Inside West Virginia Politics

In Segment 1, State Director of AARP West Virginia Gaylene Miller talks about the organization’s legislative agenda for 2021. She says one of their biggest concerns this year is a bill that would limit the liability of nursing homes and businesses such as restaurants where someone may have contracted COVID-19.Miller says their main issue with the bill is that it would give nursing homes, assisted living and other residential care facilities a “blanket immunity for COVID-19.” She says the reason the bill poses a problem is the residents are in a “unique position” because the facilities are their homes and many of them are more vulnerable to the virus.She says they are also watching the state budget to make sure services for senior citizens stay fully funded.In Segment 2, State Senate Majority Whip, Senator Ryan Weld (R-Brooke) tells us more about the bill that could limit or eliminate the liability of COVID-19 for businesses.Weld, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says legislators across the country

In Segment 1, House of Delegates Majority Leader Amy Summers (R-Taylor County) joins us to talk about tax reform and the conversation of possibility eliminating the state income tax. She says if the tax were eliminated or phased out, it would bring more people to the Mountain State and put more money in the pockets of those who are already here.Summers also says the Education Savings Account, which would allow parents to set aside money for their child’s education, tax-free, and possibly send them to private school. The controversial topic has been brought up by the legislature before, but Summers says this time it’s the parents starting the conversation.In Segment 2, State Senate Minority Whip Mike Woelfel (D-Cabell) weighs in on the importance the legislature is placing on tax reform and how the state needs a plan to make up revenue lost for any repealed taxes. Woelfel says he thinks the legislature’s first order of business, however, should be financial relief in the pandemic, especially for the small busi

In Segment 1, President of the West Virginia State Senate and Lieutenant Governor Craig Blair (R-Berkeley) stops by ahead of the state’s legislative session.Blair talks about the possibility of phasing out the state’s income tax as part of the upcoming session. He says if the tax is eliminated, there is no defined timeline and it could still take several years to fully remove the tax. He says eliminating the tax would help bring people to the Mountain State rather than seeing them move to states that already have no income tax.The senate president also praises Governor Jim Justice’s decision to appoint his predecessor Mitch Carmichael to an economic development position in the governor’s office. He says he believes the decision was the best choice due to Carmichael’s background in broadband.In Segment 2, continuing to gear up for the legislative session, we hear from Senate Minority Leader Stephen Baldwin (D-Greenbrier County) on what the party is hoping to see come out of the session. He says they are lookin

In Segment 1, Autumn Long, West Virginia Program Director for Solar United Neighbors discusses the potential benefits of bringing solar energy to West Virginia. The national nonprofit, also known as SUN, is an advocate for solar energy.Long says bringing solar energy to the Mountain State would help diversify the state’s energy economy and maintain West Virginia’s relevance as an energy-producing state. She says West Virginia has an opportunity to be part of a changing energy economy where renewable resources are coming to the forefront as a generation source for clean sustainable energy production.She says for businesses, such as Dickenson Saltworks in Malden, which switched to solar energy in 2020, going solar can be a return on investment that saves money in the long run.In Segment 2, we hear from the State Director of the Sierra Club for West Virginia Karan Ireland. She says having a new federal administration that wants to move more toward renewable energy provides a huge opportunity in regard to climate

In Segment 1, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice talks about being sworn into a second term in office and how the Mountain State leads the nation in distributing and administering COVID-19 vaccines.The governor shares the importance of bringing more COVID-19 vaccines to the Mountain State and how quickly the state has been putting its current supply into the arms of the people, especially the elderly. He also talks about bringing students back to the classroom while keeping both the kids and the teachers safe. Justice says it was important to return to in-person learning to help students struggling with online learning and potential problems at home.In Segment 2, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice returns to talk about broadband and the income tax.Justice says a major goal of his second term is to “blanket the state” in broadband, especially after the pandemic has shown the need for better, more reliable access to broadband in the state through online learning, telehealth and telework.The governor says the po

In Segment 1, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) discusses the second impeachment of then-President Donald Trump. He says while he does agree Trump’s actions leading up to riots at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6 are impeachable, but that it is the wrong timing and that he felt the focus should first be on the transition of power to the new administration.He says it is also important to first remove doubts that Joe Biden won the election and to prove to Americans the election was fair and secure.Manchin also clarifies his thoughts on future stimulus checks are not against stimulus checks, but that the checks should be targeted to those who need help the most.In Segment 2, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) returns to talk about rebuilding the government after several secretaries resigned following riots at the U.S. Capitol. He also says a top priority needs to be getting vaccinations for COVID-19 in people’s arms.“We’ve got to do everything we can to get people a mind set of ‘I’m safe’,” Mancin said.He also talks about the

In Segment 1, Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Evan Jenkins discusses the plans for what they’re calling the New Court. He says they hope to continue moving forward from the “problems of the past,” and continue the work of the past two years to bring back the public’s trust and confidence through accountability and transparency from the Court.He says even amid the pandemic, the court was never able to fully close, providing access to those in emergency situations. Jenkins says learning to use technology to provide new means of accessing the court can also be used in the future.In Segment 2, we switch gears from politics to pandemic. Reverend Matthew Watts of Grace Baptist Church talks about the importance of getting the vaccine out to minority groups in the state.Watts has been an advocate for providing COVID-19 testing to minority communities throughout the pandemic, as studies have shown minorities are two to three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the rest of the popula

