Inside West Virginia Politics

Mark Curtis got the opportunity to speak with West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin on topics ranging from securing coal miners' pensions to his thoughts on President Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the border. Here's what he had to say. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

We talk about the massive education reform bill making its way through the West Virginia Legislature in our final two segments, but first, we dive into the controversy at the Capitol surrounding Delegate Eric Porterfield and his comments about the LGBTQ community that many are calling hateful and hurtful. In segment 1, we talk to Delegate Eric Porterfield (R-Mercer) and take a look at the controversy surrounding his comments. In segment 2, Tina Russel talks about why she decided to pre-file to run against Del. Porterfield. In segment 3, Dale Lee, the President of the West Virginia Education Association, discusses his thoughts on where the education reform bill is now. In segment 4, Delegate Danny Hamrick (R-Harrison) discusses why he supports the massive education reform bill. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

On this week's Inside West Virginia Politics, Mark Curtis speaks with lawmakers about the social and economic impact of introducing cannabis in West Virginia. We cover topics ranging from the recently resolved banking issue for medical marijuana to the potential for recreational marijuana, or adult use cannabis as it is referred to in the legislature. In segment 1, Delegate Mick Bates (D-Raleigh) talks about the benefits of medical marijuana in West Virginia. In segment 2, U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of West Virginia, Mike Stuart, talks about the issues of legalizing marijuana from a federal perspective. In segment 3, Delegate Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha) talks about a potential 'banking fix' for medical marijuana in the Mountain State. In segment 4, Delegate Joe Ellington (R-Mercer), the Chairman of the House Health Committee, talks about the effects of marijuana from the perspective of a doctor. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

A bill making its way through the West Virginia Senate aims to bind promised pay raises for teachers and school personnel to things like charter schools and increased class sizes. While there are some who agree with this omnibus bill, many are pushing to have the elements pulled apart and voted on as single subject bills. In segment 1, Fred Albert, the President of the American Federation of Teachers - WV Chapter, talks about the possibility of another teacher walkout in the future. In segment 2, State Senator Ryan Weld (R-Brooke) looks at the positive impact Charter schools could have on the Mountain State. In segment 3, State Senator Mike Romano (D-Harrison) talks about separating the proposed education reform bill into individual parts. In segment 4, Delegate Mark Dean (R-Mingo)talks about the education reform bill from the perspective of a principal. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

Jim Justice announces that education will be a centerpiece of this legislative session during his State of the State Address. Mark Curtis speaks with education leaders about how West Virginia can make that a reality. In segment 1, Dale Lee, the President of the West Virginia Education Association discusses his issues with including education reform and raises in an omnibus bill and the influence of educators at the Capitol. In segment 2, Dr. William Simmons, former President of Glenville State College talks about what skills educators need in the classroom in 2019. In segment 3, Delegate Daniel Linville (R-Cabell) discusses the importance of expanding broadband connectivity in the Mountain State. In segment 4, Delegate Rodney Miller (D-Boone) speaks about a bill he proposed aimed at helping voter rights in West Virginia for elderly who receive care at home after his mother was refused the right to vote. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

Thursday, the Senate voted on two proposals to re-open the government. One came from Democrats, one from Republicans, but votes on both met the same fate, failure. We spoke with Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) moments after the votes took place. Here's what she had to say. You can hear from more local, state, and federal lawmakers each and every week on Inside West Virginia Politics every Sunday Morning on WOWK in Charleston, WBOY in Clarksburg, WDVM in the eastern panhandle, WTRF in Wheeling, and WVNSin Beckley. You can also find a new episode of the Inside West Virginia Politics Podcast right here on this feed every Monday morning. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

In the 2nd week of the West Virginia Legislative Session, Mark Curtis talks to policymakers and influencers about the legalization of marijuana, creating an intermediate Court of Appeals, and West Virginia sending $10 million to help fund the border wall. In Segment 1, Delegate Caleb Hanna (R-Webster) speaks about his idea to give President Trump $10,000,000 of West Virginia's almost $200,000,000 surplus for the border wall. In Segment 2, Delegate Shawn Fluharty (D-Ohio) speaks against border wall funding and also about fixes for medical marijuana law. In Segment 3, Danielle Waltz, of the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform, speaks in favor of West Virginia creating an intermediate Court of Appeals. In Segment 4, State Senator Mike Romano (D-Harrison) speaks against creating an intermediate Court of Appeals and in support of legalizing recreational cannabis. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

Mark Curtis speaks with the Republican and Democratic Leadership of the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate on what issues they will be prioritizing going into the 2019 Legislative Session. In Segment 1, House Speaker Del. Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay) talks about the State budget and West Virginia's new surplus. In Segment 2, House Minority Leader Del. Tim Miley (D-Harrison) speaks on the future of medical and recreational marijuana in the Mountain State. In Segment 3, State Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) discusses the removal of the business inventory tax. In Segment 4, State Senate Minority Leader Roman Prezioso (D-Marion) talks about the importance of furthering education in West Virginia. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

Mark Curtis takes Inside West Virginia Politics to Washington D.C. to speak with West Virginia's entire congressional delegation on issues ranging from healthcare and the opioid crisis to the future of coal jobs and potential for other industry in the Mountain State. Mark sits down with Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and then with Congressman David McKinley (R-WV), Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV), and Congressman Alex Mooney (R-WV). More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp