Budget Talks & Opioid Epidemic's Impact on Foster Care Explored

On The Legislature Today, host Andrea Lannom talks with House Finance Committee Chairman Delegate Eric Nelson and Senate Majority Leader Ryan Ferns on the current budget situation in West Virginia – where we are now and where we’re headed.

Both the House and Senate Finance Committees have begun weeks of hearings where state agencies present their current budgets to lawmakers. Almost every issue under the dome has a fiscal implication.

Also in this episode, we take a closer look at just one group profoundly impacted by the opioid crisis. Throughout West Virginia, thousands of children are in foster care — and opioid abuse is sending thousands more to join them.

In his State of the State Address, Governor Jim Justice called for additional funding to help the foster care system deal with the explosion of numbers. Reporter Liz McCormick brings us the story of a family in the Eastern Panhandle.

Tune in again Wednesday, January 17 when we take an in-depth look at the opioid epidemic in West Virginia. Reporter Jessica Lilly travels to Mingo County to talk to residents about the drug abuse impact on the town of Kermit.

We’ll also be joined by two lawmakers, both doctors and both working on legislation to address the opioid crisis.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s source for daily legislative news and information.  The only live television program covering the West Virginia Legislature, the broadcast features reports from the Senate, House and committee meetings with in-depth interviews and analysis of the legislative process in West Virginia.

The Legislature Today can be seen weeknights on:

• 6 and 11 p.m. – WVPB (main channel)
• 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. – The West Virginia Channel

The Legislature Today can also be heard at 6 p.m. weeknights on WVPB’s statewide radio network.
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