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Member Press Release

Statement on behalf of House Speaker Roger Hanshaw

West Virginia lost a very special person today, and I lost another wonderful friend. Justice Tim Armstead was the very embodiment of the word gentleman. He was kind, thoughtful, smart, encouraging and deeply committed to his family, his faith and his state. He accomplished more than one lifetime’s worth in his short time here. He was a legislator, Speaker of the House and a Supreme Court Justice, but much more than that, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Tim Armstead was my friend, my mentor and a trusted confidant. I will miss him deeply.

Tim was a man of infectious optimism. He saw the good in everything and everybody – good that was too often hard for others, including me, to see. I always admired his near-total ability to forgive and forget, even when others – again, including me – didn’t want him to. Tim Armstead set an example of servant leadership that should inspire not just every public official, but every person.

Tim was a man of deep faith and conviction, not the kind that often appears for political theater, but the kind that shapes the life and true trajectory of honest believers. Over the years I often thought about the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:22, which command us to abstain from the very appearance of evil. In my lifetime I have encountered no person who embodied that virtue more than Tim Armstead. Tim was a man so deeply committed to doing right at all times and in all circumstances that he no doubt disadvantaged himself and his family throughout his career in service of his mission to uphold ethics, integrity and his true belief in what was right.

I will miss Tim Armstead. I will miss the wise counsel he often gave me in times of tough decisions. I will miss the lighthearted jokes he told me when I visited his chambers after a long day on the House floor, and I will miss that no matter whatever else I encountered in my career, I could always take comfort knowing there was a man at the highest levels of service to our society who was guided by nothing more than a sincere desire to do the right thing. Most of all, I will miss my friend. My prayers are with Anna and Tim’s family.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Bill Bell Takes Oath of Office

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Bill Bell of Wetzel County became the newest member of the West Virginia House of Delegates Monday, July 14.

House Clerk Jeff Pack administered the oath of office as Bell’s bride-to-be, Samantha, held a Bible.

Bell was appointed to represent the 8th Delegate District, which is made up of a portion of Doddridge and Tyler counties as well as part of Wetzel County. He will complete the unexpired term of former Delegate David Kelly, R-Tyler.

Bell is a teacher who said he has made several visits to the House Chamber with his students and is looking forward to sharing his experience as a Delegate with his students as well.

“My students are why I’m here,” Bell said.

His committee assignments and contact information will be listed on the West Virginia Legislature’s website at a later date.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Statement on behalf of House Democratic Caucus

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our former colleague and Leader Doug Skaff, Jr. Doug was committed to West Virginia and the values that make us strong as a state. He was full of life and full of ideas. Doug dreamed big and did not hesitate to pursue those dreams, as implausible as some of those dreams may have seemed. He worked (and even traveled) across party lines to work for the betterment of all West Virginians.

Doug was a proud Mountaineer and a true son of West Virginia. He wore his gold and blue with pride representing our state across the nation. He was a colleague, and he was a friend. He was approachable and hard not to like even if you disagreed with him. Doug was a people person – he knew how to mend fences and build bridges. He was intuitive and kind and funny.

Above all, Doug Skaff was a proud father and husband. We hope that the imprint of his love will stay with his children as they grow older. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Marisa, their three boys, his parents, the extended Skaff family and all those who knew and loved him.

We share in the grief of his family and so many West Virginians mourning his loss. He will be deeply missed.

Contact: Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942

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Member Press Release

Statement on behalf of House Speaker Roger Hanshaw

I am sad today. Yesterday our state lost a leader, and I lost a friend. Doug Skaff and I had been friends for over 25 years. We first met as students at WVU when he and I were there together as young men straight out of high school. Even then we would talk about what we thought the state of West Virginia could be and brainstorm ideas for making it happen. It was among the highlights of my professional life having the opportunity to work with him on some of same ideas he and I talked about over 20 years prior.

