Clarksburg Exponent Telegram - Over the last few months, I’ve been all over the state talking to parents, teachers, firefighters, local elected officials from both parties, and small business owners about the harm that would be done to our state if two constitutional amendments on the Nov. 8 ballot are approved. Read the full op-ed.…
OpEds
Charleston Gazette-Mail - We observe Labor Day to celebrate the economic and societal achievements of American workers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known, and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - The West Virginia Legislature’s special session (temporarily) ended last month after the two chambers and the governor failed to agree on which tax cut was the best to prioritize with the state’s historic — and notably fleeting — surplus money. Read the full op-ed. While there was much debate during the session,…
Beckley Register-Herald - With Roe v. Wade overturned, abortion is likely to become even more restricted or altogether banned in West Virginia. Indeed, the fall of Roe will create a stark patchwork of abortion legality and access in states across the country. This will exacerbate scenarios wherein people with means will continue to have access…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Right now, Congress has before it two major tax policy changes: One would give a tax break to wealthy tech and other corporations, while the other would help hundreds of thousands of West Virginia families and parents of kids across the country make ends meet during a time of rising prices. Read…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s a good time to take stock of what we’ve learned. Read the full op-ed. A big takeaway from the past two years is that government response matters. From the Paycheck Protection Program to the rollout of lifesaving vaccines, federal investments helped keep families and businesses…
This coming Monday, West Virginia lawmakers will hold a special session to authorize a $600 million “revolving door” loan fund touted as a way to bring private investment and jobs to the state. Read the full op-ed. While Gov. Jim Justice celebrates it as a “self-sustaining” project, it requires a $600 million up-front commitment from…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Entitlement. When did it become a dirty word? Read the full op-ed. In government services, it refers to a program that is available to all who are eligible, like Medicare or Social Security. If you meet the qualifications, you can get the benefits. And it’s no coincidence that these programs for older…
Beckley Register-Herald - The West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy strongly urges Senator Manchin to recognize the urgency of our state’s needs and move quickly to support workers and families in West Virginia. Read the full article. In a statement released earlier this week, Senator Manchin suggested that the need is neither urgent nor…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Right now, Congress is considering a budget package that serves as an important companion to the negotiated bipartisan infrastructure package. Read the full op-ed. Alongside much-needed investments in roads and bridges, it would address longstanding needs of workers and families in our state and around the country — things like paid family…