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Subject: March Newsletter
by bmurrell＠frontier.com 01 Apr '26

01 Apr '26

State Board: Attached is the March newsletter from the Huntington League of Women Voters. Enjoy Bev MurrellPatricia Keller

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New LWV-MM Substack -- Read & Subscribe
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 29 Mar '26

29 Mar '26

Check out our new post! Protect your communities. All of your communities. History reminds us there is no safety in hiding behind “we didn’t know.” https://lwvmorgantown.substack.com/p/define-your-communities-and-then [image: composed (5).jfif]

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SAVE THE DATE for 2026 Council - MAY 16, 10:00 a.m.
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 28 Mar '26

28 Mar '26

[image: Text Description automatically generated with medium confidence] *LWVWV Call to Council* The LWV of West Virginia Council meeting will be held on May 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. More information will be forthcoming but *please save this date*! The LWV of WV has accomplished so much and we plan to do even more during the upcoming election season. Your help and your support are essential. The proposed budget for June 2006-May 2027 is attached for your review. Our by-laws state the budget should be available at least 6 weeks before the Council meeting. The Board approved this draft budget at its March 21, 2026, meeting. Thank you to Teresa Koon, our treasurer, and the Budget Committee for preparing the draft budget. The key highlights of the budget: - In order to meet expenses we must transfer funds from reserves. - The budget includes funds to update our website and improve outreach through social media. - Our commitment to following the state legislature and publishing a Legislative scorecard requires an extraordinary amount of work so we have begun using AI assistance (by subscription) and a professional bill tracker to help. Please share your thoughts about discussion topics for the Council meeting agenda at: lwvofwv(a)gmail.com

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Make Some Noise to Get the Childcare Bill Signed Into Law
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 19 Mar '26

19 Mar '26

[image: lwv msn logo.png] 📣Make Some (More) Noise! 📣in support of good childcare policy! With help from many advocates, a bill to improve the status of childcare in WV, HB 4191 <https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4191%20s…> passed the Legislature! There is now one final hurdle to the bill becoming law: The Governor has until April 4th to do one of 3 things: 1. Sign the bill into law 2. Let the bill become law without his signature 3. Veto the bill (A veto would effectively kill this bill unless the legislature were to reconvene and override it.) We want the Governor to choose option 1 or 2! ACTION: ✳️ Call the Governor’s office at 304-558-2000 or write a comment in support of signing HB 4191 on the Governor’s website here: https://wv.accessgov.com/governor/Forms/Page/submitcomment-governor/contact… Talking Points about HB 4191: HB 4191 helps to #solvechildcare by taking a broad approach to help families, employers and childcare workers: - Adds tax incentives for businesses to sponsor or provide childcare for their workers. [Helps employers!] - Requires that the state pay childcare subsidies based on the status of a child’s enrollment rather than a daily rate. This stabilizes the funding stream for childcare providers that serve lower income families. [Helps childcare providers!] - Ensures that the government is using an accurate model to determine cost of care (right now they are paying a very low amount that doesn't cover actual childcare costs,) when paying subsidies in the future. *[Forward-looking stability!] * - Gives power to the Department of Human Services which manages state childcare funding to reduce the cliff effect that families encounter when coming off of subsidized childcare [Helps families!]

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Make Some Noise (again) for Childcare
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 09 Mar '26

09 Mar '26

[image: image.png] 📣Make Some (More) Noise! 📣in support of good childcare policy! Some more good news about childcare! The House of Delegates has passed a committee substitute for HB 4191, but time is running out to pass childcare legislation this session. Status of the Bill: HB 4191 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. It is now up to Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Jason Barrett, to put the bill on the Committee Agenda. ACTIONS: Help get HB 4191 across the finish line. ✳️Please call Chairman Barrett’s office at (304) 357-7933 and urge him to put HB 4191 on the Finance Committee Agenda. ✳️Call or email members of the Senate Finance Committee and your Senators directly and ask them to support HB 4191. Find your Senators here: https://fastdemocracy.com/find-your-legislators/ <https://fastdemocracy.com/find-your-legislators/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAY…> Senate Finance Committee emails: jason.barrett(a)wvsenate.gov, charles.clements(a)wvsenate.gov, amy.grady(a)wvsenate.gov, bill.hamilton(a)wvsenate.gov, glenn.jeffries(a)wvsenate.gov, patrick.martin(a)wvsenate.gov, mark.maynard(a)wvsenate.gov, robbie.morris(a)wvsenate.gov, mike.oliverio(a)wvsenate.gov, rupie.phillips(a)wvsenate.gov, ben.queen(a)wvsenate.gov, rollan.roberts(a)wvsenate.gov, tom.takubo(a)wvsenate.gov, darren.thorne(a)wvsenate.gov, mike.woelfel(a)wvsenate.gov, jack.woodrum(a)wvsenate.gov ------------------------------ Background on HB 4191: The Legislature has decreased funding for childcare over the past decade, which has contributed to the loss of a significant number of available childcare slots, and many areas of the state becoming childcare deserts. Childcare workers are paid very low wages, families cannot afford the true cost of childcare, and many childcare businesses cannot cover their expenses to stay open. HB 4191 helps to #solvechildcare by taking a broad approach to help families, employers and childcare workers: - Adds tax incentives for businesses to sponsor or provide childcare for their workers [Helps employers!] - Requires that the state pay childcare subsidies based on the status of a child’s enrollment rather than a daily rate. This stabilizes the funding stream for childcare providers that serve lower income families . [Helps childcare providers!] - Ensures that the government is using an accurate model to determine cost of care (right now they are paying a very low amount that doesn't cover actual childcare costs,) when paying subsidies in the future. [Forward-looking stability!] - Gives power to the Department of Human Services which manages state childcare funding to reduce the cliff effect that families encounter when coming off of subsidized childcare [Helps families!] LWVWV Supports childcare as an early education tool that helps families ensure their children are cared for in a nurturing environment while also supporting a healthy workforce and economy. Childcare is also an economic development tool.

