In the House Today

Today the Committee on Education passed the Gov's school calendar bill. Presently, the bill has support from both teacher's unions and service personel. If any amendments are added to the bill once in the Senate then most likely the bill will not see the light of day.

The content of the bill is fairly straight forward, County School Boards may set the beginning school date and ending date... this is not the same as leaving the calendar open to allow make of snow days. Rather, the legislation forces counties to establish dates which better suite their individual counties, but with respect to the 200 day work calendar for teachers, the 43 week contract for service personal and May 15 test date for students.

Additionally, in the House Chamber the Governor presented information on Child Protection(CP) legislation. The Gov. has proposed the hiring of 6 additional troopers for the CP Task Force.


And finally, I overheard a young student today as he entered the House of Delegates Chamber for the first time exclaim, "awesome." I agree it is pretty awesome place.

Bits and Pieces

Quiet around the House Chamber today, many caucus type meetings throughout the building. Education meets later today to discuss various legislation including, the Gov's public school calendar changes.

In the east wing home to House member offices labor is meeting with legislators to push for Federal legislation support.

Additionally, some members are showing concern for the Chamber webcasting, mainly non-techie legislators. As I stated earlier webcasting is a new tool, not only for House members but for the general listening public as well. And, like all new tools there is a breaking in period which will eventually allow members to become comfortable with the system.

January Begins Filing Period for Public Office

Legistalors file for re-election. Pictured L-R. Delegate Bob Beach, Charlene Marshall and Barbara Evans Fleischauer. 44th Delegate District members.

Governors Address

Many times a Governors message to the legislature can be dull and mundane. However, this was not the situation Wednesday evening as the Governor met with state leaders to express his thoughts and desires for the upcoming session and year. Caution, action and protection were certainly the underlying themes to the Governors State of the State address yeaterday evening.

Caution, resounded clearly as the Governor spoke of the economic challenges ahead. A call to action was given to legislators to move forward in removing drug dealers from our state and finally, protection seemed to bring an emotional discharge from the Governor as he spoke of his desire to protect our young children from predators.

In addition to the above, numerous issues were also discussed and like all past and present Governors many of the details were absent from address. Including how the Governor plans to have students in the classroom for 180 days...no mater what the weather may hold for them.

Like many will say, "the details are in the pudding."

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Legislative Session 2010

Legislative Session 2010 began today marking the beginning of what should be a very interesting period in West Virginia history.