Public Comments

Put this important bill on the agenda! We need these funds available to the public. Protect our precious water.

I respectfully express my support for this bill. The allowance of handler dispatch will enhance safety for those engaged in tracking by eliminating the need for a hunter to closely accompany handlers with a bow, crossbow, or firearm. Reducing the number of individuals actively carrying weapons in these situations helps minimize potential risks and promotes a safer working environment. Furthermore, handler dispatch represents a more humane approach to wildlife recovery. It allows for a timely and efficient conclusion, thereby reducing unnecessary suffering. For reasons of both public safety and ethical wildlife management, I believe this legislation is a responsible and appropriate measure.

Need better laws . To convict a DUI causing Death . Judge needs to step up with better sentences not just a slap on the wrist . Destiny Lester got away with DUI causing Death . No justice at all

Yes there should be a tuffer sentence for DUI causing Death . I think it's ridiculous sentence that Destiny Lester received. It was a slap on the wrist . No punishment. .

I fully support HB 4067 and I implore you to do the same.  Child care must be a priority this legislative session.  Child care workers, working 20 hours plus per week, need and deserve a subsidy, regardless of household income.  Subsidy payments to licensed facilities should be based on enrollment rather than daily attendance.  This bill is critical to increase workforce participation enhancing one of your stated goals - economic development and job creation.

If legislative leadership truly valued life, they'd have already passed legislation to address West Virginia's very real childcare crisis. West Virginia has not increased dedicated funding for child care in years. In fact, funding has decreased by $8 million over the last 10 years.

• The legislature needs to prioritize childcare and take meaningful action this legislative session.
• Childcare employees working 20+ hours per week deserve a child care subsidy, regardless of household income.
• Child care subsidy payments to licensed facilities should be based on enrollment rather than daily attendance.

West Virginia Medical patients deserve to consume their medication in any form to help their pain.

This is reckless, evil, and stupid all at the same time. An utter waste of time and money from a system that has so little of either, all to what? Arrest a second grader? Throw the chess club captain into a cell? We’ve gotta protect the kids from eating lunch with kids whose dad’s - gasp! - haven’t filed the correct paperwork yet! Give me a break. Some of these kids won’t even have a school to go to in two years and this is the so-called problem that we’re prioritizing. Anyone voting in favor of this is never getting my vote again and will be lucky to receive my pity.

Parents need & want to work to support their children and help them thrive! We need to support them in having safe, reliable,  affordable or free childcare so they can!! My Grandchildren deserve to be safe while their parents work! All children and families need help with the massive increase in the cost of living and paychecks that have not been kept up! Support child care! Thank you

Disgusting that you all are doing this now. First we had to jump through hoops for existing private school christian students. Now talk of not allowing special needs students to have the scholarship. My son has functional autism and was left in the back of the class playing games instead of being taught in public school. Now in a Christian Academy he has blossomed. Beyond mad

There’s no reason or excuse as to why this bill shouldn’t be passed. The penalty for taking someone’s life needs to be higher. Please do the right thing.

Please pass this bill 4712 fir stiffer penalties for DUI

I think edibles would be a great addition to the local dispensaries! Some people can’t handle harsh smoke so edibles is a easy solution.

I think this bill needs to pass for the safety of the trackers and the dog. And to dispatch the game animal if need be. Don't need the hunter with a bow or cross bow or gun around the trackers or dog. Makes for a safer environment for everyone.

I strongly support this bill

Please pass bill to allow cannabis edibles in Wv

The bill needs passed because if you drink and drive and kill someone you should be held accountable. My nephew Aaron Hager was killed by a drunk driver Sept 18,2025 he was on his way to work at 6 am in the morning. He don't get to watch his babies grow up or nothing. He had everything took away from him because of a stupid decision to drive drunk. The man killed him and he should do time and be punished for it. Because we are serving the rest of our lives without him. It's not right and it's not fair. He done the crime he should pay. Aaron Hager deserves justice. Please do the right thing pass the bill. Thank you.

Child care is in desperate need of increase funding.  Affordable child care is an essential strategy to support economic development and increased workforce participation. HB 4067 is an important step in this direction.  Certainly childcare employees who are working 20+ hours per week deserve a child care subsidy, regardless of household income.  In addition, child care subsidy payments to licensed facilities should be based on enrollment rather than daily attendance.

Would love for there to be edibles

Edibles are better for people with COPD.

