By the time you read this column, Veterans Day will have passed, but continued support of our veterans should never stop. Veterans Day honors veterans not just for their service, but for the enduring spirit and strength they embody. We recognize the challenges they have faced and the sacrifices they have made, and we are profoundly grateful. They are true heroes, and their legacy will always be remembered and cherished. It is with a heart full of gratitude and appreciation that I say thank you.
I am deeply honored and grateful for the overwhelming support from our community. Serving the district and state of West Virginia in the West Virginia House of Delegates for another term is a privilege I do not take lightly. Your trust and confidence inspire me to continue working tirelessly for the betterment of our district and state. Together we will achieve great things. Thank you for your unwavering support.
Congratulations to all the newly elected officials! Your dedication and commitment to serving the people of West Virginia is truly commendable. I look forward to working together to make our state an even better place for all its residents. Let us continue to strive for progress and positive change.
Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey is calling on all passionate and dedicated individuals to apply for positions in the government. If you know someone who would be perfect for a position in government, please recommend them. You can apply online or submit a recommendation at: wvprosperity group.com.
The November interim meetings begin on Sunday, November 10th, and will continue until Wednesday, November 12th. You can access recordings of the meetings and see the schedule of meetings at wvlegislature.com.
Education was a focus on Sunday. The Legislative Oversight Committee on Education Accountability (LOCEA) reviewed the annual report on school facility safety and security measures. The report highlighted that several schools still need mantrap entrance systems, and only half of the schools in the state have weapon detection systems. While improvements have been made, more work is needed.
The Joint Committee on Education heard a presentation on the challenges faced by school social workers. In 2023, the West Virginia School Social Worker Association (WVSSWA) was formed to address inconsistencies in job definitions and educational requirements. West Virginia has a significantly higher ratio of school social workers to students (1 to 15,433) compared to surrounding states. The number of school social workers in West Virginia varies due to inconsistent definitions and job titles.
School social workers in West Virginia have diverse roles and responsibilities, including assisting with special education plans, crisis intervention, counseling, and coordinating with community resources. WVSSWA is developing the best practice guide and continuing education for its members and is advocating for uniform certification and credentialing requirements, title protection, and funding for school social workers.
High Rocks, a nonprofit grassroots community organization, presented its programs aimed at educating, empowering, and inspiring young West Virginians. Their policy requests include a WV AmeriCorps tuition waiver, a second chance promise scholarship, and a definition of first-generation status.
Motorola Solutions presented their safety and security products, including an app with an emergency panic button and integrated communication with 9-1-1 centers, as well as cameras for identifying suspicious individuals and vehicles and weapon detection.
As I continue my theme of Thanksgiving, I am thankful to have my parents, Doris and Gary Cowger, close by. I have been so blessed with their unconditional love and appreciate the values instilled as I grew up.
“The love and encouragement of my parents have been my compass. They’ve guided me through every challenge and triumph.”
(Lewis Hamilton)
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 [email protected] or 304-701-8600.
Devoted to Braxton County, West Virginia