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January 5, 2024 Edition

In Review

Under the Dome delivers a review of issues being considered by the West Virginia Legislature. It provides information on matters that affect WVU and higher education, as well as other hot topics being addressed that impact the Mountain State and its citizens. This edition includes a preview of the upcoming regular session of the 86th Legislature and potential priorities during the Governor’s State of the State address.

The Budget

Governor Justice will deliver his State of the State on January 10, the first day of the regular session of the Legislature. Lawmakers will gavel in at noon that day to begin their 60 days of work. In his remarks, the Governor will unveil his priorities and requests for the Fiscal Year 2025 State budget. Current revenue estimates have the State at more than $400 million in surplus, after projections in the first two quarters came in ahead of estimates.
 
Last fiscal year, the State budget had a record $1.8 billion surplus. Using surplus monies, the Legislature appropriated more than $200 million for higher education deferred maintenance and $50 million for the WVU Cancer Institute to achieve National Cancer Institute designation.

Legislative Calendar

Wednesday, January 10                 First Day of Session
Monday, January 22                      Tourism Day at the Capitol
Tuesday, January 30                      WVU and WVU Extension Day at the Capitol
Tuesday, February 13                    Last Day to Introduce Bills in the House
Friday, February 16                       Adventure Travel Day at the Capitol
Monday, February 19                    Monongalia County Day at the Capitol
Monday, February 19                    Last Day to Introduce Bills in the Senate
Thursday, February 22                  Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol
Sunday, February 25                     Bills Due Out of Committees of Origin
Wednesday, February 28              Final Day to Consider Bills on Third Reading
Thursday, February 29                  Arts Day at the Capitol
Saturday, March 9                         Last Day of Session

More Information

To learn more about the Legislature, including district maps, committee assignments, bill tracking and a summary of daily activities, please visit wvlegislature.gov/.

To learn more about WVU’s government relations and legislative initiatives, please visit governmentrelations.wvu.edu or contact Travis Mollohan, associate vice president for government relations and collaboration, at travis.mollohan@mail.wvu.edu.