I wholeheartedly support this bill and hope that you will to as my representative in this democracy.

There are still many folks in the southern part of the state who are working on their recovery and could use the assistance which this bill would provide.  Thank you Delegate Green for drafting this bill, and to all delegates for your careful consideration.

I'm a medical Marijuana patient who would live the option of edibles.

As a resident of Mercer county I strongoy support this bill!

“I am a resident of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, and I support HB 5563. Timely transplant referrals and accountability save lives. Please advance this bill.”

Please prioritize childcare and take meaningful action this legislative session. Childcare employees working 20+ hours per week deserve a child care subsidy, regardless of household income. Child care subsidy payments to licensed facilities should be based on enrollment rather than daily attendance. Our WV children and families deserve the proper support to grow strong and healthy into future generations

As a long-time child care director, I respectfully urge lawmakers to prioritize strong and sustainable funding for child care within HB 4027, the state budget bill. Child care is not simply a service for families. It is essential infrastructure that allows parents to work, businesses to operate, and communities to grow. When child care programs are underfunded, the effects ripple throughout the entire economy. Employers struggle with workforce participation, families face financial strain, and providers are forced to operate on increasingly narrow margins. High-quality child care requires stable staffing, safe facilities, nutritious meals, and developmentally appropriate materials. These are not optional costs, and they cannot fluctuate based on unpredictable funding. Investment in child care directly supports workforce participation, early childhood development, and long-term educational success. The budget is a statement of priorities. By ensuring adequate and sustainable funding for child care assistance, workforce supports, and early childhood programs, West Virginia demonstrates that it values working families and the professionals who care for our youngest citizens. I respectfully ask that child care remain a clear and intentional priority within HB 4027.

Please add your support for HB 4067 As a mother , an educator, a proud West Virginian I seek your wise, caring and humane support of this bill in support of mothers, fathers, children and child-care workers. Our next generations are in your caring hands and hearts.

As a child care center director with over two decades of experience in early childhood education, I strongly support HB 4517 and the expansion of the employer child care tax credit. Every day, I work with families who are balancing employment with the high cost and limited availability of child care. I also speak with local employers who want to support their workforce but may not have the capacity to build and operate an on-site child care center. This bill offers a practical solution by allowing employer-sponsored partnerships with accessible licensed providers to qualify for the tax credit. Expanding this credit encourages collaboration between businesses and established child care programs in the community. It strengthens local centers, improves access for working families, and helps employers retain reliable staff. Child care is not just a family issue, it is an economic issue that affects every industry in our state. HB 4517 provides flexibility while recognizing the real-world challenges both employers and providers face. I respectfully urge support of this legislation to help create stronger partnerships and more stable child care options across West Virginia.

PLEASE support House Bill 4067.  The increasing need for childcare is evident IF West Virginia is serious about attracting businesses to relocate to our state. West Virginia has not increased dedicated funding for childcare in years. In fact, as the needs have grown, funding has decreased by $8 million over the last 10 years.  Childcare facilities have been closing rather than opening! So, please support House Bill 4067

I strongly support HB 5345 and the proposal to base child care subsidy payments on enrollment rather than daily attendance. Child care centers operate on fixed costs. We must staff classrooms to required ratios and maintain safe, high-quality environments every day, regardless of whether a child is absent due to illness, weather, or family needs. When reimbursement is tied only to attendance, it creates financial instability that does not reflect the true cost of holding a child’s space. Enrollment-based payments would provide predictable funding, allowing centers to retain qualified teachers, maintain consistent classrooms, and focus on quality care rather than financial uncertainty. For young children, consistency in caregivers is essential for emotional security, healthy attachment, and developmental growth. Stable funding supports stable staffing, and stable staffing supports strong outcomes for children and working families. This change would strengthen the sustainability of child care programs across West Virginia and better align reimbursement with the realities of operating a licensed center. I respectfully urge support of HB 5345.

anyone that takes the life while under the influence should be charged with murder!

I’m glad to see this pass… My dad was ran over and killed by a guy who was under the influence of drugs and he got absolutely no time! Why? Because he has law enforcement in his family… Which was a slap in our face on top of losing our dad.

