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West Virginia Legislature

87th Legislature

Tag: senator

Member Press Release

Statement from Senate President Randy E. Smith and Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw on Signing of SB 1

“We applaud Governor Patrick Morrisey for putting West Virginia small businesses front and center by making Senate Bill 1, the Small Business Growth Act, the first bill signed into law this year. This new initiative, which is effective immediately, will provide our state’s small business owners with a new way to access capital and will put them on equal footing with several other neighboring states already benefitting from programs just like this one. This bill helps give those small businesses that little boost they need by drawing in private investments to let them expand their efforts when they’re ready, not just when other traditional sources of lending are ready. Small businesses are the backbone of this great state, and we’re proud to be a part of helping to strengthen them statewide.”

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323 and Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Legislature Completes Action on Small Business Growth Act

The West Virginia Legislature today completed action on Senate Bill 1, the Small Business Growth Act, making it the first piece of legislation that will be sent to Governor Patrick Morrisey for action for the 2026 Regular Session.

SB 1, sponsored by Senate President Randy E. Smith, R-Preston, was designed entirely to help West Virginia small businesses take advantage of a tax credit to secure private investment. The bill incorporates most of House Bill 4003, the West Virginia First Small Business Growth Act, to offer a limited tax credit against the West Virginia Insurance Premium Tax to financial institutions that invest in state-certified growth funds. The Department of Commerce would oversee the program to ensure qualification and compliance.

To qualify for the funds, a business must principally operate in West Virginia, have fewer than 250 employees at the time of application, and have at least 60 percent of their workforce in the state.

“This bill shows our small businesses in West Virginia that we’ve got their backs,” Senate President Smith said. “West Virginia has done great work in the past 10 years with its economic development efforts, but I’ve heard from small business owners across the state that they’re hurting, too, and they also need help. They also could benefit from the same kind of investment that large corporations get. Thanks to the hard work of the House of Delegates, we’ve got a bill that will accomplish that.”

Senate President Smith added that this program is modeled after a successful federal program that currently exists in 18 other states.

“We’ve put in safeguards to ensure the taxpayers are protected and their money will not be wasted on bad investments,” Senate President Smith said. “The program requires a capital investment in West Virginia, and we’re allowing private equity to make those investments in private business.”

Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, said he’s eager to see the benefits this bill will bring to West Virginia’s communities.

“I’m really excited about Senate Bill 1 because of the opportunity it will provide exclusively for our small, West Virginia businesses that can benefit from a pool of capital to grow,” Speaker Hanshaw said. “A business in my community that adds five new positions may not make the top story of statewide news, but that is a tangible, lasting impact with ripple effects for our entire economy.”

The 2026 Regular Session ends on Saturday, March 14.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323 and Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Senate President Randy E. Smith Announces Leadership Changes for 2026 Regular Session

CHARLESTON – Senate President Randy E. Smith, R-Preston, today announced several leadership changes ahead of the 2026 Regular Session, which begins at noon Wednesday, January 14.

• Senator Jay Taylor, R-Taylor, has been named President Pro Tempore. He was elected to the Senate in 2022. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and serves as a member of the Confirmation, Education, Energy, Industry and Mining, Health and Human Resources, Interstate Cooperation, Judiciary, Military, and Rules committees.

• Senator Ben Queen, R-Harrison, has been named Senate Majority Whip. He was elected to the Senate in 2022 and previously served in the House of Delegates from 2017 to 2022. He is the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining, and serves as a member of the Agriculture, Finance, Health and Human Resources, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources, and Workforce committees.

• Senator Brian Helton, R-Fayette, has been named Chairman of the Committee on Health and Human Resources. He was elected to the Senate in 2024 and serves as the Chairman of the Select Committee on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Interstate Cooperation. He is a member of the Economic Development, Energy, Industry and Mining, Government Organization, Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees.

• Senator Anne B. Charnock, R-Kanawha, has been named Chairman of the Committee on Confirmations. She was appointed to the Senate in 2025 by Governor Patrick Morrisey. She currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Confirmations, and serves as a member of the Banking and Insurance, Economic Development, Energy, Industry and Mining, Government Organization, and Judiciary committees.

