Podcasts about west virginia center

On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss President Trump's expansion plans, the plans of the State Treasurer's office, the role of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and Gov. Morrisey's plans for the state.

Ryan Roberts catches up with West Virginia Center Zach Frazier ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft

On this West Virginia Morning, state lawmakers are mulling over countless tax proposals that would directly affect West Virginians and their wallets. On Friday's episode of The Legislature Today, Randy Yohe spoke with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, and Kelly Allen, the executive director at the West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy, to discuss budgets and taxes. The post Budgets, Taxes And Clean Energy Jobs On This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Our first guest this week is WV Delegate Sean Hornbuckle (D-Cabell). The House Minority Leader shares his party's concerns regarding the shortage of child protective services workers in the Mountain State and what he believes needs done to fix the ongoing issue. He also touches on employment issues impacting West Virginians.In Segment 2, U.S. Congressmen Alex Mooney joins us to discuss the whirlwind effort in Washington of trying to find a new Speaker of the House. When we spoke with Mooney, Tom Emmer (R-IN) was still the nominee. By that same evening he had dropped from the race. By Wednesday afternoon, the new nominee Mike Johnson (R-LA) secured enough votes and was sworn into the position.For our third segment, we turn back to child welfare in the Mountain State with Kelly Allen who works for the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. Allen talks about the statistics of West Virginia having the highest rate of foster children in the nation, meaning for every 1,000 West Virginia kids, 13 are in foster care. She also shares more about what needs to be done to help children and their families before they reach a point of crisis.In our last segment, we sit down with Kim Newsome of the West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Center to discuss the importance of Medicare's open enrollment period, which is happening now. The center offers free resources to help Medicare recipients navigate through the process and find the Medicare plan that is best for them.

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the West Virginia Treasurer candidacy, child poverty, Habitat for Humanity and healthcare. In Segment One, we talk to Steven Schetrom (R-Candidate for WV Treasurer) about his candidacy. In Segment Two, we talk to Sean O'Leary, West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy, about child poverty in WV. In Segment Three, we talk to Andy Blackwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity for Kanawha and Putnam counties, about what is going on with the organization. We end today's episode with Ray Harrell, Boone Memorial Health, about rural healthcare.

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we go “back to the island” with an island-themed fundraiser for CAMC. In Segment One, we talk to Attorney General Patrick Morrisey (R-WV) about the HALT Fentanyl Act. In Segment Two, we talk to Del. Daniel Linville (R-Cabell) about economic development. In Segment Three, we talk to Seth Distefano, West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy. We end today's episode on an island with Rodney Queen, CAMC Foundation.

In this episode, we discuss paid leave in West Virginia, including the varied reasons why someone might need this option and the barriers to access that currently exist.  Kelly Allen, the executive director at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, shares her expertise on the topic and her vision for paid leave in our state to allow individuals to care for themselves and their loved ones.

Sean O'Leary, senior policy analyst for the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, said the state could find itself with a shortfall instead of a surplus in the coming years. He spoke with energy and environment reporter Curtis Tate about the volatility of the severance tax. The post Predicting West Virginia's Budget This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about candidates for U.S. House District 2 in West Virginia. Segment One is with Nate Cain (R-U.S. House District 2 Candidate) and Segment Two is with Joseph Earley (R-U.S. House District 2 Candidate). Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) calls in to talk about her trip to Mexico and why she went. We end today's episode with Kelly Allen, West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, to talk about the legislature.

On this West Virginia Morning, reporter Chris Schulz sat down with budget policy expert Sean O'Leary from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy to discuss the proposed state budget and the potential possibilities. The post Budget Possibilities And House Passes Income Tax Reduction Proposal On This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

On this West Virginia Morning, reporter Chris Schulz sat down with budget policy expert Sean O'Leary from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy to discuss the proposed state budget and the potential possibilities.

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we will be previewing the 2023 West Virginia Legislative Session. In Segment One, we bring in House Speaker Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay). In Segment Two, we bring in Del. Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha, State Party Chair). In Segment Three, we bring in State Sen. Craig Blair (R-Berkeley, State President). In Segment Four, we bring in Kelly Fallen with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, co-hosts Mark Curtis and Amanda Barren sit down with a variety of people to talk about a racist email sent to a black delegate in West Virginia, Medicaid, north-central West Virginia, and Gold Star Mothers. In Segment One, Mark Curtis interviews Del. Danielle Walker (D-Monongalia) who recently filed a civil lawsuit against the pro-life group West Virginians For Life after she received a message from the group with a photo of a KKK klansman. Kelly Allen, Executive Director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, talks to Mark Curtis about what is happening with Medicaid in the Mountain State. Patsy Trecost II, Harrison County Commissioner, calls in to talk to Mark Curtis about why north-central West Virginia is seeing a boom in economic development. We end this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics with Amanda Barren talking to Gold Star Mothers and what their organization's goals are.

