State Journal - The 2025 Kids Count Data Book was recently published, showcasing where each state ranks in several areas like education, health and economic well-being for children. Read the full article. West Virginia ranked 41st in overall well-being, an improvement from the last data book, where the state was 44th. Sean O’Leary, Kids Count…
Health
WTAP - The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is making headlines across the nation. Read the full article. The proposed legislation seeks to make sweeping changes to federal spending and extend tax cuts passed in 2017. But what could it mean for the Mountain State? Stakeholders in West Virginia are divided on the One Big…
WCHS - People came together on Wednesday outside of a private event West Virginia representative Carol Miller was attending in hopes of catching her attention about their concerns when voting on the House of Representatives budget. Read the full article. This is part of a series of similar demonstrations that several coalitions in the state…
WTAP - New data show that West Virginia has seen some modest improvements in child well-being, but the state continues to lag behind its neighbors in several key ways. Read the full article. The Kids Count Data Book, released annually by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, tracks children’s health, education, economic security and family stability…
Charleston Gazette-Mail, Coal Valley News, Huntington Herald-Dispatch - Kimberly Barker says Medicaid is a lifeline for the Mountain State, and it's also vital coverage that has kept her healthy. Read the full article. In July 2009, Barker left an abusive relationship. "I was attacked and strangled by a boyfriend," she recalled. "I don’t think I…
West Virginia Watch, Yahoo News - West Virginia’s ranking for child well-being has made slight improvements, but the state is still struggling with students meeting basic academic benchmarks. Read the full article. The new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation said that in 2024, 75% of West Virginia’s fourth graders were not proficient…
For Immediate Release: June 12, 2025 Contact: Alex Gallo, (610)-283-4844 CHARLESTON, WV — Local and state health care providers, food banks, and advocacy organizations are calling on Senators Capito and Justice to protect vital care and services for Mountaineers ahead of a pending budget vote in the Senate. The House of Representatives advanced its budget bill last month,…
West Virginia Watch, Times West Virginian - As legislation cutting a food assistance program that helps feed thousands of state residents makes its way through Congress, several advocacy groups, businesses and organizations are calling on West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice to speak against the plan. Read the full article. “Given that SNAP is the most…
While West Virginia's overall employment growth has been stagnant over the past year, one area of the economy that has seen continued growth is the health care sector. In fact, while total nonfarm employment in the state has fallen by 6,000 jobs over the past decade, employment in the health care and social assistance sector…
Public News Service, Clay County Free Press - A new report shows West Virginia has improved the well-being of its children but the Mountain State still ranks the in the bottom tier of states for measures such as child poverty, education and health. Read the full article. The findings come from the 2025 Kids Count Data…