I strongly support WV HB 4067 because it directly addresses one of the most urgent challenges facing child care centers across our state: workforce retention and sustainability. As a child care provider, I see firsthand how difficult it is for dedicated early childhood professionals to afford care for their own children. Many talented teachers leave the field simply because the financial burden becomes too great. This bill would remove a major barrier by allowing child care employees working at least 20 hours per week to receive a subsidy for their own children, regardless of income. For our center, this legislation would improve staff retention, strengthen recruitment, and provide much-needed stability for the children and families we serve. Consistent caregivers are critical for healthy child development, and stable staffing benefits every classroom. Supporting child care workers means supporting working families across West Virginia. HB 4067 is a practical, impactful step toward strengthening our state’s child care system.

West Virginia deserves clean safe water

Support Legal Marijuana

Gummies

I don't feel it's necessary to track a student's immigrant status. We as teachers are already bogged down with everything else we need to do to protect our children in schools and not to mention the job cuts happening in every county. So that's less people in the school systems, but adding more responsibilities. Our jobs as teachers are to educate and protect students. If they are under 18 years old, their status doesn't matter me to me. They did not choose the life they were given. Children should not be punished by decisions made by adults.

It is very much needed in our state.

I fully support Baylea’s law!

This law really needs passed theres soooo many drunk/high drivers that kill with absolutely no accountability what happened with Bayleas killer getting away with it shouldnt happen to anyone else stiffer laws need made please pass this one

I strongly support this bill to assist my fellow West Virginians!

All West Virginians deserve clean drinking water

Funding early childhood education will benefit children, their parents, and rhe economy. Currently 40% of women in WV with young kids are unable to work— or feed into the economy — due to inability to pay for childcare for the pre school aged kids. We are supporting many of these families with social services. If money was directed to early childhood education / childcare, these women could work, which would be great for them and us.

Please if we allow these 17 year olds to get away with this nonsense and horrible acts, we will allow a very dangerous situation to evolve in WV

This bill is desperately needed. I strongly support it. We can expect more weather extremes and WVians will suffer without planning in advance.

This bill could put students in danger. A student's immigration status should have no bearing on the education they receive, so there is no good reason for schools to keep this information. If school administrators have access to this information, they might target immigrant students unfairly. Also, tracking this type of information would put a new administrative burden on schools that are already underfunded and not well supported by the state. Please leave the issue of immigration out of schools, children deserve a safe space to learn.

I urge the House Committee on Energy & Public Works to place HB 5585 on its agenda.  "Water is Life" is not an empty slogan.  It should be the primary consideration of you who represent all of us here in the Mountain State.

Please allow for these funds to be allocated for public health emergencies. West Virginians need access to clean water and it is time for the state to act.

We are taking care of the world's future leaders, the parent's most precious gift, yet we are at the bottom of the financial pyramid. Yes it has always been like this but it is extremely unfair. I can make more at McDonald's flipping burgers a few hours a day than I will ever make in childcare, yet people stay with it because the children and babies need someone to love and nurture them while their parents are at work.