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, co-hosts Mark Curtis and Amanda Barren talk to people about infrastructure, Justice Stephen Breyer's retirement, the annual Budget Breakfast, and Girl Scout cookies. In Segment One, Mark Curtis sits down with Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) to talk about the $6 billion that is coming to West Virginia. Segment Two brings in Sen. Joe Manchin to talk to Mark Curtis about Justice Breyer's retirement and if Biden were to nominate someone who did not represent the values of West Virginia, would he be willing to vote no? Sean O'Leary with the West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy calls in to talk to Mark Curtis and Amanda Barren about the annual Budget Breakfast and some of the highlights that came from it. We finish this week's episode with Girl Scout cookies. Candace Nelson, Director of Marketing with the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, talks to both co-hosts about their new cookies and how supply chain issues impacted Girl Scouts and their cookies.

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin discusses her request for a special session of the West Virginia Legislature and Governor Jim Justice's reaction. She also talks about what the city has been doing with federal funding and how events returning to Charleston have affected the city's economy. We hear more about the money of politics from State Treasurer Riley Moore and Seth Distefano, Policy Outreach Director for the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, stops by to talk about the child tax credit and the Build Back Better bill.

Rich Trumka and the 100th anniversary of Battle of Blair MountainIn Segment 1, Cecil Roberts, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) President, discusses the passing of Rich Trumka, former President of the AFL-CIO. An outspoken advocate for social and economic justice, Trumka was the nation's most straightforward voice on the critical need to ensure that all workers have a good job and the power to determine their wages and working conditions.Roberts also talks about the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Blair Mountain, the largest labor uprising in United States history and the largest armed uprising since the American Civil War. According to Roberts, this attack was the first time that an airstrike was called within the continental borders of the United States. The attack was called by the coal companies, which dropped bombs on the marchers.‘Give them a future': Should get first dibs on solar and wind energy jobs?In Segment 2, Cecil Roberts, UMWA president, said that as mining jobs decrease and solar and wind energy jobs rise, miners should be the first to get training for these jobs. He says miners are the ones who are being displaced due to these jobs. President Joe Biden said he wanted to make union jobs for those who are displaced.“We've been resisting that obviously because we think we should protect the jobs we have, but if we're going to have a policy that says coal miners lose their jobs, do what you said you were going to do, create union jobs for those who get displaced,” said Roberts.Roberts also says current union jobs pay between $75,000 and $100,00 per year with great benefits such as healthcare, pension plan, and time off. At this time, solar and wind energy jobs offer only half of those benefits and half the pay.“I'm hearing a lot of talk about creating these solar jobs, but I'm not hearing a talk or discussion about making them union jobs. I want to see how that works. If we're going to displace these coal miners, give them a future,” said Roberts. ‘We're sick of it': Delegate talks about the importance of wearing a mask and getting vaccinated against COVID-19In Segment 3, Delegate Mike Pushkin of Kanawha County is also the President of the American Federation of Musicians Local 136. He talks about the return of Live on the Levee over this summer and how COVID-19 is affecting future events such as sports events.Pushkin emphasizes the importance of wearing a mask and getting vaccinated so these events can continue.“I understand. It's gone on for so long. We're sick of it. We're sick of talking about it, hearing about it, but I'm sick of being sick. I'm sick of seeing the numbers go up. I'm sick of hearing about people I know being hospitalized. We've got to do a better job of explaining the only way we get through it is to get shots,” said Pushkin.As of Sunday, Sept. 5, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice had not issued another mask mandate statewide, but 26 out of 55 counties have mask mandates for schools K-12.“I think it's really going to take some tougher decisions from the top, from the governor's office. The virus doesn't recognize county boundaries. And I think it's going to take some strong leadership and the right direction right now,” said Pushkin. How unions saved West Virginia miners from industrial oppressionIn Segment 4, Myya Helm is a research associate for the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy who helped write their annual report called “Labor, Race, and Solidarity.” Her study showed the division between Black, White and European miners — the immigrants who came in to fill the huge demand for the mining jobs. Helms says that many miners worked in poor conditions because the mine operators wanted to make as much profit as possible. And so in the early 20th century, all workers, black, white, European immigrants, were paid extremely low wages — safety conditions were practically nonexistent, and the conditions worsened when the United Mine Workers of America tried to organize in southern West Virginia…those tactics just further pushed miners to rally against their employers, consistent abuses of authority.” said Helms. According to the report, “Unions promised to abolish the system that held them all as workers in forced labor.” The miners actively challenged the social, economic, and political power held by coal companies. Soon, the state's miner's union grew as workers sought a better life for themselves and their families.  