On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, reporters from around the state join our host and Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis for an annual “free for all” to discuss the top stories of 2020.Reporters weighing in include Brad McElhinny of WV Metro News, Joe Stevens of WMOV Radio, WOWK 13 News Morning Anchor Lily Bradley and Steven Allen Adams of Ogden Newspapers.In Segment 1, we discuss the biggest story of the year – the COVID-19 pandemic. Our guests discuss how West Virginia has handled the crisis in comparison to other states, highlighting how West Virginia took precautions early before the virus reached the state and how health officials made it easier for West Virginians to get tested for COVID-19.We also take a moment to remember two tragedies in the Mountain State. First, the murders of seven veterans at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg. An unlicensed “nursing aid,” Reta Mays pleaded guilty to those murders and will be sentenced in February. We also remember 28-year

In Segment 1, Bishop Michie Klusmeyer of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia talks about having hope in the Christmas season and how important holding on to hope has been throughout the pandemic.Klusmeyer says while churches are going virtual, it’s a time when people are more connected with people from across the world joining local churches on live-streamed services and yet more isolated. He says this Christmas and Advent season is a time to be quiet and listen to the voice of God for comfort.In Segment 2, Joe Stevens with the West Virginia Ski Area Association says wintery weather on the slopes is a-go for ski season. While the ski resorts will be open, safety precautions will be in place to protect guests and employees from COVID-19. Stevens says he has one piece of advice for skiers – “Mask up.”Face coverings will be required in lift lines, on the lifts and other areas. People can go to goskiwv.com for a full list of guidelines at the ski resorts. Stevens says in a normal year, the industry brings in $

In Segment 1, Chief Political Reporter and host Mark Curtis talks COVID-19 response in an exclusive interview with White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx during her visit to the Mountain State earlier in the week just as vaccines started arriving in West Virginia.She said the rising COVID-19 numbers in the state prompted her visit.“Well, that’s why we wanted to come because obviously, you can see West Virginia right now, rising test positivity, rising cases, rising hospitalizations, rising fatalities. Now is the moment every West Virginian really needs to take care,” Dr. Birx said.She also said she is excited to see the long-awaited vaccine finally begin to roll out as the first doses are given to those who need it most. In Segment 2, we continue our exclusive interview with White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx during her visit to West Virginia.In the past weeks, the Mountain State has seen a spike in its coronavirus numbers. Dr. Birx says a lot of this came fro

In Segment 1, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer talks about vaccine distribution in the Mountain State. He says there will be five hubs where the vaccine will be brought into the state and roughly 525 providers who have already signed up to assist with distributing the vaccine.The first phase of distribution is to stabilize the healthcare system to allow workers to continue providing healthcare and to protect the most vulnerable in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.Hoyer also shares his thoughts on the passing of West Virginia legend Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager (Ret.), saying he hopes people will remember him not only as the man to break the sound bearer, but also an American Hero who bravely fought for our country, flying combat missions in both World War II and Vietnam and trained 26 of the nation’s first astronauts. In Segment 2, West Virginia’s Public Health Officer Dr. Ayne Amjad says the state is starting to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, partially fr

On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, Charleston and the Mountain State grieve their fallen hero, Charleston Police Department Patrolman Cassie Johnson, who was shot in the line of duty Dec. 1. Also in this episode, a congressman gives an update on the battle for a new stimulus package in Washington D.C. and AARP explains what they would like to see happen in Congress, especially in regards to transparency about COVID-19 in nursing homes. In Segment 1, Congressman Alex Mooney (R-WV) shares his heartfelt thoughts regarding the tragedy of Charleston Police Department Patrolman Cassie Johnson’s death after she was shot in the line of duty Dec. 1. He says in this time of grief for the city, it is important to look for ways to honor her legacy. Mooney also gives an update on the stalemate battle of getting a stimulus package passed to provide aid to those impacted by shutdowns and layoffs caused by the pandemic. In Segment 2, Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin shares her grief and fond memo

On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, our guests join host Mark Curtis to talk about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the anticipated vaccines awaiting approval from the FDA and the need in West Virginia for a second stimulus package.In Segment 1, West Virginia National Guard Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, an integral part of the governor’s COVID-19 response team, talks about retiring from his position as Adjutant General, West Virginia Joint Forces Headquarters-West Virginia to becoming a senior associate vice president at WVU. He says he wants to continue helping the Mountain State through the pandemic in COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution as well as other projects across the state.In Segment 2, West Virginia COVID-19 Czar Dr. Clay Marsh talks about why COVID-19 numbers are on an uptick in the Mountain State and across the country. Marsh says one factor is health officials believe people are beginning to let their guards down around family and friends as a large number of recent cases are t