Letter from the WVMA and WVEUG Opposing House Bill 5626   Chairman Anderson: The West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) and the West Virginia Energy Users Group (WVEUG) express their serious concerns with House Bill 5626, which would alter how utility rates are set by allowing utilities to base rate increases on projected, future costs rather than actual data. Specifically, the bill authorizes the use of a “Future Test Year,” defined as the 12-month period beginning when new rates take effect, and directs the Public Service Commission (PSC) to rely on projected levels of costs, revenues, and rate base during that forward-looking period. In addition, the legislation permits utilities to include construction work in progress (CWIP) or allowances for funds used during construction directly in rate base calculations, meaning that the utility can recover these costs – with a return – before a project is actually providing anything of value to consumers. In practical terms, the bill accelerates rate increases and cost recovery to the advantage of the utilities and shifts financial risk from utilities (and utility shareholders) to consumers. In so doing, at a time when utility rates have increased year over year with no end in sight, House Bill 5626 will harm all utility customers including manufacturing and industry, small business, senior citizens, and the most vulnerable West Virginians. • Regulatory Background – Utilities in West Virginia operate as governmentsanctioned monopolies providing essential services such as electric, natural gas, water, and sewer. In exchange for that monopoly status, utilities are subject to regulation to ensure service is delivered safely, reliably, and at reasonable rates. This is the core of the regulatory compact and the utilities’ legal “obligation to serve.” Under this compact, utilities are permitted to recover their prudently incurred costs and investments, plus an authorized return, subject to oversight by the PSC. Because these utilities have no competitors, their customers are captive ratepayers who must rely entirely on the PSC’s regulatory process for protection against unreasonable rates. That regulatory framework includes important safeguards. Utilities typically support rate requests with a Historic Test Year reflecting actual, incurred expenses. They must prove those expenses were prudently spent, and they may only recover investments that are “used and useful” in providing service. This creates the so-called “regulatory lag” to ensure that consumers pay only for verified, prudent, and used-and-useful investments and that utilities bear the risk of their investment decisions. House Bill 5626 would weaken these longstanding protections in two significant ways: • Future Test Year – The bill would allow utilities to set rates based on projected, future expenses and revenues rather than actual, historical costs. This means rates could be increased for costs not yet incurred and verified, and for investments not yet providing service. It reduces incentives for cost discipline, shifts financial risk from shareholders to captive ratepayers, and accelerates rate increases at a time when utility rates have already risen dramatically. • Construction Work in Progress (CWIP) – The bill would also permit utilities to include construction work in progress in base rates, allowing recovery of costs, plus a return, while a project is still under construction. This would require customers to pay for projects like new power plants and transmission lines while they are being built and while they run the risk of cost overruns, delays, or even abandonment. Allowing CWIP in base rates effectively shifts investment risk from utilities to ratepayers and has been described as a hidden tax on consumers. Supporters of the bill may argue these mechanisms are used in other states or that they reduce regulatory lag and encourage infrastructure investment. But unlike West Virginia, many of those states provide customer choice, which mitigates monopoly power. Moreover, utilities already have a statutory obligation to invest in infrastructure necessary to provide safe and reliable service. They should not receive additional incentives or risk protection for fulfilling duties they are legally required to perform. At a time when West Virginia households, manufacturers, small businesses, and senior citizens are already under increasing pressure from rising utility rates and when substantial transmission and generation investments are anticipated, adopting policies that accelerate rate increases and shift investment risk from shareholders to captive consumers is unsound. For these reasons, we respectfully oppose House Bill 5626.

In today's world where the work ethic is lacking in a lot of the younger adults running a family childcare home is next to impossible. Not only do I make $32-$33 dollars a day per child (which is incredibly low but that is another issue) working roughly 10 hour days, but now they want to penalize me every time a parent needed a mental health day, or they woke up late so decided not to go in. I am up at 5 am every weekday to get myself ready for the day, every day I open at 6 am and I can guarantee that I will be there and be ready for the children to arrive. If I am open and ready and you decide to take the day to sleep in or whatever, I have still put in the hours and effort to be ready for your child. I have made sure I have meals ready for them, the activities planned for them, diapers and wipes ready to go, and I have already counted them in my ratio. I told Johnny's mom last night that I could not take him today because he would put me over ratio. Now I am out that money. We are out here every day for these children and all we ask is that you be there for us

There so many better ways to spend tax payer money than on this

I believe West Virginia dispensaries should be able to sell edibles because there is no smoke or vapor inhalation, making it a lot easier on the lungs and the body. You still receive the same effects as you would consuming marijuana any other method. You actually receive up to 7 hours of relief with edibles, as opposed to flower or wax, where you may have to use multiple doses of.

I strongly support this bill for West Virginia, we need disaster case managers.

Fund childcare. Programs are closing as funding has decreased by $8 million over the last 10 years.  This funding will help businesses find workers and increase the educational level of children.

Drug screening and testing in TANF has proven ineffective in West Virginia. There are no returns on such an investment — not to taxpayers, the state, nor, most importantly, TANF enrollees. In Fiscal Year 2020, the pilot program included 2,221 people. Just seven of them tested positive for any substance.^[1] That ratio equals about 0.33 percent. This trend is consistent with numbers from even before the pandemic: in 2017, about 0.49 percent of TANF recipients tested positive. West Virginia’s results mirror those found in other states that implement drug screening for TANF applications. A Think Progress investigation of states with these laws found that of more than 263,000 applicants, less than 1 percent were rejected from TANF for positive drug tests, while the total cost of screening and testing surpassed $200,000. Rendering benefits contingent on passing a drug test for individuals otherwise eligible for cash assistance does not meaningfully address substance use problems. Instead, it does quite the opposite — drug screening creates barriers for those who may otherwise seek treatment. Those who fear losing their benefits or custody of their children may be less likely to disclose their substance abuse, making treatment less accessible to the most vulnerable population. In 2019, West Virginia spent just roughly 22 percent of TANF dollars on basic assistance, a proportion that has shrunk significantly over the past several decades. Furthermore, less than 10 percent of TANF dollars go toward child care. As West Virginia continues to cope with the ongoing opioid pandemic — of which it remains the epicenter — such policies ultimately penalize individuals for systemic problems. In a state already riddled with budget shortfalls, dedicating resources to an initiative that further stigmatizes individuals with low incomes — while worsening their material conditions — contradicts the core mission of TANF and other social programs, as well as best practices for public health. Rather than punishing TANF recipients by extending the drug screening program, West Virginia must recommit to providing basic assistance to families. Redirecting funds toward these initiatives would better serve low-income families and help create a healthier West Virginia.

