In West Virginia, one in six residents (277,400 people) rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help put food on the table. SNAP is the nation’s most important and effective anti-hunger program, playing a key role in reducing poverty and improving health and economic outcomes for households with children, adults with disabilities, seniors,…
Economic Security
WOWK - On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss the Myrtle Beach wildfires, budget cuts, a pitch competition and bills. Read the full article. In Segment One, we talk to Meteorologist Scotty Powell about the wildfires in the Carolinas. In Segment Two, we talk to Kelly Allen of the WV Center…
West Virginia Watch, Beckley Register-Herald , Ohio Capital Journal- Two hundred workers were laid off from the Bureau of Fiscal Service in Parkersburg. Thousands from the Department of Veterans Affairs (including at least 10 in West Virginia). And hundreds each from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Caring for our veterans,…
West Virginia MetroNews, Beckley Register-Herald - West Virginia officials are watching what could happen if a financial framework for the federal government makes major changes to Medicaid. Read the full article. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget resolution this past week that could open the door to $880 billion in cuts to spending with…
Earlier this month, Governor Morrisey unveiled his proposed FY 2026 budget, which is now in the hands of the legislature to review, amend, and pass. Previously enacted tax cuts and the growing cost of the Hope Scholarship continue to crowd out much needed investments in the state's public services and institutions. Like previous budgets, Governor…
West Virginia Watch - More than 25,000 children in West Virginia don’t have access to child care, and last year, budget concerns stalled bills meant to tackle the issue. This year, a new wave of budget questions could put the problem on the back burner. Read the full article. Addressing a web of child care issues was a…
West Virginia Watch, Times West Virginian - A West Virginia House of Delegates committee is considering legislation that would prohibit recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, from using their benefits to purchase soft drinks and candy. Read the full article. House Bill 2350, and similar legislation around the country,…
Mountain State Spotlight, Times West Virginian , Charleston Gazette-Mail- For people across the state who said they need help with water, food, drug addiction and more, Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s proposed budget won’t bring any new money to the table to fix those issues. Read the full article. During budget hearings last week, Mike McKown, the…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Having now covered State of the State addresses by seven governors, it’s fascinating how the substance, tone and delivery of something so conventional can vary so greatly. Read the full article. For instance, Cecil Underwood, Earl Ray Tomblin, and especially, Gaston Caperton, were not particularly gifted public speakers, while Bob Wise and…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - A state budget forecast released by West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s administration projects a long-term revenue decline amid a tightening budget squeeze. Read the full article. The six-year financial plan as of Wednesday released by Morrisey’s administration to coincide with the start of the 2025 regular legislative session projects estimated general revenue…