Legislative Update…By Lori Dittman WV House of Delegates 63rd District

With the school being on spring break, I had the opportunity to tour the Central Regional Jail and spoke with Superintendent Harvey Hawkins, Maggie Ramsey, and other CRJ staff about their concerns and issues they are facing. During the Legislative Interim Meeting, scheduled for next week, I hope we will be able to search for solutions to the correctional crisis. In the meantime, the CRJ staff and the Army National Guard have my thanks for working long hours to maintain security at the jail.
The Region VII Planning and Development Council has scheduled listening sessions throughout the region. I attended Region VII’s Broadband Listening Session for Gilmer and Braxton counties. The listening sessions will provide feedback for future broadband installations throughout the state. There will be a second meeting on April 26th at the Gilmer County Senior Center. Watch your local papers and social media for more information.
The FCC launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which provides a $30.00 discount for some internet service. Please visit https:/internetforallwv.wv.gov for more information and eligibility requirements.
This past week, I attended the Hunt Institute Legislator Retreat at Shepherd University. Sessions were informative and included topics such as early brain development, West Virginia early childhood landscape, childcare and workforce, school leadership, ensuring college and career success, and achieving West Virginia’s post-secondary attainment goal. Resource experts led discussions. The information shared will help inform policy and create strategies for greater educational outcomes.
Next Saturday, on April 15th, the Gassaway Area Improvement Council is holding a town clean-up activity from 8:45am – noon. If you’re interested in helping out, the group will meet in front of the Gassaway Community Building. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. I will be there and hope some of you will join us.
As always, I look forward to hearing from the citizens in the 63rd District. I may be contacted at [email protected] and 304-701-8600. On school days, it is easiest to reach me after school hours.
“Leave nothing but footprints. Litter nothing but time.” (Unknown)