Doug loved West Virginia. He loved people, and he loved speaking up for what the future could be for us. Doug and I traveled all across the country together. We represented the state together in some of the most high-profile meetings I have ever taken, and we promoted West Virginia to anyone who would listen, all in the name of creating more opportunities for our friends, family and neighbors here in the Mountain State. Doug was a fantastic ambassador for West Virginia, and it was a privilege to share the stage with him when I had the opportunity. However, those aren’t the moments I will remember most about Doug Skaff.

The conversations Doug and I shared over the past decade as we both sought to fulfill a mission in public service always ended the same way, regardless of how they began. No matter the topic, Doug and I eventually always turned to the question of how to promote more communication among people about things that matter, and how we solve the problems that face real people in real communities. Doug was convinced that if people just spent more time together and understood each other better, all the division among people would eventually disappear into the reality of shared struggles and shared beliefs. I believed – and still believe – that he was right.

Doug accomplished a lot in his life, for himself and for others, and he was always quick to talk about plans for the future, how he wanted to improve the state and his community. But his favorite topic, and his proudest accomplishment, was his family. Doug and I never had a conversation without him asking about my family, my wife and our two daughters, and then telling me about the latest in his own family.

West Virginia is better today for the short time we had with Doug Skaff. It was my privilege to know him and work alongside him. Yesterday’s tragic accident stole a leader from our community and our state. West Virginia lost a true champion in Doug Skaff, and I lost a good friend.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Statement on behalf of House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle

There aren’t enough words to describe, or a paper long enough, to hold all the flowers that my friend, my guy, or as he would say “my man!” deserves. Most knew him as Doug, lots called him Skaff, but to me he was “Dougie Fresh.” I called him that partly due to 90s and American Pop Culture nostalgia, but more so because he was one of the coolest people I’ve ever known. We’ve known each other for probably twenty years but became family over the past decade. Not only did I lose a friend, but the state of West Virginia lost a dear friend as well.

I’m sad because this tribute is every bit of forty years too early, and something none of us should have to endure. We had very different upbringings but had similar paths upon entering college, and we were on an inevitable collision course to meet in the real world. I became familiar with him from collegiate circles and one of my mentors turned close mutual friends. I’m not sure what it was but he took an interest in my journey of service beyond friendship when the state was quite more homogenous to say the least. This never went unnoticed, and a new relationship was born. We were way more than lawmakers or friends, we became family.

Doug hosted the only two fundraisers that I’ve had in Charleston. He thought it was important to help position people on his team to give back to the state he loved. That’s just who he was, a team guy. It was hard to find him without a smile on his face, or better yet that smirk with some type of grandiose idea of a lifetime behind it. He was a beacon of light and wanted to make sure he could share some of his sunshine with the people that he cared about. There was never a dull moment in his presence as he was continuously plotting the next adventure.

Over the years, I learned a lot from Dougie, and I told him as much. I can honestly say if it weren’t for some of his guidance and opportunities afforded, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I am eternally grateful for the time we shared and lessons I learned from him. We traveled the country together looking for opportunities to better West Virginia. We discussed our ideal political landscape, had conversations about life and goals, talked about business ventures and projects and took trips together – but most of all we shared our respective infatuation of our sons being the best Boy Dads around.

While I won’t be able to pick your brain anymore or travel with you for our next adventure – and the mere thought of that makes tears come down my face – I promise I’ll keep your name and your vision for a better West Virginia alive. I promise to help Marisa and your boys with anything they might need. I promise to keep chasing my dreams and do it big like you did it. Our relationship is an example of life goals. Two different worlds, two different paths- brought together by love and a common interest in making the world a better place while having fun doing it. Family man, businessman, leader, entrepreneur, socialite and all the other accolades and titles could never serve you justice. You were simply the best champion!

Peace, love, and prayers for comfort to all the Skaff family and friends. A friend shared this with me this morning, and I want to share it as well: Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:23-26

I love you Dougie Fresh, forever and always my man.