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Make Some Noise For Voting Rights! - OPPOSE SB 59
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 08 Mar '26

08 Mar '26

[image: lwv msn logo.png] 📣 Make Some Noise 📣 For Voting Rights! - OPPOSE SB 59 SB 59, House Judiciary Committee, Mon, Mar 9, 9 am On Agenda for Committee Hearing We Made Some Noise on HB 5219 and it stalled. However, a companion bill passed the Senate and is now before the House Judiciary Committee. SB 59 would establish new and complicated rules to determine residency to register and vote in WV. SB 59 adds a new definition of "legal resident" to voter registration requirements, specifying factors that may demonstrate domicile. However, it relies not just on current residence but intent to remain at that residence “indefinitely.” While framed as clarification, stricter definitions of residency will create barriers for mobile workers and others with complex residency situations, especially students. LWV opposes such restrictions on voter registration. A particular red flag for the LWV is how SB 59 attempts to define residency in terms of future intent, not just current fact. ACTIONS: ✳️ Read the Committee Substitute for SB 59 and submit a public comment here: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=59&year=2… ✳️ Contact your Delegate and members of the House Judiciary Committee and ask them to OPPOSE this unnecessary bill. House Judiciary Committee emails: jb.akers(a)wvhouse.gov, jim.butler(a)wvhouse.gov, dana.ferrell(a)wvhouse.gov, bill.flanigan(a)wvhouse.gov, shawn.fluharty(a)wvhouse.gov, joe.funkhouser(a)wvhouse.gov, evan.hansen(a)wvhouse.gov, scot.heckert(a)wvhouse.gov, rick.hillenbrand(a)wvhouse.gov, josh.holstein(a)wvhouse.gov, michael.hornby(a)wvhouse.gov, buck.jennings(a)wvhouse.gov, laura.kimble(a)wvhouse.gov, larry.kump(a)wvhouse.gov, phil.mallow(a)wvhouse.gov, keith.marple(a)wvhouse.gov, carl.martin(a)wvhouse.gov, jordan.maynor(a)wvhouse.gov, chris.phillips(a)wvhouse.gov, bill.ridenour(a)wvhouse.gov, bill.roop(a)wvhouse.gov, andy.shamblin(a)wvhouse.gov, bryan.ward(a)wvhouse.gov, mark.zatezalo(a)wvhouse.gov Find your Delegate here: https://fastdemocracy.com/find-your-legislators/

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[LLAW] Make Some Noise in support of a good childcare bill!
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 03 Mar '26

03 Mar '26

📣Make Some Noise! 📣in support of good childcare policy! Finally, some good news about childcare! The Finance Committee of the House of Delegates has passed a committee substitute for HB 4191 ------------------------------ Background on HB 4191: The legislature has decreased funding for childcare over the past decade, which has contributed to the loss of a significant number of available childcare slots, and many areas of the state becoming childcare deserts. Childcare workers are paid very low wages, families cannot afford the true cost of childcare, and many child care businesses cannot cover their expenses to stay open. HB 4191 helps to #solvechildcare by taking a broad approach to help families, employers and childcare workers: - Adds tax incentives for businesses to sponsor or provide childcare for their workers [Helps employers!] - Requires that the state pay childcare subsidies based on the status of a child’s enrollment rather than a daily rate. This stabilizes the funding stream for childcare providers that serve lower income families . [Helps childcare providers!] - Ensures that the government is using an accurate model to determine cost of care (right now they are paying a very low amount that doesn't cover actual childcare costs,) when paying subsidies in the future. [Forward-looking stability!] - Gives power to the Department of Human Services which manages state childcare funding to reduce the cliff effect that families encounter when coming off of subsidized childcare [Helps families!] LWVWV Supports childcare as an early education tool that helps families ensure their children are cared for in a nurturing environment while also supporting a healthy workforce and economy. Status of the bill: HB 4191 was on first reading in the House of Delegates Monday, 3/2, and will be up for amendment phase and passage just in time to meet the crossover deadline. Assuming it passes the House, it will need to quickly go through committee and passage in the Senate before the session ends. ACTION: ✳️ Call or email your Delegate directly and ask them to vote yes for HB 4191. Find your delegate here: https://fastdemocracy.com/find-your-legislators/ <https://fastdemocracy.com/find-your-legislators/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAY…>

