I attended the West Virginia Legislators Retreat in Bridgeport last week. Discussion topics included early learning, funding, accountability, student outcomes, and aligning higher education to workforce needs. As part of the retreat, we visited Cubby’s Child Care Center, one of the largest childcare centers in the state. The center’s engaging atmosphere and stimulating learning activities as well as outside playground areas grouped by ages created a vibrant and enriching environment for kids to grow. However, Cubby’s, like many businesses, are facing worker shortages and a need for competitive wages. The limited availability of affordable, high-quality childcare presents a growing challenge for parents and employers. With 56 percent of the state’s parents actively participating in the workforce, enhancing early childhood support becomes crucial for children’s well-being, education, and the overall growth of the state’s economy. During the first five years of life, the brain’s architecture undergoes significant changes influenced by interactions with family members and early educators. Consistent exposure to language-rich environments and supportive adults helps young children develop strong neural networks, which play a crucial role in their academic achievements and overall life success throughout the years.
General Revenue collections for May totaled $397,365,726, exceeding the monthly estimate of $333,695,000 by $63,670,726. Total year to date General Revenue collections are $5,100,608,594. Personal Income Tax (PIT) collections for May totaled $138,332,997, above the monthly estimate of $120,600,000 by $17,732,997. Total year to date Personal Income Tax collections are $2,003,537,236. Severance tax collections for May totaled $32,928,457, above the monthly estimate of $24,400,000 by $8,528,457. The total year to date Severance Tax collections amount is $330,931,524. Consumer Sales and Use Tax collections for May totaled $164,299,339, above the monthly estimate of $150,500,000 by $13,799,339. Total year to date Consumer Sales and Use tax collections are $1,607,283,322.
My next column will be written on Father’s Day. I am blessed with a wonderful father, Gary Cowger, who has always taken such loving care of me and been a steadying influence in my life. My husband, Will, has been and continues to be an amazing father to our daughter, Hannah. Both of them set great examples for other fathers and fathers-to-be. I love them both very much and look forward to celebrating them this week and on Father’s Day. Thank you to all the men who are fathers or father figures to children in our District.
“Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of song.” (Pam Brown)
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@wv house.gov or 304-701-8600.
Devoted to Braxton County, West Virginia