Entrepreneurship and Small Business Critical in Diversifying W.Va.’s Economy

John Deskins, Director of the West Virginia University Bureau of Business and Economic Research, joins host Suzanne Higgins for a discussion on the state’s economy, areas of growth, labor force participation, and the employment growth forecast in West Virginia. We also have stories from reporters Randy Yohe and Danite Belay.

Hundreds of students rallied at the Capitol Thursday to kick-off a statewide campaign to stop drug abuse in adolescents before it starts. As Randy Yohe reports, some of the experiences that were shared are disturbing.

Requests for surplus money are mounting — on the Senate floor, several passionate pleas for desperately needed funding to update antiquated waters systems throughout southern West Virginia. Sen. Greg Boso, R-Nicholas, explained a bill he’s introducing next week.

The Department of Environmental Protection held a public hearing Thursday afternoon on the state’s water pollution standards. West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Energy and Environment Reporter Brittany Patterson was there, and she joins us on set to discuss the latest.

The new director of the West Virginia Development Office gave a presentation to lawmakers Thursday. Among Director Michael Graney’s requests is a Capital Fund for entrepreneurial projects. Danite Belay spoke with entrepreneurs who are reaching out to lawmakers this session.

On Friday, our colleagues from WV MetroNews and the Charleston Gazette-Mail will join us on set for updates and explanation on multiple bills we’re following.