Controversial West Virginia pay bills split on judges raises
In Charleston a heated dispute over pay bills pits judges against teachers with a Senate plan backing large raises for judges and a House version granting smaller teacher increases. Facemyer argued judges should wait until the next election cycle for raises, citing public defender debts and public confidence concerns as evidence. The Senate also rejected an effort to extend Century Aluminum tax relief, while approving a 2 percent hike for other state workers and substantial adjutant general pay. Action continues in the House on a separate pension bonus for retired public employees.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charleston
Senate
Karen Facemyer
Roman Prezioso
D-Marion
Supreme Court
Facemyer
Capitol
Century Aluminum
Ravenswood
Division of Natural Resources
House
Wisconsin governor to issue 1500 layoff notices
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker plans layoff notices to 1,500 public workers effective April 4 to cut costs, unless Senate Democrats return to vote on the restrictive union measure. State agencies have 15 days to craft layoff plans. notices could be rescinded if the bill passes. Protesters and Republican leaders debate impact on public employees and the Democrats.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Madison
Wis
Wisconsin
Scott Walker
Senate
Illinois
Walker
West Virginia eyes electronic hunter check in and license tweaks
The state explores using smartphones or laptops to log game rather than visiting official check stations. DNA spokesman Hoy Murphy notes electronic reporting could improve honesty and speed, while a Senate path for cybercheck in remains under discussion. A separate bill seeks a 65 plus hunting fishing license to boost license sales and federal funding under Pittman Robertson.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
DNR
Senate
Laird
Senate Finance Committee
Pantry appeals grow as prices rise across utilities
Salvation Army asks churches civic groups and businesses to restock pantries with nonperishables amid rising electricity gas and living costs. Bluefield Union Mission reports steady demand and large food drives from churches civic clubs and scouts while warning of a predicted October spike in food prices due to oil and gas costs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Goldfarb
Salvation Army
Spain
Bluefield Union Mission
Craig Hammond
Hammond
National
Gas price rise prompts travel rethink in Bluefield area
Gas costs push locals to shorten trips and seek local destinations as households tighten budgets. Laura Gooch of Bluefield AAA notes prices may alter plans while utilities rise. Salvation Army and Bluefield Union Mission report more demand for transportation aid though gasoline help is limited. food pantries face low supplies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Laura Gooch
Bluefield Aaa
Gooch
Kelly Goldfarb
Princeton Salvation Army
Salvation Army
Bluefield Union Mission
Craig Hammond
Hammond
Middle East
Closure yields layoffs at Flowers Baking plant
The Flowers Baking Company Route 52 site will cease operations today, with more than 160 employees to lose their jobs. Workers receive pay and benefits through April 20 and a severance plan. Ryder Transportation, a longtime customer with 11 tractors and 45 trailers, expects impact as the plant closes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bailey
Flowers Baking
Ryder Transportation
Flowers
Flowers Baking Company
Route 52
Senate Lets Sexual Orientation Bill Die In WV Senate
The Senate let SB226 die in the current legislative session after two years of effort. Acting President Jeffrey Kessler says the House of Delegates did not take up the measure, and no consensus formed to move it forward. He notes the House may revisit in January next year if sentiment shifts. The bill aimed to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation or age in housing and employment. He cites OPEB and health care costs as ongoing fiscal concerns for the Legislature.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harleston
Senate
House of Delegates
House
Jeffrey Kessler
D-Marshall
Kessler
Sam Hall
Hall
Massey Energy
Kanawha County
Brooks McCabe
D. Kanawha
OPEB
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mannix Porterfield
The
Daily Telegraph
State Supreme Court
West Virginia
Glenn Grothman
West Bend
Brett Hulsey
Dems
Grothman
A-1
Hoy Murphy
Register-Herald
Wyse
Neigh
Ryder Transportation Services
David Bailey
Ryder
Flowers Webs
Center For Cancer Care
Princeton
21St Century Oncology
Becki S. Hill, M.D
the Center For Cancer Care
New Hope Road
Princeton, WV
By Mannix Porterfield
Dail
Vzou
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