Under the Dome is an update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided during the regular legislative session and interim sessions for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State, Local and Corporate Relations. This issue provides an overview of the 82nd Legislature’s interim sessions and appointments to state boards and commissions.
Since adjourning on March 14, 2015, the Legislature has met for two interim sessions on April 13-14 and June 7-8.
Under the Dome is a weekly update on actions and activities of the West Virginia Legislature, provided during the legislative session for West Virginia University faculty and staff by WVU’s Office of State, Local and Corporate Relations. This issue provides a wrap-up of bills and actions during the session.
The first session of the 82nd Legislature finished on March 14, 2015. During this session, leadership in both the Senate and the House of Delegates changed from Democratic control to Republican control. This session saw the passage of a number of high-profile pieces of legislation, many of which were themed around projobs, pro-economic development, pro-education and legal reform. Higher education institutions saw several pieces of legislation pass that provide them with increased flexibility and address issues that have caused problems on campus.
Gee mail hits the road again - this time under the gold-and-blue 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.
"Cross-Over Day" was March 4. This refers to a point in the legislative session in which a bill must pass its house of origin in order to continue through the legislative process. Of the 1,607 bills introduced this session, 376 made it through cross-over day.
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 Senate passed SB 435, which gives WVU, Marshall and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine more authority to invest assets through their respective Foundations. The bill is now under consideration by the House of Delegates.
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.
SB 361 passed the Senate this week and addresses prevailing wage in West Virginia. Currently, prevailing wage is calculated by the West Virginia Division of Labor (DOL). Under the new compromise version of this bill, the task of calculation is transferred from the DOL to WorkForce West Virginia. WorkForce West Virginia will receive assistance from economists at West Virginia University and Marshall University. This is a positive opportunity for WVU faculty to be a resource to the West Virginia Legislature. This bill also exempts projects under $500,000 from prevailing wage rates.
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.
More than 40 members of the Legislature and staff attended WVU’s first "Lunch & Learn" session on February 4. Dr. Gene Cilento, dean of the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, and Dr. Brian Anderson, director of the WVU Energy Institute and associate professor of chemical engineering for the Statler College, spoke about energy issues, highlighting some of the ongoing academic and research projects at WVU.
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.
WVU joined other West Virginia colleges and universities for Higher Education Day at the Legislature on Jan. 27. West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee and other institution presidents participated in ceremonial events with the Governor, the Senate and the House of Delegates. Wildlife Biologist Ann Anderson, from the Environmental Research Center of the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, was on hand to demonstrate and explain a watershed model.
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.