Contact: Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942

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Member Press Release

SPEAKER THANKS ALL WHO WORKED TO DONATE BERKELEY CRUISERS

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, offered effusive praise this week to the Berkeley County Commission and all those involved in donating four retired police cruisers to Clay, Mingo and McDowell counties, as well as the town of Kimball.

“These vehicles are still in excellent condition, and Berkeley County’s generosity will help law enforcement operations in these smaller communities, mine included, continue their vital work in a cost-effective manner,” Hanshaw said.

The Commission had decided several years ago to gradually phase out the use of Ford Taurus sedans and shift to a fleet of SUVs for the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department. The donated vehicles were four remaining cars from the fleet. Berkeley County’s process for retired police cruisers is to have them declared as surplus and then either sell them via auction or offer them in kind to other local government entities, which Berkeley County has done a handful of times over the years.

Delegates Michael Hornby, Michael Hite and Chuck Horst, all R-Berkeley, joined Berkeley County Commission Vice President Steve Catlett and County Administrator Gary A. Wine to help deliver the vehicles to their new owners in Charleston Tuesday, May 20.

“The local Delegates really did the work of identifying where there was a need and made the connections for the County Commission,” Hanshaw said. “These are the actions of true public servants at every level, and I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who had a hand in this.”

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Statement on behalf of Speaker Hanshaw

“After recent conversation with Delegate Brandon Steele and in recognition of his need to spend more time focused on matters outside the Capitol building, I’m pleased to name Delegate JB Akers as our Standing Judiciary Committee Chairman for the 87th Legislature while Delegate Jordan Maynor will ably step into the Vice Chairman position. Delegate Akers has acclimated quickly to the legislative process and has shown a thoughtful approach to consensus-building that will serve us well.”

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Speaker Hanshaw Announces Plans for Upcoming 87th Legislature

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, today announced several leadership roles within the West Virginia House of Delegates and a change to the committee format for the upcoming 87th Legislature.

Hanshaw, first elected to the House in 2014, is expected to be elected House Speaker for the fifth time when the House convenes for the 87th Legislature Wednesday, Jan. 8. “Each of the ladies and gentlemen who will come to this building to take the oath of office will do so with the confidence of the 1.8 million West Virginians who are counting on us to chart a course of leadership and progress that will improve their daily lives,” Hanshaw said. “A new Legislature is an opportunity to adjust the foundation we have here to facilitate the work of the House, and we believe the lineup we’ve assembled will bring about new discussions, new approaches and new solutions.”

Returning to the position of Majority Whip will be Delegate Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer. Delegate Matt Rohrbach, R-Cabell, will serve as Speaker Pro Tempore as well as continue to serve as Deputy Speaker, a role Delegate David Kelly, R-Tyler, will take on as well.

Delegate Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock, will serve as House Majority Leader. Several members will serve as Assistant Majority Leaders: Delegates Tom Clark, R-Webster; David Green, R-McDowell; Keith Marple, R-Harrison; Delegate-elect Dave McCormick, R-Monongalia; Erica Moore, R-Roane; Mickey Petitto, R-Harrison; and Elliott Pritt, R-Fayette.

Gearheart will be aided in his role with several Assistant Majority Whips: Delegates Jim Butler, R-Mason; Jordan Bridges, R-Logan; Eric Brooks, R-Raleigh; Dave Foggin, R-Wood; Delegate-elect Sarah Drennan, R-Putnam; and Bill Ridenour, R-Jefferson.

The Conference Chairman role will be filled by Delegate Mike Hornby, R-Berkeley, who will help facilitate majority caucus meetings and policy discussions among Republican members. Delegates John Paul Hott, R-Grant, and Doug Smith, R-Mercer, will return to their roles as Conference Vice Chairmen.

