House Democrats To Launch ‘Kitchen Table Tour’ Across W.Va.

The nine Democrats in the West Virginia House of Delegates plan to cross the state, visiting at least eight communities for a Kitchen Table Tour that will start in September.

They say they hope it will allow them to hear collectively about the issues that concern West Virginians right now. 

Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, said the Republicans, who have a super majority, have spent a lot of time on issues – like Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs – that don’t affect everyday people.

“Most people in our state, unless you’re just wealthy or rich, they’re worried about their electricity rates continuously going up,” Hornbuckle said. “We need to take care of the business first and make sure people have jobs, clean drinking water, making sure that folks can afford and have access to health care.” 

In a statement announcing the tour, organizers said that after 11 years of Republican control of the legislature, West Virginia’s population and jobs continue to decline. 

“For far too long, the legislature has prioritized politicians over the people,” House Minority Whip Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, said.

“West Virginia families have watched year after year as nonsensical political theater disguised as policy comes out of their legislature. We want to discuss and tackle real issues that impact real people,” Fluharty said.

The  dates for the tour are: 

• Huntington on Sept. 11
• Martinsburg on Sept. 15
• Morgantown on Sept. 30
• Charleston on Oct. 7
• Fairmont on Oct. 14
• Wheeling on Oct. 16
• Lewisburg on Oct. 23 
• Beckley on Nov. 3 

Stops in the southern coalfields and in central West Virginia are expected to be added soon.

Details and time for each stop will be announced separately. For more information, visit the House Democrats website or visit West Virginia House Democrats on social media platforms.