This week legislation went into effect in West Virginia that lifts the ban on SNAP (food stamps) benefits for those convicted of a drug felony. Now only two states have the ban. An estimated 15,000 West Virginians will now be eligible for this federal program giving them access to food and assistance in their recovery. Read more from WV Metro News here and the Huntington Herald-Dispatch here.
It has been over a year since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), and despite efforts from its proponents to massage the data and deceive the public about its effects, it’s clear that TCJA has completely failed to deliver on its promises, and has left the nation worse off.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the TCJA will add $1.9 trillion to the federal deficit in the next decade. With such an increase, it’s clear that the TCJA and its proponents care more about giving massive tax cuts to the wealthy than they do about basic infrastructure, child care, job training, the opioid epidemic and countless other priorities.
Read more in Sean’s op-ed in the Charleston Gazette-Mail mail this week.
A tax cut for working families would generate about $48 million into West Virginia’s local economies and help keep people on the job. Twenty-nine other states already have an Earned Income Tax Credit which augments the federal program giving people working at poverty wages money back to support their families. Learn more about investing in West Virginia families here and in this week’s article in the Beckley Register-Herald.
Our Strength in Stability partners have linked with the Farm Fresh West Virginia market locator tool which helps people find farmers markets in their area. Farmers markets often accept food assistance benefits like SNAP and WIC and serve as a source of healthy, locally grown food for families and children.
Jim Hunt is an author, speaker and consultant focused on sustainable solutions for municipal governments. He served over thirty years in local government as a Mayor, Councilmember and Executive Director of a Community Nonprofit.
In 2006, Mr. Hunt served as President of the National League of Cities, the nation’s largest and oldest organization representing the interests of over 18,000 cities, towns and villages. American City & County magazine named Mr. Hunt as the 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year for his work in creating the Partnership for Building Inclusive Communities.
He recently released his second book, The Amazing City-7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City, and has traveled worldwide speaking to municipal officials and conducting workshops and seminars. Mr. Hunt also serves as an advisor to the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program.
This year’s SPI will be held from July 26-28 at WV State University in Institute, WV and will center around criminal justice reforms. Panelists and speakers will highlight recent criminal justice reform victories as well as innovative policies that would help even more folks across the state avoid the criminal justice system when possible and improve the reentry process for those coming out of the justice system. Interactive sessions, including a re-entry simulation with officials from the U.S Department of Justice, will set the tone for the weekend.
Apply today! Deadline is May 31!
Criminal Justice Reform Leadership Meeting
Tuesday, June 4, 5:30 – 7:00PM, First Baptist Church, 432 Shrewsbury St, Charleston (remote attendance option available). RSVP to Rhonda Marrone.
Open House for Paid Family and Medical Leave
June 9, 3:00-5:30PM, Morgantown
A short screening of Zero Weeks and a discussion about paid family and medical leave. More information here.
Presentation on New Expungement Law
June 12, 10:00 – 11:30 AM, Goodwill Prosperity Center, Charleston.
Legal Aid will present on the new expungement law at the Kanawha Re-Entry Council Meeting. More information here.
Healing Justice Film Screening and Discussion
June 13, 1:00-5:00PM, Raleigh Playhouse in Beckley. RSVP here.
Juneteenth Celebration – Charleston
June 15. The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs is hosting Annual Juneteenth Celebration on the North Side of the WV State Capitol Complex.
Juneteenth Celebration – Fairmont
June 22, 10:00 AM, Windmill Park. More information here.
