Tag: senator

“Walt was a dynamic public servant who spent his entire career dedicated to serving the people of West Virginia and his beloved Pocahontas County. Whether as a Senator, the state’s Commissioner of Agriculture, or as a Pocahontas County Commissioner, he served with a heart toward doing the best for West Virginia. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rita, and their family during this time of mourning.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

“I was so saddened today to hear of the passing of my friend, Justice Tim Armstead. When I was first elected to the House of Delegates, he set an example of honesty, integrity, faith and service that was second to none. He was an example of leadership with grace, a man who had a deep faith in God, and loved his family with all of his heart. All who were blessed to call him a friend and colleague are better people because of him. My heart is with his family during their time of grief, and I pray they find comfort in our Lord’s arms.” – Senate President Randy E. Smith (R-Preston)

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

CHARLESTON – Senate President Randy E. Smith, R-Preston, affirmed his commitment to ensure that the Legislature continues to dedicate adequate funding to maintain our state’s highways, bridges, and secondary roads.

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a series of reforms for the Department of Transportation this week focused on reducing the agency’s administrative and new construction costs and shifting the focus to maintenance of existing roads and highways.

“I commend the Governor for addressing the longstanding problems that have plagued the DOH with a plan that cuts bureaucracy and puts money where it belongs – directly into the roads,” Senate President Smith said. “A safe and reliable transportation infrastructure is critical to West Virginia families and essential for our businesses, and the Senate will continue to prioritize improving the conditions of our roads.”

Senate President Smith also praised the Governor’s pledge to offer more transparency and accountability with the Department’s spending and projects.

“We devote hundreds of millions of dollars every year to our roads, and it can be a little frustrating to us and to the people of West Virginia when they don’t feel like they see any of that money being put to good use,” Senate President Smith said. “Being able to go online and get this information quickly will allow us to prove that the taxpayers are being respected and we are managing those transportation dollars responsibly.”

To view a list of bridges and roads that are set to be repaired for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year, visit https://transportation.wv.gov/Pages/WVDOT-Projects.aspx.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

“I was shocked to hear the terrible news of the loss of Doug Skaff this evening. I had the honor of serving with Doug in the House of Delegates and while we may have been on opposite sides of the aisle — and often on opposite sides of an issue — he always treated me with kindness and respect and with the spirit of wanting to find the best solution for West Virginia. He was a hard worker, a good friend, and an amazing father to his three sons. We will all be keeping his family in our prayers while they deal with this unthinkable tragedy.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

CHARLESTON – Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, today announced his leadership team and Major Committee chairmen and vice-chairmen for the upcoming 2025 Regular Session. The newly chosen leadership team assumed their responsibilities upon being sworn in on January 8.

Senator Patrick Martin, R-Lewis, will serve as Majority Leader. He represents the 12th Senatorial District and was first elected to the Senate in 2020. He previously served two terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Senator Jay Taylor, R-Taylor, will serve as Majority Whip. He represents the 14th Senatorial District and was elected to the Senate in 2022.

“I’m proud of the team we have put together for the upcoming session,” Senate President Smith said. “I knew that I wanted fresh perspectives and a new approach to how we work as a team to address the challenges that are facing West Virginia. Each one of our committee chairmen and vice chairmen brings a unique perspective to the table, and I am very excited about the work that we will accomplish together.”

Major committee leadership is as follows:

Finance

Chairman – Senator Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley

Vice-Chairman – Senator Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh

Judiciary

Chairman – Senator Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha

Vice-Chairman – Senator Tom Willis, R-Berkeley

Education

Chairman – Senator Amy Nichole Grady, R-Mason

Vice-Chairman – Senator Charles Clements, R-Wetzel

Health and Human Resources

Chairman – Senator Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio

Vice-Chairman – Senator Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier

Government Organization

Chairman – Senator Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson

Vice-Chairman – Senator Jack David Woodrum, R-Summers

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

CHARLESTON – Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, today announced leadership for all remaining Senate committees for the 2025 Regular Session.

For the 87th Legislature, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will be split into two separate committees. In addition, Senate President Smith has authorized the creation of the Select Committee on Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

“Our Senate committees focus on issues that touch the lives of every West Virginian,” Senate President Smith said. “I am lucky to have such a variety of members with vast experiences willing to step up and assume these roles, and I look forward to getting our hard work started.”

