This week, some of the stories on our show inspired college student art — including a vivid image of a bear smashing a clarinet. Also, a Hare Krishna community in West Virginia serves vegetarian food made in three sacred kitchens. And, COVID-19 exposed the contempt society has for marginalized people. One author says, these folks are anything but passive.
Senators Discuss Opioid Treatment Program Legislation
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On this episode of The Legislature Today, legislation to outlaw opioid treatment programs that distribute methadone without offering integrated care in West Virginia, Senate Bill 204, is making its way through the West Virginia Legislature. Emily Rice brings us this story. Also, Assistant News Director Maria Young talks with Sens. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, and Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, about the bill.
In the Senate, the Government Organization Committee debated Senate Bill 20, which would require funding for increased costs to volunteer fire departments and EMS units.
On the floor of the House of Delegates, lawmakers voted to pass a spate of bills. Among them was House Bill 2117, which would require mail-in ballots to be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
And compared to previous years, this year’s legislative session is off to a relatively slow start. However, bills relating to LGBTQ rights and issues have been an exception. Chris Schulz has more on the latest bills to move in both chambers.
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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.
Financial leaders in the House of Delegates discuss the difference between the governor’s budget numbers and the budget state lawmakers are crafting at the Capitol now. Also, we hear the latest from our occasional series on the cosmos above West Virginia, "Almost Heavens."
On this West Virginia Week, ICE arrests in West Virginia include 650 people, some lawmakers consider changing how residents vote, and rock climbers embrace the cold to scale a frozen waterfall.
On The Legislature This Week, House Finance leaders provide us with some insight into the state budget process. We also hear about lawmakers’ ideas to change local elections, as well as a bill restricting abortion medication in the Senate.
While the West Virginia Legislature may consider hundreds of bills during the 60-day session, there is only one thing they are required by the state constitution to do and that is to pass a balanced budget. The state is not allowed to operate in a deficit. News Director Eric Douglas spoke with House Finance Committee Chair Vernon Criss, R-Wood, and Minority Chair of House Finance Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, to discuss the process for creating the state budget.