Please refer to the November 21, 2025 ICA case involving Judge Douglas and GAL Morgan Switzer. Neither the judge nor the ODC would rein in the conduct of this GAL. This GAL was permitted to request testing of the father and substantially interfered with his parental rights on account of “feelings,” with no real evidence. It took the ICA itself to remedy this. We have to be able to rely on the family courts themselves to challenge their own GAL’s, when needed. We have to have very specific rules and procedure that must be followed, rather than give so much “discretion“ to GAL‘s to steer the ship. I have never personally interacted with the father in this case, and have no past interaction with any of the parties involved. However, this scenario is playing out throughout family courts in West Virginia. GAL’s carry extraordinary power and are often times a catalyst in proceedings that are unduly prolonged.  They need to be subjected to the same tough questions when requesting services for a parent when evidence does not support this need.

My Dr said that edibles are healthier

Supporting our local childcare workers with affordable childcare for their own children is not only just compassionate It’s a strategic workforce stabilization. Most childcare employees will leave the field because of the low paid jobs and the turnover rate is high. It’s a very demanding  job, taking care of children all day. Our children need constant caregivers, we want them to be licensed and compassionate. Employers needs to have a reputable workforce where they can easily recruit and sustain childcare employees. Workers in childcare are important to our state and for the future of our state.  Most childcare workers are paid a very modest wage and they work very long hours supporting other families. It’s a very stressful job and if we want to reduce turnover rate,  improve recruitment and we want to enhance the quality of the care for our children in our state, we need to pay them a fair wage and offer them a discount for their own children’s care. I support the Bill as both a mother and a grandmother and a retired school teacher.

The child care industry is suffering.  I am the owner of a quality education program in Jefferson County, Ohio.  I am struggling fiscally to remain open despite being almost fully enrolled.  Securing staff that either have experience and/or education in the early care and education field is virtually impossible.  Training staff appropriately is an added expense that also requires the ability to offer a competitive salary in today's market.  The financial assistance that I received during COVID is finally gone and I am concerned about my ability to meet payroll each month.  When can we expect some relief?  We offer quality services that our families desperately need. We consistently meet the ever changing state licensing requirements for quality child care.   However, there is no commitment to our business meeting these constant demands that additional funding is even being recognized. We need change NOW!

We want edibles theres no reason we shouldn't have them.

West Virginia’s Justice system as a whole state is corrupt and full of criminal’s working as the law makers something needs to be done about these kids and adults not being held accountable for taking any life no matter the situation or circumstances. Baylea, her family and friends deserved better than the sentencing they received. West Virginia sure is a sad state

Please define the circumstances under which attorneys or GAL’s can request psychological testing of parents.  This ties directly into abuse of process. This is particularly true when parties request evaluations of another parent, for no real reason. When an order reads that an attorney is allowed to “hire an expert of his choosing” just to repeat the same test on a coparent that has been passed six months prior (by a neutral, court-ordered psychologist) nothing screams “hired gun” more than this.  That a first test failed to paint a parent in a negative light should not be grounds to allow for continued testing by “experts“ until a paid, desired outcome is reached. Disparate outcomes on account of income differences can profoundly impact family court proceedings.  When one party has the ability to pay, fit parents are subjected to continued testing, depositions, document production, etc. There must be valid reasons to continue to subject parents to these unnecessary intrusions. Many times, the first test that was court ordered was done so for no real reason other than just to establish baseline fitness in high conflict cases.  I have heard this in many, many cases.  It seems to just be a box to check, rather than done out of any kind of genuine concern. Subsequent tests become purely harassing, further prolonging litigation and straining parties financially. The family court itself has to gatekeep this.  If the family court itself is not forced to make findings that necessitate these types of tests, the party that has the ability to keep paying experts will come out on top every single time, to the detriment of children.