The Shawnee Sports Complex estimated to bring more than $100M after first 4 yearsIn Segment 1, Ben Salango (D), Kanawha County Commissioner, discusses his contributions around the county, including his involvement in the Shawnee Sports Complex. Salango says the sports complex will bring in more than $100 million in its first four years — money he says is going back to employees, businesses and workers throughout the valley, not just the county.Salango has also announced his candidacy for the Kanawha County Commission in 2022.Revamping COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts in West VirginiaIn Segment 2, Dr. Sherri Young from the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department discusses ramping up COVID-19 testing and vaccinations as the latest COVID-19 spike spreads statewide in West Virginia. She discusses the Delta variant and the concerns with the spread as the first day of school is on Monday, Aug. 9. The Delta variant can spread quickly, is more aggressive and affect kids more.The importance of Paid Family and Medical Leave in West VirginiaIn Segment 3, Kelly Allen, the Executive Direct of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, talks about the importance of Paid Family and Medical Leave is being considered in Congress.According to Allen, 1 in 5 people have paid medical leave with a higher-paying job. With lower-wage workers, 1 in 20 people have paid medical leave.The West Virginia State Fair returns this AugustIn Segment 4, Kent Leonhardt, the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture, discusses the 96th annual West Virginia State Fair.Leonhardt says masks are not required for patrons, but vendors who are inside will be wearing masks. “You can see the smiles on people's faces,” said Leonhardt.The West Virginia State Fair will take place from Aug. 12th-21st.Officials at the State Fair of West Virginia are happy to announce the concert series for the 96th annual event set for August 12-21, 2021, featuring Nelly (8/12), Whiskey Myers with special guest the Steel Woods (8/13), for KING & COUNTRY with special guest Rebecca St. James (8/14), STYX (8/15), Tracy Lawrence and Tracy Byrd (8/19), Brantley Gilbert (8/20), and the Buckin'B Bull Ride (8/21).Mac Powell & The Family Reunion and Shenandoah will play as free shows on August 16 and 17, respectively.ArtistDate of PerformanceNELLYAug. 8thWhiskey Myers with special guest the Steel WoodsAug. 13thKING & COUNTRY with special guest Rebecca St. JamesAug. 14thSTYXAug. 15thTracy Lawrence and Tracy ByrdAug. 19thBrantley GilbertAug. 20thYou can buy tickets for the fair by following this link.

How the American Families Plan can improve 90% of West Virginian kids' livesIn Segment 1, Congress is returning to Washington on Monday, July 12, and Seth DiStefano, the Policy Outreach Director at the West Virginia Center of Budget and Policy, discusses why Congress should prioritize the American Families Plan. In July, families with children will begin to see checks as part of the refundable tax credit passed earlier in 2021. According to White House officials, “The American Families Plan will extend key tax cuts in the American Rescue Plan that benefit lower- and middle-income workers and families, including the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.”DiStefano says these checks can help improve the lives of 90% of West Virginian kids. How do we solve West Virginia's hunger problem?In Segment 2, Caitlin Cook, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Mountaineer Food Bank, discusses food insecurity in West Virginia and how a bipartisan group may be the solution to solving the problem. According to Cook, 1 in 5 children in West Virginia goes to school without a meal in their stomachs. Recently, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay) created a working group to deal with food insecurity. It's a bipartisan group of republicans and democrats. Cook says this group is “…an amazing opportunity for the state and the people.” Cook explains that hunger is the root of many issues within West Virginia, such as unemployment and substance abuse disorder. “I am also hopeful out of this working group that we can get things like community food hubs that provide the holistic approach. We can strengthen the safety like snap that do a better job at feeding people than the food bank.”13 News Reporter Erin Noon shares her own experience with COVID-19In Segment 3, 13 News Reporter Erin Noon discusses her experience contracting COVID-19. Noon says two weeks before she was eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, she contracted the virus. “All of a sudden, I started feeling symptomatic…The cough was probably my worst symptom, to be honest. And then that night — well, I got tested, and it came back positive, so I was pretty shaken up just trying to stay calm and everything.” - Erin Noon, 13 News ReporterNoon says she then began vomiting throughout the night and eventually drove herself to the emergency room. She says because of COVID-19, her body went into diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. The condition develops when your body can't make enough insulin. Noon is a Type 1 diabetic. She spent two days in the Intensive Care Unit. Noon encourages young people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. “if you have any doubt in your mind, I mean, this could really take a toll on your health, on the people around you, as well. It's a really scary thing. So I am saying if you have any kind of hesitancy, go out and get that vaccine.”West Virginia man shares his COVID-19 near-death experienceIn Segment 4, Luke Farley, the Secretary-Treasurer and Legal Counsel for the Teamsters Union, shares his experience with COVID-19 and how he nearly died from the virus a year ago. Farley says he caught the virus and ended up in the hospital, in the intensive care unit for two weeks and was put on high-flow oxygen and almost died. “I couldn't walk from me to you [referring to Mark Curtis in the studio] and I would just be out of breath. I ended up with pneumonia, and it was just horrible.”

