February 24th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
We are now ending the first full week of the 2025 legislative session. This session is a little different for the committee process. Each bill heard in committee will have a public hearing at least one day before amending or voting on the bill. This makes the process more transparent. Ironically, the Democrats have been protesting this change of more transparency preferring the old method where only bills that someone requested a public hearing on got a public hearing. Transparency is never a bad thing.
One of the first items to pass the House was HCR 49, which I introduced and Delegate Hillenbrand co-sponsored. This resolution urges the Maryland General Assembly to reject a proposal that would change the classification of a section of the North Branch of the Potomac River from a "Warm Water Aquatic Life" stream to a "Cold Water Aquatic Life" stream.
But here’s the issue—the North Branch is naturally a warm water stream. If this change goes through, it will force businesses in West Virginia that discharge into the river to meet much stricter temperature regulations. That means expensive cooling systems like chillers and heat exchangers, which could discourage industrial development in places like Keyser and Rocket Center.
On top of that, Maryland’s decision would unfairly impact West Virginia businesses without giving the state a say. This kind of regulation crosses state lines, and West Virginia argues it violates the U.S. Constitution’s Interstate Commerce Clause, which prevents states from placing unnecessary burdens on businesses in other states. That’s why the West Virginia Legislature is asking Maryland to reject the change and calling on the Attorney General to look into legal options to protect our state’s economic interests.
The main takeaway from the first full week of floor sessions is that the new format has significantly slowed the movement of bills from committee to the floor. It’s a learning experience for all of us. On top of that, with a new governor in office and many staff positions being replaced, it has been challenging to connect with the right people. While this will improve over time, it has temporarily delayed some constituent service requests. Change always comes with a learning curve, and right now, we’re navigating several at once.
One tourism project I am involved with the legislators along the length of US 50 in the state, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of US 50 in 2026. US 50 is one of only two transcontinental highways in the state and the longest. The other is US 30, but it is only in the state for 3.4 miles in Hancock County. US 50 travels 206 miles through West Virginia, overall it is 3,078 miles long running from Ocean City, MD to Sacramento, CA and known nationally as the Backbone of America and in West Virginia as the Northwestern Turnpike.
US 50 in our area is already popular for motorcycle and sports car touring and the goal of the initiative is give reasons for visitors to stop and grab a meal or buy a souvenir contributing to the local economy. We are looking at grants to improve roadside parks along the route, I have specifically requested that Skyline Overlook be cleaned up for those stopping to view Saddle Mountain. We are also looking to create photo ops working with non-profit organizations, the state and local businesses.
There are a few famous highways in the nation like Route 66, US 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, but we are fortunate to have one of those is US 50 and we are going to try to promote it.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, need help with a state agency, or just have an idea that you think would make the state better, please let me know. My contact is Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov, and my phone is (304) 340-3191
January 12th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
The West Virginia Legislature held the last interim meetings of the 86th Legislature and started the 87th Legislature on Wednesday. Due to winter storm Blair, nearly all the final interim meetings were cancelled as snow and ice blanketed the state, preventing many from traveling to the capitol. Ironically as Senate President Blair chaired his final meeting, winter storm Blair dumped snow on the capitol.
The only meeting of the 86th Legislature that was not canceled for me was the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, which serves as the leadership committee for the entire legislature. During this meeting, we received an update on the state’s finances, noting that revenue projections remain slightly above expectations and the state’s overall financial position continues to be strong.
However, as we transition into the new fiscal year, it is highly unlikely we will experience the significant surpluses of prior years, which were primarily driven by over-taxation. The recent across-the-board tax cuts have returned what would have been surplus revenues directly to the people of West Virginia, prioritizing taxpayers ahead of government over-collection.
Wednesday at noon, the 87th Legislature of the state of West Virginia gaveled in. Delegate Roger Hanshaw was re-elected as Speaker of the House. The Republican majority party puts up their nominee for Speaker of the House, and the Democrat minority party put up theirs, which was Delegate Sean Hornbuckle. During voting, which is done by voice, Delegate Hanshaw voted for Delegate Hornbuckle and vice versa. This is done as part of tradition of the House. Delegate Hornbuckle becomes the minority leader.
Steve Harrison, who served as Clerk of the House for 10 years, has decided to retire. A former state Delegate and Senator, Steve brought exceptional leadership and dedication to the role, earning widespread respect for his work. To fill the position, former Delegate Jeff Pack was elected as the new Clerk of the House.
Something occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the 87th Legislature that had not previously occurred during my tenure in the House. As many of you have likely read Delegate Elect Joe DeSoto was arrested on accusations of making terroristic threats against members of the House of Delegates. As a result of his confinement pending trial, he is unable to fulfill one of the requirements of being seated as a Delegate. The Constitution requires each member to be sworn in, in the chamber to serve. He is unable to do that and cannot be seated as a Delegate for failure to meet all the requirements. The seat is now considered vacant. Three names will be presented to the Governor by the county party of which the last Delegate to serve was a member. The Governor may select from those names to appoint someone to fill the vacancy.
As this is a gubernatorial installation year, the legislature recessed for 30 days to allow the incoming Governor time to assemble their cabinet and prepare the state budget. Patrick Morrisey will be sworn in as West Virginia’s next Governor on January 13th.
As we start the 87th Legislature I am honored to serve as your representative in Charleston so, if you have any questions, need help with a state agency, or just have an idea that you think would make the state better, please let me know. My contact is Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov, and my phone is (304) 340-3191
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