WVCBP in the News

October 15, 2023 by Seth DiStefano
‘Big Jim’ and Babydog Go to Washington?

New York Times, Seattle Times - Out of the driver’s seat of the Suburban with the ‘‘Coal 3’’ license plate emerged Gov. Jim Justice, Big Jim as they call him, looming over everyone who had been waiting for the past hour and a half. Read the full article. He had come to a gravel patch…

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October 13, 2023 by Kelly Allen
What’s the Effect of School Voucher Programs on Students with Disabilities?

Center for Public Integrity - Several years ago, West Virginia parent Christy Black searched for an inclusive private school for her daughter Gracie, who has Down syndrome, but to no avail. “There wasn’t any in my area or a few counties over, even, that would accept my daughter,” Black recalled.  Read the full article. So…

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October 2, 2023 by WVCBP
Prisoners Sue Over Food in WV Prisons

WCBC - West Virginia’s contracts with Aramark Correctional Services have come under scrutiny after a lawsuit by prisoners alleges they were regularly served spoiled milk and undercooked or rotten meat. Teri Castle, former Fellow at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, explains Aramark cuts corners, and then makes more money when people buy…

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September 29, 2023 by WVCBP
Shepherd is Latest State University to Address Financial Issues

West Virginia Watch, Huntington News Network, Hampshire Review - Shepherd University, a small, public university in the Eastern Panhandle, is the latest West Virginia higher education institution to announce that it has made staff reductions and program changes in an effort to deal with its debt. Read the full article. The university is trying to…

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September 29, 2023 by WVCBP
WV Prison Food: Rotten or Poor Quality, Lawsuits, Lack of Oversight

Public News Service - West Virginia's contracts with Aramark Correctional Services have come under scrutiny after a lawsuit brought by incarcerated residents, alleging they were regularly served spoiled milk and undercooked or rotten meat. Read the full article. Teri Castle, former criminal legal reform fellow at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, alleged…

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September 27, 2023 by Rhonda Rogombe
Health of Black Mothers and Babies in WV Will Be Focus of Meeting

West Virginia Watch - West Virginia’s poor Black infant and maternal health outcomes will be the focus of a two-day meeting in Charleston next month. Read the full article. The event, Empowering Black Infant and Maternal Health Progress in West Virginia, is scheduled for Oct. 15 and 16 in the  WVSSPA Conference Center, 1610 Washington…

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September 23, 2023 by Sean O'Leary
West Virginia has Highest Rate of Child Poverty in the US

WOWK - West Virginia has the highest rate of child poverty of any state in the nation, and the problem is getting worse before it gets better. Read the full article. In West Virginia, 25% of children live in poverty, this is a 21% jump from 2022. This means that 86,000 children in West Virginia…

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September 22, 2023 by WVCBP
What Led to WVU’s Wide-ranging Academic Cuts? Enrollment Downturn and State Funding Decline Played a Part.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - West Virginia University’s far-reaching plan of academic cuts follows years of challenges at the flagship school. Read the full article. On Friday, the university’s board of governors axed 28 majors and 143 faculty positions as officials attempt to mitigate a $45 million deficit that could swell to $75 million by 2028.  Upon the cuts, WVU…

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