Blog Posts > Budget Beat – November 14, 2014
November 14, 2014

Budget Beat – November 14, 2014

Change in Leadership Likely to Bring New Policy Priorities

West Virginia’s historic election last week will mean a change in leadership in both the Senate and House, and likely new policy priorities for both. GOP control will mean new perspectives on state tax and budget issues. With more on what we might expect during the 2015 Legislative Session and beyond, here is Ted’s recap of new potential legislative priorities we’ll be watching for.

capitol dome

Marcellus Boom Has Provided Budget Boost

Business tax cuts have reduced the amount of revenue coming into the state budget, forcing decreased funding to higher education and other important programs. The natural gas boom and the increase in severance taxes it created, however, are filling some of the budget gap caused by these cuts. Sean’s blog post explains how this new-found revenue only masks the impact of tax cuts and whether or not they are really keeping their promise to increase economic development.

Ending Poverty

Want to end poverty? Give low-income people money. This might sound like a simple, perhaps crazy, idea, but it nearly became law in the 1970’s. Here’s how it would work.

Displaying

Summit on Race Matters in Appalachia

Over 200 people attended this week’s Summit on Race Matters in Appalachia, a two-day event taking place in Charleston. Here’s a recap in the Charleston Gazette and an op-ed from Reverend Ron English who was a leader in making the event a reality.

 

Dr. Gail Christopher with the Kellogg Foundation, keynote speaker at the Summit on Race Matters in Appalachia, 11/11/14. Photo by Beth Spence.

If you were unable to attend but want to be involved in future events, please email Linda to be added to our list.

You can also catch much of the event, filmed by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Here are clips:

Day one reception

Day two keynote: Dr. Gail Christopher

Day two keynote: Michael Wenger

Day two keynote: Dustin Washington

Thank you to all who attended and made the event a success!


Can West Virginia Reduce CO2 Emissions?

This week saw international momentum in the push to reduce global CO2 emissions. Is it possible for West Virginia to jump on the band wagon? Improving energy efficiency and expanding use of renewable energy sources are two options the state has available, if the political will to enact them is there. For a full analysis, here is more from West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Donate Today!
Icon with two hands to donate today.
Donate

Help Us Make West Virginia a Better Place to Live

Subscribe Today!
Icon to subscribe.
Subscribe

Follow Our Newsletter to Stay Up to Date on Our Progress