The start of the legislative session is shaping up to be a busy one, with interim meetings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The legislative session will officially commence on Wednesday at 12:00 PM, followed by Governor Morrisey’s State of the State address at 7:00 PM that evening. This week promises to be packed with important discussions and decisions as lawmakers and leaders come together to set the course for West Virginia’s future.
In a recent panel discussion before the Associated Press members of the West Virginia Legislature gave a preview of priorities for the upcoming session. House Speaker Roger Hanshaw sees workforce training, public education, and continued economic development and investment in West Virginia in the forefront. He stated that we must look forward to the careers of the 21st century and prepare students with the future in mind.
Healthcare, restructuring the Public Employees Insurance Agency, and addressing the state Board of Risk and Insurance are liabilities that need attention and solutions.
The formula that determines funding for county schools is set to undergo significant reforms to match the needs of students, parents, and the counties’ specific needs. Those needs would include mental health services, individualized education plans, and addressing the low socio-economic status of students. Discipline in the elementary schools as well as reviewing graduation requirements will be considered.
The one job that the legislature must do is to approve a budget for the fiscal year 25-26. While there have been discrepancies between what the Justice Administration left and what the Morrisey Administration inherited, this week the new governor’s budget will be presented, and work can begin on drilling down on the numbers and hearing from the different government agencies.
January Revenue numbers are as follows. General Revenue collections for January totaled $477,973,191, below the monthly estimate of
$491,776,000 by $13,802,809. Total year-to-date General Revenue collections are $3,154,144,832. As of the end of January the state has collected 60% of its total estimated yearly revenue of $5,264,536,000.
Personal Income Tax (PIT) collections for January totaled $217,556,057, below the monthly estimate of $220,500,000 by $2,943,943. Total year to date Personal Income Tax collections are $1,298,133,615. As of the end of January the state has collected 64% of its total estimated PIT yearly collections of $2,023,300,000.
Severance tax collections for January totaled $19,922,372, below the monthly estimate of $48,000,000 by $28,077,628. Total year-to-date Severance Tax collections are $147,553,580. As of the end of January the state has collected 36% of its total yearly estimated Severance Tax collections of $406,300,000.
Consumer Sales and Use Tax collections for January totaled $163,585,412, above the monthly estimate of $158,200,000 by $2,923,613. Total year to date Consumer Sales and Use tax collections are $1,052,511,458. As of the end of January the state has collected 57% of its total estimated consumer Sales and Use tax collections of $1,841,000,000.
As we begin the 87th legislative session, West Virginia confronts challenges that also present unique opportunities for mountaineers to demonstrate their resilience, creativity, and strong community spirit in overcoming them.
Our district, state, and nation lost a treasure last week. Buddy Griffin, who grew up in Braxton County and was an integral part of the
Bluegrass and Fine Arts programs at Glenville State University, passed away. Anyone who knew Buddy loved him and he was such a tremendous talent. He will be missed by his family and friends, as well as the larger music community around the country. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who are feeling this loss.
“Music is well said to be the speech of angels.”
(Thomas Carlyle)
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