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

Governor Justice shared some good news this week by announcing revenue collections for fiscal year was $1.8 billion over budget. He stated that he is…”going to work with the Legislature to take what’s left unappropriated and continue to make wise investments in what we know will bring us more goodness, like infrastructure, federal matches, and tourism, because the more we tell the world about West Virginia, the more people will want to live, work, and raise their families here.” I look forward to working together to make the best decisions for our state and district.
Thank you to the organizers and volunteers of the Burnsville Freedom Festival. I enjoyed seeing former students, friends, family, the live music and talking with the vendors. The spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well. Next up is the Braxton County Fair, August 1-5. On any given weekend you can find festivals and events all around the state. Please check out wvtourism.com.
We celebrated Hannah’s graduation with extended family and friends. What a blessing it was to have so many people who have poured into her life in one way or another. Once again, I find my heart running over with gratitude for this community of people.
I enjoyed attending the Mountain Lakes event and meeting leaders from the region at a reception in Summersville hosted by West Virginia Executive Magazine. As I have said before, The Mountain Lakes Region, made up of Braxton, Clay, Nicholas, Webster, Gilmer, Lewis, and Upshur, is a gem tucked into central West Virginia. The region is seeing revitalization, growth in education, outdoor recreation, arts, culture, and unique attractions. I have heard it said that through community, collaboration, and cooperation we will see even more growth and success. I appreciate West Virginia Magazine for highlighting the Mountain Lakes Region and for bringing us together.
This morning my church had an outdoor worship service and picnic at Holly Gray Park. I am so thankful for the freedoms that we have, and I owe a debt to those who have fought for it over the years and those that continue to stand for those original ideas that were first penned in our declaration.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed… ”(Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, 1776) May we reflect upon the freedoms and opportunities we have as Americans and may we do good in this world. Happy Fourth of July!
I have meetings and a legislative conference coming up and look forward to learning and working with legislators from around the country.
I look forward to hearing from people in the district and hope to see you out and about enjoying all the great things our area has to offer. I can be contacted at lori.dittman@ wvhouse.gov or 304-701-8600.