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — This week on Inside West Virginia Politics, officials from West Virginia and beyond discuss President Joe Biden’s infrastructure bill, how West Virginia is expanding broadband, and how a donation to a university in West Virginia will help undergrad students. Is Biden’s infrastructure bill a pork barrel spending bill? In Segment 1, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R) Kentucky shares his concerns about the $2.3 trillion infrastructure bill proposed by President Joe Biden on top of the $6 trillion spendings related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul said Republicans want bipartisan support to have the infrastructure bill focus on repairing and replacing roads and bridges. However, Paul says the infrastructure bill is being used as a “pork barrel spending bill” due to board terms within the bill to include childcare, reparations and medicare. Republican Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) has an alternative plan which includes a $700 billion infrastructure plan that would focus on roads and bridges. “If we made it bipartisan and about infrastructure, I think we could get big support for this,” said Paul. Why are children and frontline workers a part of Biden’s infrastructure bill?In Segment 2, Seth DiStefano from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy office says he supports President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, which affects the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. “When it comes to West Virginia kids and West Virginia working families, there really is no danger in doing too much. There is a danger in doing too little,” said DiStefano. The American Rescue Plan expanded the child tax credit to around 3,600 per child depending on economic status and made it more refundable. Under the current expansion, this tax credit is temporary. According to DiStefano, 94% of West Virginian children would benefit from the Child Tax Credit if the expansion was made permanent under Biden’s infrastructure bill. The Earned Income Tax Credit now maximizes the tax refund for families in West Virginia under the American Rescue Plan and was expanded to include people who do not have children. DiStefano says if this expansion were made permanent, 110,000 frontline workers would be able to take their own money out at tax time and drive economic growth. Distefano says frontline and essential workers are a part of the infrastructure bill because they were necessary during the pandemic and giving them more money would show the country’s appreciation for them.  How expanding broadband can help repopulate West VirginiaIn Segment 3, Del. Daniel Linville (R) Cabell County, Assistant Majority Whip, discusses the importance of broadband expansion in the Mountain State. During the 2021 Legislative Session, Linville says two bills passed that would regulate red-tape cutting, move the process significantly faster, add many consumer protections, and provide funding for the Broadband Insurance Program, allowing local providers to take advantage of federal dollars. It’s estimated that between 23% to 40% of West Virginia had no broadband signal, and a study shows West Virginia has the nation’s second-slowest internet speeds. Linville says the leading cause for slower internet speeds has been lack of competition in the market, as Frontier Communications dominates in West Virginia and the older technology still being used. According to Linville, DSL cannot use gigabit internet as Fiber Broadband can. He also discusses Gov. Jim Justice’s ASCEND West Virginia Program that entices remote workers to move to West Virginia. Linville agrees with the program and says broadband would allow the state to expand the economy and help regain some population back. $1 Million donation to Wesleyan for Undergrad fellowship researchIn Segment 4, John McCuskey, a former member of the House of Delegates and a well-known Charleston lawyer, discusses his recent $1 million donation to Wesleyan University, his alma mater. McCuskey says he wants to see what his donation can accomplish. The donation will help fund fellowship programs for research in the science fields for undergraduates.   