“I’m grateful to these Senators for agreeing to step up and take on new leadership roles as we get started this year,” Senate President Smith said. “These changes put us in a strong position to lead with a strong West Virginia-first agenda, and I am confident that with our new leadership, we will bring monumental change to our citizens. I look forward to the work that each of these Senators will do during our upcoming Regular Session.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Senate President Pro Tempore Donna J. Boley Resigns from West Virginia Senate

Senate President Randy E. Smith, R-Preston, issued the following statement today regarding Senator Boley’s retirement:

“It’s hard to find the words to honor a person like Senator Donna Boley. For more than 40 years, she chose to serve the people of West Virginia with a dedication and energy that few could ever match. She stood as a strong conservative voice in the Senate, even when she was the only conservative voice. Her institutional knowledge and her ability to work with all people – no matter their politics – is an inspiration to us all. She’s truly one of a kind. I’m blessed to not only call her my fellow Senator, but my friend. We will miss her every day, but I am so happy to know my friend Donna will be enjoying her retirement surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she loves so much.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Senate President Randy E. Smith names Senator Robbie Morris Chairman of Committee on Government Organization

CHARLESTON – Senate President Randy E. Smith (R-Preston) has named Senator Robbie Morris (R-Randolph) Chairman of the Committee on Government Organization.

Senator Morris currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Banking and Insurance and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development, and as a member of the Education, Finance, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. He was elected to the Senate in 2024, and he is the Executive Director of the Randolph County Development Authority.

“I am thrilled to have Senator Morris stepping into this new role,” Senate President Smith said. “This committee plays a vital role in overseeing state agency operations, reviewing regulatory matters, and pursuing reforms to make government more efficient, accountable, and responsive to the needs of West Virginians. I look forward to the great work that Senator Morris will accomplish as Chairman.”

Senator Morris replaces Senator Patricia Rucker, who has been named Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee on School Choice.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to Senate President Randy Smith for appointing me as Chairman of the Committee on Government Organization and for trusting me to continue the great work of our previous Chairman, Senator Rucker,” Senator Morris said. “In this position, I am committed to advancing policies that streamline government functions, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, reduce wasteful spending, and ensure our state agencies deliver high-quality services to our citizens. We will work diligently to support economic growth, protect taxpayers, and promote good governance that puts West Virginians first. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow committee members, Senate colleagues, and stakeholders across the state as we tackle these important issues in the upcoming session. Together, we can build a stronger, more efficient and effective government.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Senate President Randy E. Smith Names Senator Patricia Rucker Assistant Majority Leader, Chairman of Committee on School Choice

CHARLESTON – Senate President Randy E. Smith (R-Preston) today announced that Senator Patricia Puertas Rucker (R-Jefferson) has been named Assistant Majority Leader.

“Going into a new session, I knew that I wanted a strong leadership team that would be able to guide us through whatever challenges come our way,” Senate President Smith said. “Senator Rucker’s years of service and experience combined with her expertise in critical policy areas like education make her a natural fit for a role that gives her even more of an opportunity to be a leader.”

As Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Rucker will work with Senate leadership and individual members to prepare and execute their legislative agenda and will assist Senate Majority Leader Patrick Martin (R-Lewis) with floor activities when needed.

“I am honored and happy to do what I can to ensure the West Virginia Senate represents and serves the great people of West Virginia,” Senator Rucker said.

In addition to her new role, Senator Rucker also has been named Chairman of the Committee on School Choice. This committee will focus on the needs of children and families in West Virginia who are pursing educational options outside of the traditional public school environment, including homeschools, microschools, public charter schools, and private and parochial schools.

Senator Rucker also serves on the Agriculture, Government Organization, Health and Human Resources, Judiciary, Rules, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. She previously served as the Chairman of the Committee on Government Organization and the Committee on Education.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Senate President Randy E. Smith Names Senator Tom Willis Chairman of Committee on the Judiciary

Senate President Randy E. Smith (R-Preston) has named Senator Tom Willis (R-Berkeley) Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary. The appointment is effective immediately.

“Judiciary is one of our busiest and most important committees, and I knew that I needed a strong, reliable leader to fill that role,” Senate President Smith said. “His extensive knowledge and background made him a natural fit. I am honored that he was willing to step up and take on this challenge, and I am confident he’s dedicated to making the lives of West Virginians and their families better.”

Senator Willis previously served as the Vice Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary. He also serves as a member of the Government Organization, Health and Human Resources, Interstate Cooperation, Military, and Pensions committees. He was elected to the Senate in 2024. He is an attorney in private practice and a Lieutenant Colonel in the West Virginia National Guard.

Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Statement from Senate President Randy E. Smith on Death of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom

“Like all West Virginians, I was heartbroken to learn about the death of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was so violently killed while serving her country in Washington, D.C. Sarah embodied the very best of what it means to be a citizen-soldier: selfless, courageous, and unwavering in the call to protect others.

The thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt gratitude of a grateful state and nation are with Sarah’s family today and in the difficult days ahead. Her legacy of service will never be forgotten.

May God bless Spc. Beckstrom, may God comfort her family, and may God continue to watch over the brave members of the West Virginia National Guard who stand ready to answer the call at home and abroad.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Statement from Senate President Randy E. Smith on the Passing of Walt Helmick

“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

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Member Press Release

Statement on Behalf of Senate President Randy E. Smith on passing of Justice Tim Armstead

“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

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