Economic Security

October 21, 2025 by WVCBP
West Virginians Warned About Pause and Funding Issues With SNAP Program

Parkersburg News and Sentinel - With the federal government shutdown showing no signs of ending in the short-term, the effects are now being felt by West Virginia’s most vulnerable populations. Read the full article. In a Facebook post Saturday, the West Virginia Department of Human Services said the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits set…

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October 21, 2025 by Kelly Allen
Ongoing Shutdown Casts Doubt on Federal Food Assistance Program

West Virginia MetroNews - As funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dry up under the ongoing federal shutdown, West Virginia’s largest food bank is bracing for a big challenge. Read the full article. Getting through the situation will require help, said Caitlin Cook, director of advocacy and public policy for Mountaineer Food Bank. “While…

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October 21, 2025 by Kelly Allen
Federal Program Won’t Make Up for Medicaid Funding Loss to WV Hospitals

West Virginia Watch - West Virginia may receive at least $100 million a year from a five-year federal program aimed at “transforming the health care delivery ecosystem,” but that money won’t make up for the Medicaid funding state hospitals stand to lose when the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is fully implemented. Read the full…

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October 16, 2025 by Kelly Allen
West Virginia’s New Data Center Law Takes Money and Power From Our Communities

READ THE FULL FACT SHEET. Summary The law (HB 2014) prohibits nearly all authority of counties and municipalities to oversee development of data centers and microgrids. The state will now seize most property tax revenue from data center investments. Data center tax revenue could boost schools and local public services if it stayed in our…

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October 15, 2025 by Rhonda Rogombe, Seth DiStefano
Medicaid Policy Changes Could Limit Healthcare Coverage Access

WVNS, Yahoo News - Changes to Medicaid policy could affect eligibility for patients in West Virginia, and across the country. Read the full article. New work reporting requirements and increased eligibility checks were just some of the measures set forth by President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ act. Policy experts said the more stringent guidelines…

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October 15, 2025 by WVCBP
Ranking: How Much is West Virginia Impacted by the Government Shutdown?

WBOY, Yahoo News - How much is the government shutdown affecting West Virginia compared to other states? A new ranking says more than most. Read the full article. A WalletHub study released on Wednesday said that West Virginia is the 7th most impacted state, especially when it comes to federal jobs. Only five states have a higher…

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October 15, 2025 by WVCBP
New Report Details Consequences of High Health Care Prices in West Virginia and Policy Recommendations

For Immediate Release: October 15, 2025 Contact: Renee Alves, (559)-916-5939 Charleston, WV— Commercial and private health care costs in the United States and West Virginia are rising at a concerning rate. West Virginia outpaces the nation with the highest health care spending of any state, comprising more than one-fourth of the state’s gross domestic product. A groundbreaking RAND…

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October 15, 2025 by Rhonda Rogombe
Mergers in the Mountain State: How Hospital Consolidation Impacts Health Care Prices for West Virginians

Introduction Commercial and private health care costs in the United States and West Virginia are rising at a concerning rate. West Virginia outpaces the nation with the highest health care spending of any state, comprising more than one-fourth of the state’s gross domestic product. A groundbreaking RAND Corporation study found that West Virginia residents bear…

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October 14, 2025 by Seth DiStefano
Changes in SNAP Requirements Could Limit Accessibility

WVNS - Changes to program requirements could impact access to resources for SNAP recipients. Read the full article. The passage of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill act set the stage for greater obstacles to SNAP access. New guidelines will reportedly require those receiving assistance to provide extensive documentation of their efforts to find employment.…

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October 14, 2025 by WVCBP
West Virginia’s Bridge Day Will Take Place Despite Shutdown, Governor Says

Mountain State Spotlight, Post Industrial - Bridge Day, West Virginia’s largest one-day festival, will go on Saturday, even if the federal government is still shut down, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Tuesday. Read the full article. The state is paying nearly $100,000 to keep its national parks — New River Gorge and Harpers Ferry — open despite the…

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