Under the Dome

This issue of Under the Dome provides a review of recent Legislative Interim Meetings, updates on the 2018 budget and issues under consideration that affect WVU and higher education.

During November interims, Revenue Secretary Dave Hardy announced that, for the first time in three years, there would be no need for mid-year budget cuts by State agencies. Tax collections are off by just $8 million for the first four months of the fiscal year. Comparatively, at this time last year, the estimates were behind by $87 million.

This issue of Under the Dome provides a review of the final weeks and last day of the regular legislative session. Bills and actions that pertain to WVU, higher education and the State budget are highlighted.

On the last day of session, the House and Senate passed a budget bill — HB 2018. The legislation passed the Senate 22-12 and the House 63-37, mostly along party lines.

This issue of Under the Dome provides a review of the fifth and sixth full weeks of the regular legislative session. Bills and actions that pertain to WVU, higher education and the State budget are highlighted.

Governor Jim Justice visited West Virginia University on March 29 as part of his Save Our State tour. President Gee, Provost McConnell and Dr. Marsh introduced the governor and guest speakers, including DOT Secretary Tom Smith and DHHR Secretary Bill Crouch.

This issue of Under the Dome provides a review of the fourth week of the regular West Virginia legislative session. Bills and actions that pertain to WVU, higher education and the State budget are highlighted.

On February 27, HB 2542 was amended on second reading to add language requiring institutions to provide 30 days’ written notice to the Staff Council and Faculty Senate when a new rule would be proposed. The following day, the bill passed the House 61-38 with one member absent.

Under the Dome is an update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided during the regular legislative session, interim sessions and special sessions for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State and Local Relations. This issue provides a review of the third full week of the regular legislative session.

HB 2542 passed the House Education Committee on Wednesday with minor changes. The bill will be read a third time and up for a vote on Tuesday, February 28. A companion bill, SB 274, was introduced two weeks ago in the State Senate. Details follow on final pages.

Under the Dome is an update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided during the regular legislative session, interim sessions and special sessions for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State and Local Relations. This issue provides a review of the second full week of the regular legislative session.

Following the governor’s State of the State address, detailing his plan to increase tax revenue and eventually eliminate the State’s income tax, the State Senate introduced a bill (SB 335) to overhaul and reform the State’s tax system.

Under the Dome is an update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided during the regular legislative session, interim sessions and special sessions for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State and Local Relations. This issue provides a review of the governor’s State of the State address, the first week of regular session, legislative budget hearings and recent vacancies and appointments.

Using a whiteboard to explain his proposals, metaphors to convey his ideas and no teleprompter of scripted remarks, Governor Jim Justice delivered his first State of the State last Wednesday. The governor spoke primarily of the estimated $500 million budget gap facing the State, and his request for increased revenue and further cuts to fix the problem. The governor proclaimed that his budget was a “responsible” measure that would “generate new revenues, create jobs and invest in the Mountain State’s future.”

Under the Dome is an update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided during the regular legislative session, interim sessions and special sessions for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State and Local Relations. This issue provides a review of recent legislative interim meetings, executive appointments and the gubernatorial transition.

The Legislature held interim meetings from December 4-6 in Charleston.

Under the Dome is an update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided during the regular legislative session, interim sessions and special sessions for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State, Corporate and Local Relations. This issue provides a review of recent interim meetings, budget estimates, gubernatorial appointments and other matters.

Revenue Secretary Bob Kiss announced that State tax collections are $81.2 million short over the past three months. The State expects to take action to close the new shortfall. Possible measures that could be taken are more across-the-board spending cuts, cuts directed at particular agencies, use of one-time funds or withdrawals from the State’s Rainy Day reserve fund or other State accounts.

Under the Dome is an update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided during the regular legislative session, interim sessions and special sessions for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State, Corporate and Local Relations. This issue provides a review of the final budget for FY2017 recently passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor.

The Legislature reconvened on June 11. After three weeks of a stalemate that seemed intractable, a bipartisan deal emerged with support from the governor, Senate and House of Delegates leadership to close the $271 million gap in the FY2017 budget.