Lawmakers Discuss Legislation Aimed At Helping West Virginians Stay Sober

On this episode of The Legislature Today, substance use disorder, sober living homes, homelessness, mental health treatment – the challenges facing West Virginia to help people regain sobriety continue to mount.

Government Reporter Randy Yohe speaks with two delegates, Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, and Del. Scot Heckert, R-Wood, to discuss what’s working and what needs changed.

Also, Wednesday was Black Policy Day at the West Virginia Legislature. As Chris Schulz reports, it was an opportunity for advocates to highlight the issues facing Black West Virginians to legislators.

About 40,000 West Virginians live with some degree of Alzheimer’s dementia, according to the West Virginia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Some say recent legislation focused on law enforcement and those suffering with Alzheimer’s in the community did not go far enough. Randy Yohe reports on new bills meant to increase awareness.

Finally, concerns over Hope Scholarship students being allowed to play local public school sports sparked debate in the House of Delegates Thursday. Randy Yohe also has this report.

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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.