Welcome
Under the Dome is an update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature. It is provided during the regular legislative session and interim sessions for West Virginia University faculty and staff by the WVU Office of State, Corporate and Local Relations.
This issue provides a preview of the upcoming session of the 82nd Legislature, legislative vacancies and appointments, and dates of interest for the 2016 session.
Interims
Since adjourning on March 14, 2015, the Legislature has met five times for interim sessions on April 13-14, June 7-8, September 13-14, October 18-19 and November 15-16.
During November interims, Carolyn Long, WVU Tech president, and staff from the Office of State, Corporate and Local Relations met with several legislators and committee staff to continue our discussion on the Beckley campus and WVU Tech.
Vacancies and Appointments
Four members have recently resigned from the West Virginia Legislature.
Delegate Amanda Pasdon (R-Monongalia) stepped down on December 31. She served as chair of the House Education Committee. Delegate Linda Goode Phillips (D-Wyoming) also resigned on December 31. She was first elected to the House in 2008. Senator Daniel Hall (R-Wyoming) stepped down on January 3. He served as Senate Majority Whip and chair of the Agriculture and Labor committees. Delegate Harry Keith White (D-Mingo) resigned on January 5. White served as House majority leader from 2013 to 2015. The governor will appoint their replacements.
Delegate Paul Espinosa (R-Jefferson) was appointed by Speaker Tim Armstead as Chair of the House Education Committee.
State of the State
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will deliver his final State of the State address on Wednesday, January 13, at 7 p.m. in the House Chamber. The governor is expected to address several topics, including PEIA and the budget.
WVU at the Capitol
Travis Mollohan and Rocco Fucillo, both from WVU’s Office of State, Corporate and Local Relations, will represent WVU at the Capitol during the 60-day session. They will answer questions, monitor progress of issues and bills and help to coordinate requests from legislators and legislative staff that would involve WVU.
If you, your colleagues or your students are planning to make a visit or presentation on behalf of WVU, please contact Travis or Rocco before you go. They can facilitate your visit and ensure that all WVU efforts are coordinated – to create a stronger presence and unified voice.
Contact info: Travis Mollohan (tmolloh1@mail.wvu.edu) and Rocco Fucillo (rsfucillo@mail.wvu.edu).
Increased Security at the Capitol
Starting on January 8, visitors to the Capitol must enter through security checkpoints located at the West Wing and East Wing entrances. For more information, including a helpful map, please see the Charleston GazetteMail’s article on the enhanced security.
Important Dates
- First Day of Regular Legislative Session: Wednesday, January 13, 2016
- Monongalia County Day at the Capitol: Wednesday, January 13, 2016
- Higher Education Day at the Capitol: Tuesday, January 19, 2016
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol: Wednesday, January 27, 2016
- WVU and WVU Extension Day at the Capitol: Friday, February 19, 2016
- Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol: Thursday, February 25, 2016
- Last Day of Regular Legislative Session: Saturday, March 12, 2016
More Information
To learn more about the Legislature, including district maps, bill tracking, committee assignments and a daily summary of legislative activities, please visit www.legis.state.wv.us/index.cfm.
To learn more about WVU’s legislative initiatives, please visit governmentrelations.wvu.edu.