At the WVCBP, we are tracking policy changes and flexibilities that impact the ability of West Virginians to utilize the safety net during the COVID-19 crisis. This post highlights changes to Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps) and TANF, as well as additional flexibilities in state and federal law that West Virginia should utilize to improve access…
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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law last week, included many important provisions to help mitigate the sharp economic decline that millions are struggling with. But while the bill expanded unemployment insurance and provided financial assistance to families, individuals, state and local governments, and businesses, there is more that will…
According to reports, the Senate agreed to a compromise coronavirus relief bill last night that improves on flaws in its initial bill, which would have left out thousands of low-income West Virginians. The compromise bill provides up to $1,200 in payments or rebates for individuals with income up to $75,000 a year and $500 per…
Crises like the coronavirus outbreak create a double challenge for state governments. Demand for vital public services escalate just as the revenues to support those services take a major downturn. West Virginia is already in a tight budget situation, with resources stretched thin. Before the effects of the crisis were really felt, the state revenues…
The daily lives of West Virginians have already been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, with schools closing this week and the announcement this week from the governor that bars, restaurants, and casinos will also be closed. The federal government is recommending to avoid groups of more than 10 people, and to practice "social distancing." All…
West Virginia faces unique challenges in the face of the COVID 19 crisis, namely an at-risk population for serious illness and complications. This is due to the state’s aging population and large percentage of residents with chronic health conditions. A Kaiser Family Foundation analysis put West Virginia at the highest percentage in the nation of…
Governor Justice signed the FY 2021 budget last week, after the budget was completed before the end of the session. While there was some back and forth between the House and Senate versions of the budget, the final budget saw only small changes from the Governor's proposal. As noted before, several tax bills passed the legislature…
While the tax bills passed during the 2020 Legislative Session are awaiting the governor's approval, most of the largest tax cut proposals failed to make it across the finish line but will likely return next year. Specifically, the legislature failed to place on the November 2020 ballot a constitutional amendment to repeal part or all…
Editor's Note: This blog post was guest authored by Lida Shepherd, program director for the American Friends Service Committee and all-around wonder woman. With jails and prisons twenty-five percent over capacity and county and state budgets stretched thin, the West Virginia legislature made significant strides this session to reduce the impact the criminal justice system…
The 2020 Legislative Session saw several positive health bills passed with solid bipartisan support. Bad health policy proposals were largely stopped or not considered. The WVCBP thanks partners West Virginians for Affordable Health Care and West Virginia Citizen Action Group. Our three organizations, along with several other individuals and partner groups, advocated for a Health…