Please pass this bill to create the West Virginia Homeschool Student Athletics Participation Act!!

Every single person voting for this bill should  be thinking about the people who voted them into office, to begin with. WE THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF WV should be represented properly and our will should be done!  Hiding future problem from the people of WV is immoral!! We deserve to know EVERYTHING that comes along with these "Data ceters"!! You were NOT put into office to hide important information from us, but to fight for/ with US! Clean water is one of our states most important resources'. It is far more important than any data center. To think that there is a proposed BILL that includes hiding details from us.... that is VERY DISTRIBUTING!! We need to FOCUS on passing legislation to protect out water resources instead of hiding info!!! THINK ABOUT YOUR KIDS' GRANDCHILDREN!!

Delegates, West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD) strongly supports HB 5601. WV VOAD and its partners bear a substantial load in survivor disaster recovery.  But a major stumbling block in our work is the paucity of case managers--the folks who work with survivors to assess need and develop recovery plans, identify resources, negotiate sticking points, and generally guide families through the maze that is disaster recovery. The funding requested in the bill will make a decisive difference in our work and the lives of survivors.  Please consider passing this bill and working with your counterparts in the Senate to make case management a reality. Sincerely, David Lumsden Chairman, WV VOAD

This is needed! Not all people like to smoke

I support House Bill 5433 because hearing care is essential healthcare, not optional care. Hearing aids and hearing services are often too expensive for many families without insurance coverage. Because of cost barriers, many people delay or go without treatment, which can impact learning, communication, job performance, safety, and overall health. Access to hearing care helps children succeed in school, helps adults stay active in the workforce, and helps older adults stay connected and independent. Please support House Bill 5433 to improve access to hearing healthcare for West Virginia families.

I strongly support this in West Virginia

I strongly support in West Virginia

I strongly support this bill for West Virginia !

I strongly support this bill for West Virginia

West Virginians need disaster release.

I strongly support this bill for West Virginia 🙏

I strongly support this bill.

I strongly support this bill for West Virginia.

Childcare is essentially for people to be able to work. Safe and affordable childcare is nearly inaccessible in West Virginia with many childcare deserts. Children are our future and we need to support legislation that shows that we understand that and to make it easier on families to work and known their children are receiving the best care possible. Childcare subsidies are a great tool. Tax credits regarding child care are also a good idea. We need to encourage more people to work in childcare and pay them accordingly so they don't have to leave for another job. We also need to support our workers throughout the state through making it easier for them to work by providing childcare. As a working mom, I would not be able to do my job as effectively without public school and child care programs, including before and after school care.

Hello, My name is Kaitlyn Bailey and I am a Mercer County, WV resident. I was a part of Hurricane Helene when it came through Mercer County. I had over 10 inches of water in my home, no electricity for three weeks, and multiple damages to my home. I had no idea where to begin to receive help for this disaster, or where I could even go to have someone help me. It was a devastating time where I felt there was no hope for my situation. Implementing Disaster Case Managers in West Virginia full-time would be so beneficial for the community and the people who live in West Virginia. It is important to allow these people to have resources that they can rely on and reach out to in the time of need. Most people do not know how to handle FEMA applications, let alone appeals, having disaster case managers in the state full-time would allow West Virginia to have people to support them and assist them. We lost so much during the floods and it was a true disservice to our community to not have people to assist them. I strongly support this bill for funding for Disaster Case Management! I am so hopeful to see this move foward!   Thank you, Kaitlyn Bailey

I oppose HB 4817 .  Public schools funds have been diverted to private schools where teachers do not have to be certified and the schools can choose their students.  In some counties, public schools have had to lay off staff and some have closed.  This requires students to travel farther for their education making long days which do not promote education.   I am opposed to public funded private and charter  schools.   If public schools are not providing the educational opportunities needed, then let's solve that problem.    Please do not support HB 4817.

