All Eyes On The Budget As 2024 Session Enters Final Week

On this episode of The Legislature Today, we’ve begun the final week of the 60-day West Virginia Legislative session, and everything wraps up Saturday at midnight. Randy Yohe talks with Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, to see how his caucus feels about the session and whether they met their priorities for this year. WVPB invited House Majority Whip Del. Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer, to join the conversation, but he was unable to participate.

In the House Monday, bills that were delayed, tabled or banished stood out more than what the chamber passed. The underlying concern was passing a budget with a possible $465 million deficit looking over the legislature’s shoulder. Randy Yohe reports. 

House Democrats held a press conference before the floor session Monday. Their single topic was the budget, now under debate.

In the Senate, the chamber approved several House bills. Some head to the governor’s for a signature. Others head back to the House for consideration of any Senate changes. Briana Heaney has more.

Also, advocates gathered under the Capitol dome Monday to educate lawmakers about the prevention of addictions and mental health struggles. Emily Rice has this story.

Finally, euthanasia, or medically assisted suicide, is already illegal in the state. Now, a legislative resolution aims to reaffirm that stance. Jack Walker reports on what lawmakers think about the policy from both sides of the aisle.

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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.