King says some cases that used to be handled in-house are now contracted out if children aren’t in any immediate danger.

WV: Who’s Next as WV Speaker of the House?

There will soon be a new leader of the state House of Delegates. As of now, though, it is not clear who the next Speaker will be.

The early frontrunners for the position appear to be House Majority Leader Brent Boggs, House Finance Committee Chairman Harry Keith White, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Tim Miley and Kanawha County Delegate Doug Skaff.

“Any one of us is more than capable of leading the House and we just need to figure out what’s the best direction for the House of Delegates,” said Miley, a delegate from Harrison County.

Miley admitted he has been considering a run for the state Senate in 2014. Now, he says he has to look at the possibility of being House Speaker. “I can’t say that I don’t have an interest,” he said.

Boggs, after serving in the House for 17 years, said he’s interested in serving as Speaker as well.

“I believe that I’ve certainly acquired the tools to take on the position, but we have a lot of good, qualified people out here,” Boggs said.

Kanawha County Delegate Doug Skaff said he considered running for the U.S. House of Representatives in the Second District next year, but has now abandoned that idea to focus on being a part of the reworked House leadership team.

“It obviously changes my focus completely,” Skaff said. “I think you’ll hear a lot of people talking, over the next few days. I’m honored to be on that list, to have my name mentioned as a possible replacement for Rick Thompson.”

Miley, Boggs and Skaff were guests on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”  Delegate White is scheduled to be a guest on Monday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”

Other Democrats have indicated an interest in being considered for the Speaker’s role as well.

Republican leaders in the House say the name of House Minority Leader Tim Armstead or another Republican should be included on the list of possible Speakers since the 46 Republicans in the House would likely support them.

That’s more votes than the other Democrat Speaker candidates have right now.

House Speaker Rick Thompson will resign from the role he has held for seven years on June 15th to become the state Secretary of Veterans Assistance.

~~  Shauna Johnson ~~