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Huntington LWV February Newsletter
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 02 Mar '26

02 Mar '26

State Board, Local League Presidents and League Friends, Attached is the February Newsletter from the Huntington League of Women Voters, Enjoy! Beverly Murrell Patricia Keller

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📣Make Some Noise About the Budget📣- Support Funding for Essential Services
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 01 Mar '26

01 Mar '26

[image: lwv msn logo.png] 📣Make Some Noise About the Budget📣 - Support Funding for Essential Services The League of Women Voters believes that government budgets reflect government values. We advocate for state and local budgets that cover essential services and protect our most vulnerable. We strongly disagree with the values expressed by the West Virginia Legislature in their various versions of the budget, which fail to adequately fund programs essential for the livelihood of the majority of West Virginians, while giving tax breaks to benefit the richest among us. The League’s legislative priorities <https://lwvwv.org/2026/01/18/2026-program-and-policy-priorities/> include Protecting Children and Families and Creating a Sustainable Future. Both have budget implications, including funding for Medicaid, child care, public education, SNAP, and infrastructure to provide clean water to the southern coalfields. “Flat” budgets and more tax cuts serve none of these. Without adequate funding, many of the critical challenges facing West Virginia families — issues like the ongoing childcare crisis, access to affordable health care, and protecting public health and our environment — all remain unresolved. Join LWVWV and partners in calling for Care Over Cuts <https://wvpolicy.org/education-health-care-organizations-call-for-care-over…>. Tell them West Virginians deserve investment in people, care, and public infrastructure, not reckless tax cuts that favor the wealthiest few. Find contact information for your legislators here: https://fastdemocracy.com/find-your-legislators/

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📣 Make Some Noise for Clean Drinking Water! 📣
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 26 Feb '26

26 Feb '26

[image: lwv msn logo.png] 📣 Make Some Noise for Clean Drinking Water! 📣 Please MAKE SOME NOISE to SUPPORT CLEAN DRINKING WATER FOR THE SOUTHERN COALFIELDS (HB 5525, HB 5585 & HB 5642) . Background: ✳️ LWVWV supports updated water quality standards to protect human health and wildlife habitats, and support measures to expand access to water service that meets these standards. ✳️ A number of Public Service Districts in West Virginia’s southern coalfields have failing infrastructure and many communities there lack access to clean drinking water. ✳️ Three bills proposed in the House of Delegates would begin to address long-standing issues with water infrastructure in the southern coalfields and provide residents with access to clean drinking water. SUMMARY of PROPOSED CLEAN WATER BILLS: ✳️ HB 5525 <https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=5525&year…> would establish the Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund Act of 2026 with an initial $10 million investment to enhance water quality standards, test for and remove various contaminants, and replace lead service lines within all public water systems in Boone, Fayette, Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties. ✳️ HB 5642 <https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=4642&year…> would provide an additional $10 million to help with drinking water emergencies in the southern coalfields (on top of the $10 million included in HB 5525), bringing the grand total of potential relief up to $20 million. ✳️ HB 5585 <https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=5585&year…>, which would make public health emergencies eligible for funding from the Rainy Day Fund. This bill designates struggling Public Service Districts and water boards as public health emergencies and therefore eligible for appropriations from the Fund. HB 5585 has been identified by clean water advocates as a funding mechanism for HB 5525 and HB 4642, as well as for additional funding to address chronic drinking water issues in southern West Virginia. These bills provide crucial emergency funding to bring immediate help to coalfield communities in need of clean drinking water. 🚨Status: *All three bills are pending in the House Energy & Public Works Committee and time is running out.* March 1 is the deadline for bills to be out of committees in the house of origin to ensure three full days for readings on the floor. These bills must pass the House no later than March 4 to have a chance of making it to the Governor’s desk. WHAT CAN YOU DO? 🚨*Contact your Delegate and tell them to SUPPORT HB 5525, HB 5585, and HB 4642. No West Virginian should have to live without clean water.* Find your Delegate here: https://fastdemocracy.com/find-your-legislators/ 🚨*Contact the House Energy & Public Works Committee to get these bills on an agenda. * Email list: bill.anderson(a)wvhouse.gov, jordan.bridges(a)wvhouse.gov, jeff.campbell(a)wvhouse.gov, david.cannon(a)wvhouse.gov, kathie.crouse(a)wvhouse.gov, henry.dillon(a)wvhouse.gov, jeff.eldridge(a)wvhouse.gov, bob.fehrenbacher(a)wvhouse.gov, david.green(a)wvhouse.gov, evan.hansen(a)wvhouse.gov, rick.hillenbrand(a)wvhouse.gov, josh.holstein(a)wvhouse.gov, gary.howell(a)wvhouse.gov, daniel.linville(a)wvhouse.gov, patrick.lucas(a)wvhouse.gov, erica.moore(a)wvhouse.gov, happyjoe.parsons(a)wvhouse.gov, clay.riley(a)wvhouse.gov, charles.sheedy(a)wvhouse.gov, george.street(a)wvhouse.gov, kayla.young(a)wvhouse.gov, mark.zatezalo(a)wvhouse.gov

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