This week Mikki talks to Dr Mark Cucuzzella, Professor, physician and Lt Col who advocates for healthier lives and the challenges and opportunities of preventing and treating obesity and type 2 diabetes with a low carbohydrate approach.  Mikki met Mark at the Ancestral Health Society Conference in Boulder, 2016 where he presented on his work at the West Virginia Hospital with patients, using the approach popularized by Tim Noakes to help manage blood sugar excursions.  In this episode, Mikki and Mark talk about ·      His entry point to low carbohydrate diets and how it changed his running ·      How his advocacy for lower carbohydrate approach is used with patients that he treats at the West Virginia Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Health ·      The development of the medical curriculum in health, exercise and food science (MEDCHEFs) at West Virginia University Eastern Division ·      His paper that details how to adapt diabetes medications for a lower carbohydrate approach ·      Adherence to a lower carbohydrate approach and his experience with his patients.  Links in podcast:  ·  Tim Noakes Real Meal Revolution: https://realmealrevolution.com/ ·  Tim Noakes on Trial: https://www.nmsociety.org/the-scene/noakestrial ·      Adapting diabetes medication for low carbohydrate management of type 2 diabetes: a practical guide https://bjgp.org/content/69/684/360 ·      ACCORD trial https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/landmark-accord-trial-finds-intensive-blood-pressure-combination-lipid-therapies-do-not-reduce-combined-cardiovascular-events-adults-diabetes·  ADVANCE trial details: https://www.wikijournalclub.org/wiki/ADVANCE·  HealthfitU continuing education with Phil Maffetone https://www.healthfitu.com/·  Adherence to a lower carbohydrate approach: https://insulinresistance.org/index.php/jir/article/view/30/88·  Run for your life (Mark’s book): http://runforyourlifebook.com/ ·      Sugar - the bitter truth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM&ab_channel=UniversityofCaliforniaTelevision%28UCTV%29 About Mark:  Lt. Col. (Dr.) Mark Cucuzzella is a Professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine. As a US Air Force Reservist he designs programs to promote healthier and better running with the US Air Force Efficient Running Project.  Mark has presented running workshops on over 50 military bases. He has been a national-level Masters runner, having competed for over 35 years with more than 100 marathon and ultra-marathon finishes. Mark is a two time winner of the Air Force Marathon and has a marathon PR of 2:24. As well as being the race director of Freedom’s Run race series in West Virginia, Mark is director of the Natural Running Centre, an education portal designed to teach healthier running. He is also the owner of Two Rivers Treads – A Centre for Natural Running and Walking in his hometown of Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Mark’s innovative work and story has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, Outside Magazine, Running Times, Runners World, Air Force Times, the Washington Post, JAMA, and other medical and media outlets.Contact Mark: https://www.drmarksdesk.com/

