WVCBP in the News

March 1, 2024 by Kelly Allen
West Virginia Senate Advances Work Requirements Expansion for SNAP Benefits

Ballotpedia News - The West Virginia Senate on February 23, 2024, passed Senate Bill 562, which aims to raise the age of able-bodied adults without dependents who must meet work requirements to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the state. Read the full article. Current federal requirements mandate that able-bodied adults without dependents…

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February 28, 2024 by WVCBP
Senate Changes, Passes Bill To Reduce Unemployment Benefits

West Virginia Public Broadcasting - The Senate passed a bill that would reduce overall unemployment benefits but increase initial benefits.  Read the full article. Senate Bills 840 and 841 would have steeply cut unemployment benefits. Those bills were combined and amended to substantially reduce the change to the state’s unemployment benefits.  The engrossed bill that passed the Senate shaves two weeks…

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February 28, 2024 by Kelly Allen
Once a Priority, Efforts to Address State’s Child Care Desert Stalled in Statehouse

West Virginia Watch, News from the States - Legislation that would help West Virginians access and afford child care has slowed to a halt in the Legislature, despite early signals that it would be a priority this session. Read the full article. “I’m feeling very discouraged,” said West Virginia Association for Young Children Executive Director Kristy Ritz.…

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February 26, 2024 by Kelly Allen
Bill That Greatly Reduces Unemployment Benefits Advances

West Virginia Public Broadcasting - The Senate advanced two bills Monday that would lower unemployment benefits for out of work West Virginians.  Read the full article. Currently people can receive 26 weeks of benefits, and a maximum weekly benefit of $624 if they lose their job through no fault of their own; meaning they were…

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February 26, 2024 by WVCBP
As West Virginia Workers Reel from Looming Layoffs, Lawmakers Move to Cut Unemployment Benefits

Mountain State Spotlight, Fayette Tribune - As senators began to consider a pair of bills that would cut West Virginia’s unemployment insurance benefits on Monday, Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, rose to voice his concerns.  Read the full article. Within the past two weeks, two large manufacturers — Allegheny Wood Products and Cleveland-Cliffs — had announced plans to lay off hundreds of…

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February 23, 2024 by Kelly Allen
Senate Passes Bill Expanding Work Requirements for Nutrition Benefits Up to Age 59

West Virginia MetroNews - Senators passed a bill that would expand requirements for work or employment training for able-bodied adults without dependents for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Read the full article. The bill passed on a 32-2 vote and now goes to the House of Delegates.  SB 562 also extends the age range for people…

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February 23, 2024 by Kelly Allen
Social Security Plan To Phase Out Taxes

Newsweek - Lawmakers in West Virginia have approved a bill that will see state income tax on Social Security benefits be gradually phased out. Read the full article. Republican Governor Jim Justice announced in January during his annual budget proposal that he wished to see all state-levied taxes on Social Security axed. The plan has taken a step…

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