“In addition to a strong blend of new and established leadership, I’m excited to implement a new format for our committee work here in the House,” Hanshaw said. “For far too long, the success rate of a legislative session has been measured by the number of bills passed, and that’s just not the appropriate assessment for what should be a focus on problem-solving.

“We’ve seen that the low-hanging fruits, such as the elimination of the food tax and creation of an Intermediate Court of Appeals, have already been picked after 10 years of a Republican majority. What’s left are the complex, complicated issues that will require a different approach to lawmaking.”

The House will have six standing committees: Health and Human Resources, Energy and Public Works, Finance, Government Organization, Education and Judiciary. The Standing Committee on Finance will have four subcommittees and all other standing committees each will have three subcommittees. The committee process also will see changes.

The Speaker will refer each introduced bill to a standing committee or a subcommittee, and similar to the floor session’s three-day process, a bill going through the committee process may cover three days: Introduction, with agency reviews and comments from the public on day one, markups to the bill on day two and committee votes on day three. Both the subcommittees and standing committees will follow this process.

“Not only did we want to build in specific and predictable steps with appropriate timing for the committee process, but we also wanted to better execute our oversight role,” Hanshaw said. “Not every problem is solved by enacting a new law, and we think regular discussions with Executive Branch agencies will give all of us a better understanding of the challenges, successes and resources out there in every corner of our state.”

The Standing Committee on Finance will be led by Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, with Delegate Clay Riley, R-Harrison, serving as Vice Chair. Its Subcommittee on Revenue will be led by Gearheart as its Chairman and Delegate Chuck Horst, R-Berkeley, as Vice Chair. Delegate Trenton Barnhart, R-Pleasants, will be Chairman of the Banking and Insurance Subcommittee and Delegate Walter Hall, R-Kanawha, will be the Vice Chair. The Investments Subcommittee will have Delegate Jarred Cannon, R-Putnam, as Chairman and Delegate-elect Ray Canterbury, R-Greenbrier, as Vice Chair. The Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman will be Hott and Roy Cooper, R-Summers, will serve as its Vice Chair.

Delegate Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, will serve as Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Judiciary and Delegate JB Akers, R-Kanawha, will be its Vice Chair. The Courts Subcommittee will be led by Delegate Phil Mallow, R-Marion, as its Chairman and Delegate Andy Shamblin, R-Kanawha, as Vice Chair. Delegate Buck Jennings, R-Preston, will serve as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee and Delegate Bryan Ward, R-Hardy, as its Vice Chairman. Delegate Laura Kimble, R-Harrison, will lead the Legal Services Subcommittee as its Chairman and Delegate Josh Holstein, R-Boone, will serve as its Vice Chair.

Delegate Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, will serve as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Health and Human Resources. Delegate Michael Hite, R-Berkeley, will be its Vice Chair. The Public Health Subcommittee will be led by Delegate Scot Heckert, R-Wood, and Vice Chairman Geno Chiarelli, R-Monongalia. Delegate Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, will be Chairman of the Human Services Subcommittee with Delegate Margitta Mazzocchi, R-Logan, serving as its Vice Chair. The Health Care Regulation Subcommittee will have Delegate Dean Jeffries, R-Kanawha, serving as Chairman and Delegate Adam Vance, R-Wyoming, as its Vice Chair.

The Standing Committee on Government Organization will be led by Delegate Chris Phillips, R-Barbour, as its Chairman and Doug Smith, R-Mercer, as Vice Chair. Its Subcommittee on Government Administration will have Delegate Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason, as its Chairman and Delegate Mark Dean, R-Mingo, as its Vice Chair. The Subcommittee on Local Governments will be led by Chairman Dana Ferrell, R-Kanawha, and Vice Chairman Mike DeVault, R-Marion. The Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism Subcommittee will be led by Delegate Wayne Clark, R-Jefferson, as its Chairman and Delegate Patrick Lucas, R-Cabell, as its Vice Chair. The Standing Committee on Education will be led by Chairman Joe Ellington, R-Mercer, and Delegate Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, will serve as its Vice Chair. The Delegate Chris Toney, R-Raleigh, will serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Public Education and Delegate Jeff Campbell, R-Greenbrier, as its Vice Chair. Delegate Lori Dittman, R-Braxton, will be Chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee with Delegate Jimmy Willis, R-Brooke, serving as its Vice Chair. Delegate Kathie Hess-Crouse will serve as Chairman of the Educational Choice Subcommittee and Delegate Mike Hornby, R-Berkeley, as its Vice Chair.