In this week’s episode, Kendra, Jaclyn, and our special guest Rosemary Ketchum talk about books written by trans women and femmes. Thanks to Our Sponsors! Go to Acorn.tv and use the code ReadingWomen to get your first thirty days free! Go to audible.com/readingwomen for a 30-day trial Check out our Patreon page to learn more about our book club and other Patreon-exclusive goodies. Follow along over on Instagram, join the discussion in our Goodreads group, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more new books and extra book reviews! Things Mentioned The Stella Prize Jaclyn’s Predictions Video Article on Shondaland Reach Out (Australian support services) Books Mentioned Fairest by Meredith Talusan Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters Disintegrate/Dissociate by Arielle Twist Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars by Kai Cheng Thom Rosemary Recommends A Safe Girl to Love by Casey Plett Currently Reading All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders The Subtweet by Vivek Shraya About Our Guest Rosemary Ketchum is a member of the City Council of Wheeling, West Virginia representing Ward 3. Ketchum serves as the Chief Operations Officer of the holistic youth wellness coalition, Edible Mountain. She is also on the board of several organizations including the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. Ketchum has been a returning guest on MSNBC and has been profiled by several outlets including The Today Show, Time Magazine, CBS, and CNN for her work in community organizing and politics. Twitter | Instagram | Website CONTACT Questions? Comments? Email us hello@readingwomenpodcast.com.  SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website Music by Miki Saito with Isaac Greene Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Segment 1, we take a look at West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s latest town hall meeting on the state income tax.The governor’s goal for these virtual town halls is to discuss his proposal to eventually phase out or eliminate the state income tax. He says with the state’s current strong economics, now is the time to move forward with removing the tax. While some taxes may raise slightly to offset the state income tax removal, Justice says his goal is for West Virginians’ net tax burden to go down.In Segment 2, the discussion on the state income tax continues with Delegate Jim Barach (D-Kanawha). Barach says he is concerned about the proposal to eliminate West Virginia’s state income tax, calling it “a return to supply-side economics.”Barach says the proposal to backfill the lost revenue from the income tax by raising the state sales tax, among other taxes, because the sales tax is a “regressive tax” and those “on the lower end of the economic spectrum pay a higher amount of their money in the sales tax.” However he says he is in favor of the proposed taxes on tobacco and sugary drinks to help West Virginians cut back on their consumption of those products.In Segment 3, Delegate Jason Barrett (R-Berkeley) stops by to continue the discussion on West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s proposal to repeal the state income tax. Barrett says while he does think removing the tax would help working West Virginians, the governor’s plan is a bit “aggressive” and “may be too large of a bite of the apple too quickly.”He says he believes the finance committees for the House of Delegates and the State Senate can create an economically responsible plan to phase out the income tax. Barrett also tells us he is getting questions and concerns on the current proposal, which would include increasing the state sales tax, from West Virginians who want a better understanding of the proposal.Barrett also shares his concerns that several counties are not receiving enough vaccine doses, especially in Berkeley, Morgan and Jefferson counties.In Segment 4, Sean O’Leary, with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, says the governor’s proposed plan to eliminate the state’s income tax “is not going to be a winner for West Virginia” as it is now.He says raising sales taxes will mean West Virginians, especially in low to middle-income households, will be paying more, but will only get the state “halfway there” in making up for the income tax. He says this plan could mean cutting revenue from other areas to make up for the lost tax revenue, an issue he says is seen uniformly across the states that do not have income taxes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and exacerbated societal inequities.  Black and Latino populations have suffered higher infection rates. People working low-income jobs are more likely to be considered essential — and therefore required to work in-person — while others have the luxury of working remotely.  The pandemic has pushed many people who were already living paycheck to paycheck out of work. Despite programs to provide rental and utility relief, some have lost their homes. At one point last summer, 60 percent of people in West Virginia said they were at risk of being homeless, according to a study by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.  And now, another divide is forming between those who have received the vaccine and those who are still waiting.  This week's episode of Inside Appalachia looks at some of the divides the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed, starting with how it's affecting people without stable homes. Seeking Shelter The Harmony House in Huntington, West Virginia functions as a day shelter, but it also has an outreach team to find other homeless people who are still on the streets. Once they make contact, they offer supplies and other support. Kyle Vass, a reporter with the Us and Them podcast, spent a day with Harmony's outreach team, visiting sites where homeless people are gathering this winter. In a separate story, Us & Them host Trey Kay spoke with Mitch Webb, the director of the Huntington City Mission, about how it's changed to accommodate additional people in need, while still trying to follow pandemic protocols and keep everyone safe. Vaccine Disparities When news arrived last year that scientists had successfully formulated not one, but multiple vaccines for COVID-19, people across the globe were relieved to finally see a potential end to the pandemic. These scientific breakthroughs were achieved at a remarkable pace, but it soon became clear that distributing these vaccines would be a monumental undertaking.  West Virginia has become a national leader in its vaccine rollout. So far, the state has delivered at least one shot to more than nine percent of the state's residents, second in the nation, after Alaska, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But not everyone across West Virginia has had the same access to the vaccine.  Reporter Lauren Peace investigated West Virginia's vaccine rollout for Mountain State Spotlight, an online, nonprofit news site. Inside Appalachia co-host Mason Adams spoke with her recently about what she uncovered about where the vaccine's available, and what that reveals about health disparities across Appalachia.   Peace is a Report For America Fellow and the public health reporter for Mountain State Spotlight. Her story about vaccine distribution in West Virginia, co-written with Ian Hodgson, was published on Jan. 21. Eleven days later, in early February, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced that free vaccination clinics will be held in all 55 West Virginia counties. The vaccine is providing a ray of hope that the pandemic will end. But more people may lose their homes in the months ahead. President Joe Biden has extended the moratoriums on evictions, but only through March 31, 2021. Clearly, many challenges still lie ahead as Appalachia begins to emerge from the pandemic. Us & Them is produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. In an upcoming show, Us & Them digs into the racial disparities that the pandemic has exposed and made worse. 

In Segment 1, Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Evan Jenkins discusses the plans for what they’re calling the New Court. He says they hope to continue moving forward from the “problems of the past,” and continue the work of the past two years to bring back the public’s trust and confidence through accountability and transparency from the Court.He says even amid the pandemic, the court was never able to fully close, providing access to those in emergency situations. Jenkins says learning to use technology to provide new means of accessing the court can also be used in the future.In Segment 2, we switch gears from politics to pandemic. Reverend Matthew Watts of Grace Baptist Church talks about the importance of getting the vaccine out to minority groups in the state.Watts has been an advocate for providing COVID-19 testing to minority communities throughout the pandemic, as studies have shown minorities are two to three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the rest of the population. He commended the Kanawha County Commission and Kanawha-Charleston Health Department for making those testing events happen.He says those statistics also make getting the vaccine available to minority communities important to protect the community.In Segment 3, Charlie Burd, the executive director of the new Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia stops by to talk about the organization. The association is a merger of the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association and the Independent Oil and Gas Association.Burd says the two organization’s dividing lines started merging and it was time to start tracking the same issues. He says the merger makes the organization stronger and gives them more of an opportunity to advocate for issues such as public policy, environmental safety, drilling and production, and taxes.In Segment 4, Seth DiStefano with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy talks about the COVID-19 aid package. The recent package included funding for aid to child nutrition and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.DiStefano says in West Virginia, that funding will amount to about $100 extra dollars in federal food assistance per month per family. He says he believes its important for state lawmakers heading into the legislative session to keep these needs in mind and remember many families in the Mountain State were struggling with high rates of poverty and joblessness before the pandemic began.

On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, our guests join host Mark Curtis to talk about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the anticipated vaccines awaiting approval from the FDA and the need in West Virginia for a second stimulus package.In Segment 1, West Virginia National Guard Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, an integral part of the governor’s COVID-19 response team, talks about retiring from his position as Adjutant General, West Virginia Joint Forces Headquarters-West Virginia to becoming a senior associate vice president at WVU. He says he wants to continue helping the Mountain State through the pandemic in COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution as well as other projects across the state.In Segment 2, West Virginia COVID-19 Czar Dr. Clay Marsh talks about why COVID-19 numbers are on an uptick in the Mountain State and across the country. Marsh says one factor is health officials believe people are beginning to let their guards down around family and friends as a large number of recent cases are through community spread. Marsh says this holiday season is best to keep just with those in your household or through Zoom, Skype or other virtual platforms, saying “Wish others well, but don’t wish them well in person.” The COVD-19 Czar also talks about COVID-19 aid packages and why support from the federal government is important in offering free testing, providing contact tracing and soon-to-be vaccine distribution.In Segment 3, Seth DiStefano with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy talks about the necessity of another CARES Act package. He says many of the provisions in the first package, such as the $600 per week boost to unemployment benefits were essential to keeping West Virginians afloat and keeping the state’s economy from crashing. However, DiStefano says much of those provisions have already run out or will soon run out.In Segment 4, we switch gears from pandemic to politics with former West Virginia Delegate Dr. Chris Stansbury to talk about Republican Party’s numerous wins in the state legislature during the 2020 General Election. Dr. Stansbury analyzes why he thinks the party had such a large success in the election, saying the party’s views are more in line with West Virginians’ values.Stansbury also gives a preview of the upcoming legislative session. He says some issues include more dollars for the state’s roads – a point of contention for many West Virginians, possible raises for state employees, and making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss how the state prepared to reopen West Virginia schools, procedures schools will follow, and how schools will feed school children attending school remotely.In segment one, State Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch explains how the state prepared to reopen schools, his advice for Mountain State parents and students, and how the schools will handle lunch service during the pandemic.In segment two, West Virginia Public Health Officer Dr. Ayne Amjad explains what procedure schools will follow if a student tests positive for the coronavirus, her thoughts on the vaccine possibly being made available in October, and the emotional toll the pandemic has taken on parents.In segment three, Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association, explains how comfortable some teachers are with reopening schools, how he thinks the color-coded map will help, and how the state should determine if any changes need to be made to the system.In segment 4, Seth DiStefano, policy outreach director for West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, explains his concerns with families being unable to get to a lunch drop-off site, with feeding those students who attend school online, and what the state needs from Congress to feed its families.

