This week, Inside Appalachia,, a hospital in Western North Carolina was bought out. Residents say the quality of care has gone down. Also, an immersion school in North Carolina is trying to revitalize the Cherokee language with the help of a printmaking class. And, a pair of artists follow cicada hatchings to make art from their shells.
How Surplus Dollars Could Spur Economic Development, Fight Poverty
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On this episode of The Legislature Today, there’s a House bill pending that would divert the lion’s share of $500 million federal COVID-19 relief dollars from general economic development to specific and local poverty fighting projects. Government Reporter Randy Yohe has the story.
Large budget surpluses, in recent years, have encouraged what to do with that money. One thought is to use a large portion of it for economic development projects — enticing companies to set up shop in West Virginia. Another school of thought is to invest that money in poverty programs and to bring the poorest West Virginians up.
Reporter Chris Schulz spoke with Mitch Carmichael, the Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, and Rev. Matthew Watts from the Tuesday Morning Group, about possibilities.
Also, the Senate passed several bills Wednesday morning to address issues surrounding child protective and social services in the state. Chris Schulz has more.
The first of two bills aimed at restructuring the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources completed legislative activity.
Finally, thoughts that Senate, House and executive branch leadership were working toward a tax reform compromise got a shake up on the House floor.
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The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, we have the latest on devastating floods to hit two counties in the northern part of the state. We’ll also talk about West Virginians' efforts to halt Medicaid cuts. And, we learn about reviving black coal camps in McDowell County — through farming.
This week, Inside Appalachia,, a hospital in Western North Carolina was bought out. Residents say the quality of care has gone down. Also, an immersion school in North Carolina is trying to revitalize the Cherokee language with the help of a printmaking class. And, a pair of artists follow cicada hatchings to make art from their shells.
On this West Virginia Morning, we look at efforts to revitalize a former Black coal camp, plus hear from award-winning singer and songwriter Carrie Newcomer for our Song of the Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, we learn about a group of bicyclists from the Cherokee Nation that embarks on an annual bike ride tracing the path of the Trail of Tears. Plus, we get some tips for summertime stargazing.