During an interim meeting of the Joint Committee on Education, elementary teachers and principals shared incidents of child violence and classroom disruption. Kanawha County principal Stephanie Haynes recounted being abused by a child for 40 minutes, resulting in bruises for herself and other staff members. Educators requested legislation to remove disruptive students from classrooms, proposing alternative learning spaces and additional staff funding. They noted that suspension often sends children back to harmful home environments and that state rules prevent taking away recess as punishment. A 2024 bill aimed at giving teachers more authority to remove disruptive students faced criticism and lacked funding. Lawmakers emphasized that school discipline will be a high priority in the 2025 session.
Also, Interim Inspector General Ann Urling reported to the Joint Committee on Health that budget cuts have left her office with a 40% vacancy rate. She explained that the budget reallocation process has deprived the Office of the Inspector General of the resources needed to hire qualified staff, perpetuating staffing shortages and reducing productivity. Since the split from the Department of Health and Human Resources, the office has faced challenges, particularly in accessing federal funding. Urling highlighted the complexity of their “braided funding model” and mentioned that her request for new vehicles was unexpectedly rescinded. The office oversees health programs across three departments and oversees investigations into fraud, waste, neglect, and abuse. Urling emphasized the need for more staff and requested auditing power from the legislature and governor. She also called for resources to improve the office’s complaint tracking system, noting current issues with monitoring complaints.
Additionally, the Joint Committee on Finance met on Monday and received two presentations. The first was the monthly financial update, which indicated that revenues remained robust in November. Most revenue categories are meeting or slightly surpassing year-to-date estimates, although Severance Tax revenues are trailing due to declining energy prices from recent historical highs. As the state transitions into the new year, a significant surplus like those of recent years is unlikely. However, the state’s financial position remains strong overall.
The second presentation focused on the West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF), which is investing millions in a project aimed at reducing addiction in the counties hardest hit by the opioid epidemic: Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Putnam, Raleigh, and Wayne. The program is expected to expand in its second year to include Mingo, McDowell, and Wyoming counties, and later Mercer, Summers, and Monroe. The expansion will be data-driven, ensuring funds are used effectively based on the program’s success rather than just spending money without results.
Finally, The Joint
Committee on Economic Development received an update from the West Virginia Grant Resource Center, a partnership between Marshall University and West Virginia University established in 2022. The center offers free grant-writing services to local entities, leveraging university expertise to secure funding. Since its inception, the center has helped secure $41.4 million in additional grants, with an estimated economic impact of $65 million. These grants come from various sources, including federal, state, and foundational funds. The center’s services are available to local governments and non-governmental organizations focused on economic development, tourism, and public safety. For more information visit wvgrant centers.com.
I continue to enjoy the holiday season with a delightful dinner with the Gassaway Lions Club and a festive parade in Burnsville on Saturday. I had a wonderful time at both events and appreciated hearing ideas about our community. We are truly blessed with people who care deeply about the growth and improvement of our district.
“For it is in the giving that we receive.”
(St. Francis of Assisi)
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