MUSOM Diversity & Inclusion Community Building Town Hall SeriesAugust 25, 2020 Speakers: Rev. Timothy S. Dixon serves as the founding and chartering pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship. Pastor Tim, as he is affectionately known, has been in the ministry for 40 years. He was ordained in 1989, and presently holds his ordained standing with Grace Christian Fellowship. He served as a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene for 17 years and in the United Church of Christ for 15 years. Pastor Tim was appointed in 2016 by Huntington Mayor Steve Williams to serve as community liaison with the Huntington Police Department and currently chairs the Mayor's LGBTQ Advisory Committee. He also sits on the City of Huntington Diversity Council and the Board of Directors for the Kiwanis Daycare Center.Rosemary Ketchum is a member of the City Council of Wheeling, West Virginia, representing Ward 3. She is also Associate Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Wheeling Drop-in Center and on the boards of several organizations including the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. She has served as a guest on MSNBC and the TODAY show and has been profiled by several publications including Time magazine, CBS and CNN for her work in community organizing and politics.Ally Layman is a member of Mayor Steve Williams' LGBTQ Advisory Committee for the City of Huntington. She co-chaired and organized Huntington's first Pride Festival and is a candidate for Huntington City Council.Dr. Bobby Miller is the vice dean of medical education for the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Dr. Miller's clinical and research interests focus on neonatal nutrition and biomedical ethics. He serves on several committees for the American Academy of Pediatrics at the national level concerning graduate medical education. Shawn Schulenberg is professor and chair of the Department of Political Science at Marshall University; authored numerous publications on sexuality and LGBT politics in Latin America and numerous co-publications on homosexuality and transgenderism; him and his husband also own Nomada bakery located in downtown Huntington. 

On this week’s episode, we take a look at some of the issues that are important to and will be pushed by groups in the 2020 West Virginia Legislative session.In segment 1, Dale Lee, the West Virginia Education Association President, talks about the previous teachers strikes and what they want to see passed in the 2020 legislative session.In segment 2, Andrew Schneider, Executive Director of Fairness West Virginia, talks about the Fairness Act which would ban discrimination in hiring, access to housing and public spaces for LGBTQ people in West Virginia.In segment 3, Seth DiStefano, Policy Outreach Director for the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, talks about the state budget, multiple taxes in the Mountain State, and the 2020 Legislative Session.In segment 4, Garrett Ballengee, the Executive Director of the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy, talks about what issues are important to them in the upcoming legislative session.

In the midst of the region’s declining industries, politicians are betting big on job training, with millions directed at those who lost jobs in coal mining and power plants. The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced nearly $5 million for worker training programs in Appalachia. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky announced more than $2 million in funding from the National Dislocated Workers fund, and Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced more than $1 million in funding from the same program. But critics say worker training alone is no solution and that such retraining programs have a poor record in actually connecting dislocated workers with local employment that pays a comparative wage. Ted Boettner, an economist and executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, argues that a more broad-based approach to jobs, public investment, and wages will be necessary for coal country. Becca Schimmel from the Ohio Valley ReSource reports.

This week on the Charleston Gazette-Mail’s Mountain State Morning, we’re looking at whether senators from Southern West Virginia might act on the region’s water crisis. Also: A look at "Falling Short," a report from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. Listeners: We’d love your feedback and to learn a bit about you! Fill out our short survey by clicking here.

Join us and Kelly Allen from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy as we discuss the gender wage gap in West Virginia. Who does it affect? Why does it persist? What are policy solutions? Plus, open enrollment for the ACA lasts until December 15!

This week, we discuss what it means to be from West Virginia. Or being from here but not born here... There's a difference. We also talk with Ted Boettner from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy about the West Virginia Budget. It's a long, convoluted, and so far unproductive process. But too important for our children, our state infrastructure, and future generations to ignore.

This week we welcome Ufologist, Cryptozoologist and Paranormal Investigator Fred Saluga. About Fred: A former law enforcement officer, Fred is the state director of Mutual UFO Network of West Virginia. . He also is a Western Pennsylvania section director of MUFON of Pennsylvania. Fred has estimated that he has investigated "a couple thousand" UFO reports since the 1970s. Fred is a lecturer and teaches a free college class on Ufology and Cryptids at the Eastern Gateway Community College in Maryland. Saluga began investigating unidentified flying objects in the 1970s while employed as a law enforcement officer. He has investigated UFO sightings, abduction cases and other UFO-related activities and UFO phenomena in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida and West Virginia. Fred has founded and heads up the West Virginia Center for Unexplained Events and the West Virginia Mountain State Sasquatch Watch. Fred is a member of the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Society, Center For Unexplained Events, Center for Cryptozoological studies and many other groups. He is presently conducting research for a book entitled "UFOs and the Law Enforcement Response to the Phenomena." contact Saluga by e-mail at fsaluga@aol.com.