Under the Dome

Under the Dome is a weekly update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State, Corporate and Local Relations.

The first full week of the session saw House and Senate committees getting organized, members getting acquainted with staff and laying the groundwork for the work ahead. Consistent with statements made prior to the session, the first full week saw many bills introduced focusing on the topics of improving the business climate of the state, energy issues, legal reform and education.

Under the Dome is a weekly update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State, Corporate and Local Relations.

The 81st Legislature of the State of West Virginia convened on January 14, 2015. For the first time in 80 years, Republicans gained control of both the Senate and the House of Delegates. The Senate elected Bill Cole (R-Mercer) as President, and the House of Delegates elected Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha) as Speaker. Senator Jeff Kessler (D-Marshall) is the Senate Minority Leader, and Delegate Tim Miley (D-Harrison) is the House Minority Leader.