Democratic members of the West Virginia House of Delegates gathered at the State Capitol Monday afternoon to discuss this year’s legislative session so far, and their priorities for the weeks ahead.
Beside them, the delegates placed a sign displaying two lists: one that read “WV GOP Waste,” and the other labeled “For The People.”
The first list identified areas of focus for some Republican lawmakers, which House Minority Whip Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, said prioritize flashy social issues over creating substantive change for everyday residents.
Among them, House Democrats listed things like “broken budget,” “corporal punishment” and “Trump Mountain” — in reference to a House bill that would rename Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state, “Trump Mountain.”
“After a super majority for a decade, [Republicans] control everything. Every single seat,” he said. “They could pass whatever they wanted. And what do we have to show for it?”
The second list juxtaposed these items with Democrats’ own legislative priorities. Specifically, that included economic growth, flood resiliency, child care accessibility, health care affordability and lower utility costs.
Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, said things like tax cuts supported by Republican lawmakers fail to address those areas of need. He said cuts to spending on the federal and state levels only make them worse.
“Go to Texas Roadhouse. Send your family there,” Williams said. “While you’re there, say hi to the waitress. She used to be your son’s math teacher, but she had to quit because her benefits stink so bad now.”
Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, told West Virginia Public Broadcasting that Democratic delegates have put forth several bills they think could address widespread issues.
“I have a number of bills addressing things like clean drinking water, which is a crisis in America’s southern coalfields [and] elsewhere across the state; and bills that will lower our electric rates. It would include a temporary freeze on electric rates,” he said.
Fluharty said the Democrats would be open to speaking to Republican House leadership about solutions to some of the concerns they highlighted.
Republican lawmakers in this year’s legislature outnumber Democrats 91 to 9 in the House, and 32 to 2 in the West Virginia Senate.