Charleston Report
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Gary HowellCapitol Office:
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January 2025 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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