I am writing in support of HB 4181, as a concerned parent of two middle school students. My youngest son is 11 and has always had a passion for baseball. This year, he was excited at the opportunity to play middle school baseball and made the team. Unfortunately, after making the team, we were informed that he was not allowed to participate in his travel ball team practices or tournaments due to the WVSSAC rules. He was forced to choose which team he would continue with. Since he had made the middle school, which was a competitive tryout, he opted to play this year for the school and wait until May, when the season is over, to start back with his travel team. I will now have to continue to pay for his travel fees, as well as paying for middle school baseball uniforms and umpire fees that the school does not pay and then found out he cannot participate in recreational baseball either, until the middle school season is over. I will have over $500 out in fees due to the WVSSAC rules that cannot be refunded. Through the last year, my son's skills have flourished under the direction of his coaches for travel ball. He gets to work with local collegiate athletes, and once a month works with past professional and semi-professional baseball players. It is a shame that his progress might be hindered, due to the WVSSAC stating he cannot do both. While I understand the concern, that students will sign up for middle school sports and then miss practices and games due to travel sports, I believe that stating the school sports trump outside activities would prevent this, and local monitoring at the school level would prevent any issues. I ask that you strongly consider passing HB 4181 and stop punishing student athletes who are trying to follow their passion. Our children have one chance to chase their dreams, and we should support them, not force them to choose.

I work in this field and have extensive knowledge of this subject.  There are not enough service providers to serve the needs currently and we are going to add more need to a broken system.  This is not the solution.  I understand the data shows that kids are being sent to placement for truancy but that is not totally true.  Yes, the case indicates a status offense of truancy however, the underlying issues of these cases include parental neglect, substance abuse, mental health issues and an array of other juvenile delinquency issues.  Bullying is a concern but a majority of the bullying happens over social media and or over group chats or on gaming consoles.  Conversation needs to be had with the county's attendance director's, circuit court judges and prosecutors to get a clearer picture of the needs.

I am respectfully urging the House Committee on Energy & Public Works to place HB 5585 on its agenda as soon as possible.

I think about how disruptive it can be to lose access to clean water in my own home for a few days and implore the committee to do the same. Imagine it persisting for weeks…months…years. Decades.

The effects on your family. Your children. Your parents and grandchildren, your pets and livestock, your friends and neighbors. 

What has been happening to our fellow West Virginians in the southern Coalfields is an atrocity. And beyond the most important aspect of this — the people directly affected — what does this say about who and what West Virginia is to everyone else watching?

Just last week, I was talking with a development economist from France who moved to the U.S. (not in WV) in 2023, and she, too, was well acquainted with the “water crisis in southern WV,” noting how sad the situation is.

We say all the time, with lots of pride, that we take care of one another here in West Virginia. Let’s prove it.

I urge you to prioritize HB 5585 so that the our neighbors in the West Virginia Coalfields can live in safe and healthy conditions.

I am going to pretty much beg for edibles because I have lung issues and can't smoke and I don't feel as good as I used to from flower and edibles are also convenient around people who don't need to know your personal business. I also pray they make it legal 💪

I strongly support this Bill to fund disaster case management in WV.  There are many families still in need of help with housing repairs and other needs from the flooding and other disasters.  Funding for this bill will allow families to get the help they need!  Please pass this bill!  

Citizens of WV DEMAND YOU TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION to give us clean drinking water!!!!!! We are sick and tired of having to ask for the BARE MINIMUM. DO SOMETHING!!! OUR CHILDREN AND ELDERLY ARE SICK!!! WE WILL REMEMBER YOU IN ELECTIONS. REMEMBER WHO YOU WORK FOR!!!!!!!

Please pass this bill! There are not enough words to explain how desperately we need this bill.

Humans need clean water. Do your damn job and fix it.

Please prioritize funding for childcare. West Virginia has actually decreased the amount when pricing everywhere else is going up and job wages are not. My friend Tiffany Dawn Gale owns a daycare center in Weirton;West Virginia And it is becoming increasingly difficult for working families to pay for childcare. In order to have a thriving economy We need help for parents !

Please, I implore you to fight for this with everything you have. This is a basic human right and it is outrageous that it's even a debate to begin with! Every living thing deserves clean water! Weat Virginia deserves better!

Hi, Im a working mom from Greenbrier County. My son is high needs. We're doing the best we can in the public school system but he still struggles. We need investment in public education and child care. I grew up in WV and care deeply about our communities. We need to invest in flood resilience and water infrastructure to help our communities thrive. I am a hunter and an angler. We need to invest in our public lands because they support our tourism industry. WV has so much potential, but we need our leaders to make smart financial decisions. Please invest in the people and families of WV.

Please, I implore you to fight for this with everything you have. This is a basic human right and it is outrageous that it's even a debate to begin with! Every living thing deserves clean water! Weat Virginia deserves better!

Abortion legislation is not about saving babies, it is about controlling women.