Delegate Bill Anderson, R-Wood, will be Chairman of the Standing Committee on Energy and Public Works with Delegate Mark Zatezalo, R-Hancock, serving as its Vice Chair. Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher, R-Wood, will serve as Chairman of the Energy and Manufacturing Subcommittee with Delegate George Street, R-Preston, as its Vice Chair. The Economic Development Subcommittee will be led by Chairman Gary Howell, R-Mineral, and Vice Chairman Jordan Maynor, R-Raleigh. Chairman Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, will lead the Environment and Infrastructure Subcommittee with Delegate Rick Hillenbrand, R-Hampshire, serving as its Vice Chair.

“We know this will be a big adjustment for a lot of us, especially our staff and the public, but we are optimistic about this approach, which we think will be easier to follow and will lead to a more solution-oriented approach to lawmaking,” Hanshaw said.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Delegate Darren Thorne Appointed to Fill Fifteenth District Vacancy


CHARLESTON – Governor Jim Justice has selected Delegate Darren Thorne, R-Hampshire, to fill the vacancy in the 15th Senatorial District. The 15th Senatorial District includes Hampshire and Morgan Counties and part of Berkeley County.

He replaces Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Trump, R-Morgan, who resigned earlier this month to begin his transition to serve as a newly elected justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.

Delegate Thorne is a farmer who was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2022 and re-elected in 2024. He is a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Banking and Insurance, Economic Development and Tourism, and Education committees.

“I’m honored that Governor Justice has chosen me to be the next Senator from the 15th District,” Thorne said. “I have greatly enjoyed my time in the House of Delegates, and I look forward to serving both my current constituents in Hampshire County and my new constituents in Morgan and Berkeley counties in this new role. I look forward to this opportunity and working with Senate leadership to help move West Virginia forward.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Joe Funkhouser Takes Oath of Office

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Joe Funkhouser became the newest member of the West Virginia House of Delegates Monday, Oct. 21.

Funkhouser, a fourth-generation Jefferson County resident, was appointed to serve the 98th Delegate District, which is made up of a portion of Jefferson County. He will complete the unexpired term of former Delegate Paul Espinosa, R-Jefferson.

Clissy Funkhouser, the new Delegate’s mother, held a Bible as House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, administered the oath of office. She said the day was especially meaningful because he’ll be continuing the legacy of her husband, the late Randy Funkhouser, who worked closely with lawmakers and community leaders throughout the years to advocate for farmland preservation as well as protecting and enhancing the Thoroughbred industry. She said he would be proud to see their son stepping up to public service in such a big way.

Joe Funkhouser is an attorney practicing civil litigation and currently completing the Continuing Legal Education requirements to serve as guardian ad litem.

“The Eastern Panhandle Bar Association put out a call to have more attorneys serving in these roles because we have such a dire shortage, and I know it will help me to even better understand our foster care system,” he said. “I’m eager to get to work in the Legislature on ways to make West Virginia an even more wonderful place to live, work, raise a family and retire.”

Funkhouser has served as a board member for the Jefferson County Farmland Protection Board, Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Charles Town Racetrack Chaplaincy and West Virginia Racing United.

His committee assignments and contact information will be listed on the West Virginia Legislature’s website at a later date.

Contact: Ann Ali (304) 340-3323

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