Statement on Behalf of Senate President Blair
Senate President Craig Blair issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Wyoming County Senator Billy Wayne Bailey:
Tag: president
Senate Tackles PEIA, DHHR on Day One of 2023 Regular Session
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.
Senate President Craig Blair Names Senator Amy Grady Chairman of Education Committee
CHARLESTON – Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, today announced that Senator Amy Nichole Grady, R-Mason, has been named Chairman of the Education Committee.
Statement from Senate President Craig Blair on passing of World War II Medal of Honor Recipient Woody Williams
“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.”
Senate President Blair Praises Owens & Minor for Plan to Locate Facility in Morgantown
CHARLESTON – Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, praised today’s announcement by global health care solutions company Owens & Minor of their plan to locate a health care products and preparedness center in Morgantown.
Senate President Blair Praises GreenPower Investment in West Virginia
CHARLESTON – Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, today welcomed GreenPower Motor Company Inc.’s announcement of their agreement with the state to locate a manufacturing facility in South Charleston.
Statements from Senate President Craig Blair, former Senate Presidents Carmichael and Cole on passing of former Senator Sue Cline
“I was shocked to learn this morning of the passing of former Senator Sue Cline. Sue was one of the most dedicated members I have ever served with in the West Virginia Legislature. She was a fighter and a tireless advocate for the families of her district. Her love of her state and her country were second to none. My thoughts and prayers are with her family as they remember and celebrate her life in the coming days.” — Senate President Craig Blair
Statement from Senate President Craig Blair regarding West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals
“Today is an outstanding day for West Virginia’s legal system and another step forward in making our state the ideal place for job creators and families alike. The creation of an Intermediate Court of Appeals has been a goal of mine for several years, and I am excited to see it become a reality today.
Statement from Senate President Craig Blair regarding pay raise for state employees
“Our state employees have been a major part of helping us rebuild West Virginia’s economy. Without their dedication, especially throughout the last two years, there is no way our state would be seeing the kind of growth, prosperity, and success that we have.”
Senate Leadership Praises Nomination of Dr. Gupta to Lead Office of National Drug Control Policy
CHARLESTON – Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, today congratulated Dr. Rahul Gupta for his nomination to serve as President Joe Biden’s Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Gupta, who formerly served as commissioner and state health officer for the State of West Virginia, would be the first physician to lead the Office of National Drug Control Policy should he be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
“This is outstanding news for West Virginia, and for the entire country,” Senate President Blair said. “Dr. Gupta is a world-class advocate for public health. His leadership was critical in West Virginia’s fight against the opioid epidemic, and his guidance was critical as we developed new policies to protect and support our families who experience substance abuse disorder. I look forward to the great things our country will accomplish in this fight under his leadership.”
The Senate unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 24 during the 2021 Regular Session, which urged President Biden to appoint Dr. Gupta to the role. Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, who is a physician, was the lead sponsor.
“I’m ecstatic to learn that Dr. Gupta has been nominated to lead this office,” Senator Takubo said. “Dr. Gupta is truly a bipartisan, nonpolitical person, whose interests are pure. If he’s able to accomplish even a fraction of what he did for West Virginia in his new federal role, the United States will really be headed in a positive direction with handling the opioid epidemic.”
Senator Mike Maroney, R-Marshall, a physician who serves as chairman of the Health Committee, also praised the nomination.
“Dr. Gupta is known for his expertise and approach to tackling this tremendous crisis that’s gripping both our state and our country, and that’s through science and statistics to study the big picture,” Senator Maroney said. “His ability to study substance abuse disorder not as a single-issue problem, but a multi-layer problem with numerous causes, effects, and stages for intervention, will be critical as the United States continues to fight this epidemic into the future.”
Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999