Committee leadership is as follows:

Energy, Industry and Mining

Chairman – Senator Chris Rose, R-Monongalia

Vice-Chairman – Senate Ben Queen, R-Harrison

Economic Development

Chairman – Senator Glenn Jeffries, R-Putnam

Vice-Chairman – Senator Robbie Morris, R-Randolph

Banking and Insurance

Chairman – Senator Mike Azinger, R-Wood

Vice-Chairman – Senator Robbie Morris, R-Randolph

Military

Chairman – Senator Ryan Weld, R-Brooke

Vice-Chairman – Senator Scott Fuller, R-Wayne

Transportation

Chairman – Senator Mark Maynard, R-Wayne

Vice-Chairman – Senator Jay Taylor, R-Taylor

Pensions

Chairman – Senator Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia

Agriculture

Chairman – Senator Craig Hart, R-Mingo

Vice-Chairman – Senator Darren Thorne, R-Hampshire

Natural Resources

Chairman – Senator Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur

Vice-Chairman – Senator Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier

Workforce

Chairman – Senator Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh

Vice-Chairman – Senator Jack David Woodrum, R-Summers

Confirmations

Chairman – Senator Donna Boley, R-Pleasants

Vice-Chairman – Senator Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio

Enrolled Bills

Chairman – Senator Jack David Woodrum, R-Summers

Vice-Chairman – Senator Scott Fuller, R-Wayne

Rules

Chairman – Senator Randy Smith, R-Preston

Vice-Chairman – Senator Patrick Martin, R-Lewis

Select Committee on Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Chairman – Senator Brian Helton, R-Fayette

Vice-Chairman – Senator Ryan Weld, R-Brooke

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

CHARLESTON – Senate President-elect Randy Smith, R-Preston, today announced the selection of Senator Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for the 87th Legislature, which begins on January 8, 2025.

Senator Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, will serve as Vice Chairman. Senate President-Elect Smith noted that his background and expertise will help provide a full perspective on the management of West Virginia’s budgeting and finance needs.

“The Finance Committee does some of the hardest work and heaviest lifting in the Legislature, and it’s a tough job,” Senator Smith said. “I knew I wanted a fresh set of eyes and a strong ability to work with all of our state agencies to take a hard look at our state’s revenues and expenses, and I am confident in Senator Barrett’s ability to take on this task.”

Senate President-elect Smith said that Senator Barrett’s experience as a job creator and small business owner and manager gives him the kind of experience he needs to ensure our state’s budget and finances maintain their health.

“As a person who signs the front of a paycheck, Senator Barrett knows that budgeting and operating within your means isn’t an option,” Senator Smith said. “As a person who is deeply involved in his community, he’s also aware of the critical needs our state has, especially when it comes to infrastructure. He will be able to bring both of these skill sets to the table and ensure West Virginia’s tax dollars are spent wisely and responsibly.”

Senate President-elect Smith also said he looks forward to Senator Barrett continuing the work that outgoing Senate Finance Committee Chairman Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, has done during his service as Chairman.

“Senator Tarr did an outstanding job as our Finance Committee Chairman, and because of his vision, planning, and execution, we were able to secure record-breaking surpluses and provide historic personal income tax cuts to our citizens,” Senator Smith said. “I am grateful to him for his service and thank him for his leadership.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

CHARLESTON – Senate President-Elect Randy Smith, R-Preston, today announced the selection of Senator Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, a former United States Attorney under President Trump, as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee for the 87th Legislature, which begins on January 8, 2025.

Incoming Senator Tom Willis, R-Berkeley, will serve as Vice Chairman. Willis, an attorney from Hedgesville, is a Special Forces Green Beret veteran and Lieutenant Colonel in the West Virginia National Guard.

“We needed to find a leader who was not afraid to stand up for the people of West Virginia,” Senator Smith said. “It was a pretty easy choice considering the background Senator Stuart brings to the team. Not only has he served under President Trump, but he has taken on major issues like the opioid epidemic and has been a staunch advocate for transparency in our government.”

Senate President-elect Smith said Senator Stuart’s extensive experience in the legal field and a proven track record of dedication to his constituents makes him an ideal fit for the role. In addition, he said Senator Stuart’s ability to navigate complex legal matters and provide valuable leadership in shaping legislation that will positively impact the citizens of West Virginia will be critical in the upcoming session.

“The Chairman’s deep understanding of legal issues, coupled with a steadfast commitment to serving the public interest, makes him a natural choice for this crucial role,” Senator Smith said.

In assuming the chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Stuart will play a pivotal role in shaping the legislative agenda and helping to reduce government overreach, ensuring that West Virginia citizens and businesses will face fewer barriers. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and cooperation, Senator Stuart will be committed to fostering a legislative environment where the voices of all West Virginians are heard and respected, Senate President-elect Smith said.

“I look forward to working closely with Chairman Stuart and Vice Chairman Willis to advance the welfare of the residents of West Virginia and uphold the values that define our great state,” Senator Smith said.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999