Tag: craigblair

“We’d like to thank the Governor’s Office, Department of Human Services Secretary Cynthia Persily, State Superintendent Michele Blatt, and Maj. Jim Mitchell from the West Virginia State Police for their efforts today to update the public and the media about this heartbreaking situation that occurred in Boone County.

What has become apparent above everything else is that this child was failed by her local network of safety nets. Through a series of circumstances, she became lost in the system, and she tragically lost her life. As Legislators, we have an obligation to protect our most vulnerable citizens, especially our children.

This case has highlighted that our current system of checks and balances has cracks. To that end, we will work with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Education, the Department of Human Services, and the State Police to discuss ways that we, legislatively, can improve our regulations related to homeschooled children to ensure that no children suffer this same outcome.

We encourage our colleagues in the House of Delegates to sit down with us as we start working toward these plans. We must act quickly to ensure that something of this magnitude doesn’t happen again.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

“I was shocked to learn of the passing of our former colleague and dear friend, Bob Ashley. Bob’s long and dedicated service to Roane County and the state of West Virginia is a testament to the love he had for this state and its people. That love, of course, was secondary to the love he had for his wife, sons, and grandchildren. On behalf of the Senate, we extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, and we will keep them in our prayers as they come together to remember this life well lived.” — Senate President Craig Blair (R-Berkeley)

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

Though he may be most remembered for his public service as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Justice McGraw proudly served the people of Wyoming County as their Senator, and he never forgot his deep, proud southern West Virginia roots. On behalf of the entire West Virginia Senate, I send my prayers to the family and friends former Senate President Warren McGraw during their time of sorrow.”

This morning, we join with West Virginians across the state as we mourn the tragic death of West Virginia State Trooper Sgt. Cory Maynard.

Senate President Craig Blair issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Wyoming County Senator Billy Wayne Bailey:

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Senate passed 23 bills during the first day of the 2023 Regular Session, getting a jump start on many of the state’s most challenging issues including addressing the hospital reimbursement rate for PEIA and restructuring the Department of Health and Human Resources.

“Today, I join with all West Virginians in mourning the death of a true American hero. Woody Williams represented the best of West Virginia – a love for his family, a sense of service to his country, and a dedication to honoring our veterans.”