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss why everyone should be careful over Thanksgiving, we learn more about WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital, and find out how some are working to help those impacted economically by the pandemic. In segment one, Dr. Sherri Young, chief health officer with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, explains why everyone should take caution with their Thanksgiving plans this year, the concern medical officials have over people crossing into West Virginia’s borders from surrounding states, and how residents can get more information on testing. In segment two, West Virginia President Gordon Gee gives an update on the West Virginia University Medicine Children’s Hospital, what the facility can provide for the area, and what it can provide for the area economically. In segment three, we learn more about this year’s Miracle Network Champion Child, how the medical team at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital has helped him, and we meet the woman recently named the hos

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we get to meet this year’s Miracle Network Champion Child, delve into West Virginia Wesleyan College and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s Go D.O. program, and get an update on the state’s Jobs and Hope program. In segment one, Amy Bush Marone, COO of WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital gives an update on the new facility’s construction, explains the benefits of partnering with Children’s Miracle Network, and introduces us to this year’s Miracle Network Champion Child. In segment two, Dr. Joel Thierstein, president of West Virginia Wesleyan College explains how their new Go D.O. program will work, how high schools students can begin the process of getting into the program, and how the program can help to attract people to move to the Mountain State. In segment three, Dr. James Nemitz, president of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, continues the discussion of Go D.O. and their partnership with West Virginia Wesleyan College, how helping you

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss the recent Presidential Election, how to make broadband more accessible in the Mountain State and priorities during upcoming legislative sessions. In segment one, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) explains what she thinks should be the first thing on the agenda when she gets back to Washington D.C., how she views the ongoing process concerning the 2020 Presidential Election, and what needs to happen to make broadband more accessible throughout the Mountain State. In segment two, Danny Jones, the former mayor of Charleston, explains how he believes President Donald Trump should handle the ongoing process concerning the 2020 Presidential Election, how “the Trump effect” helped Republicans throughout the Mountain State, and what he expects from Riley Moore, the newly elected West Virginia State Treasurer. In segment three, Jones explains why he believes West Virginia voted in a Republican super majority, why the Republicans now have a burden placed on th

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about we could expect from Tuesday’s election, how the coronavirus impacted the election, and whether the state should promote school choice.In segment one, Professor Robert Rupp, professor of political science at West Virginia Wesleyan College, explains what he believes we can expect from Tuesday’s General Election, why he thinks Republicans will do very well in the Mountain State, and the impact the coronavirus had on this election cycle.In segment two, Rupp, author of the new book “The Primary that Made a President” explains why the 1960 Presidential Primary was such a critical Primary Election, what impact Former President John F. Kennedy’s religion had on his campaign, and the importance of “retail politics” in Kennedy’s day, as well as now in West Virginia.In segment three, Garrett Ballengee, executive director of The Cardinal Institute of West Virginia, explains why he would like to see candidates who can present a positive vision for the state do w

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we dig deep into the race for West Virginia Governor, learn how the candidates differ on key issues, and discover what each candidate plans to do if elected.In segment one, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango, Democratic candidate for West Virginia Governor, explains why he decided to run for the office, what she would do differently for the state in terms of economic development, and what he has already done to help West Virginia small businesses.In segment two, Gov. Jim Justice, Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor explains why he chose to run for another term, what he believes to be his greatest accomplishments while in office, and how “Roads for Prosperity” has helped the Mountain State.In segment three, Salango grades Justice’s response to the coronavirus, explains what Salango has done to help the Mountain State during the pandemic, and why he believes voters should vote for him.In segment four, Justice explains how he believes Salango strippe

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we get inside the race for U.S. Senate, explain how the candidates differ on key issues, and show what each candidate wants to accomplish for the Mountain State.In segment one, Paula Jean Swearengin, democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, explains why she decided to run for Senate, why she doesn’t believe Congress should even consider the current Supreme Court nominee during the pandemic, and why she thinks her opponent is out of touch with her constituents.In segment two, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), republican candidate for U.S. Senate explains why she thinks West Virginia should re-elect her, why she plans to vote to confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, why she still believes she understands the needs of the Mountain State.In segment three, Swearengin explains why Congress should be focusing on COVID-19 stimulus packages, why she believes the Affordable Health Care Act should be upheld, and why the Mountain State needs economic diversity.In segm

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we get into the race for West Virginia Attorney General, learn how the candidates differ on the major issues, and discover what the candidates hope to accomplish if elected.In segment one, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey explains how he plans to help those searching for work in the Mountain State find a job, how he plans to continue the fight against the opioid crisis, and how he differs from his opponent.In segment two, Sam Brown Petsonk, Democratic candidate for West Virginia Attorney General, explains how he differs from his opponent, why he believes Morrisey should have fought more for West Virginians in the opioid settlements, and why he believes hundreds of thousands of Mountain State residents will lose their health insurance if Morrisey is elected.In segment three, Morrisey explains why he feels the Affordable Care Act should be repealed, how he plans to help West Virginians keep their healthcare, and his top priorities if re-elected.In seg