Category: Blog
294 posts found, showing 20 per page
Blog Julie Archer August 7, 2020
We Are #WVProDemocracy: Fighting for Free, Fair, and Safe Elections
In advance of Governor Justice’s stay at home order, when it appeared that our primary election would be held as the coronavirus was peaking in West Virginia, we initiated conversations with the Secretary of State’s office to ensure they had plans in place to administer the election safely and protect the health of voters and poll workers. After it was announced that the election would be delayed... More
Issues: Clean elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Inequality, Voting, Voting Rights
We Are #WVProDemocracy: Fighting for Free, Fair, and Safe Elections
In advance of Governor Justice’s stay at home order, when it appeared that our primary election would be held as the coronavirus was peaking in West Virginia, we initiated conversations with the Secretary of State’s office to ensure they had plans in place to administer the election safely and protect the health of voters and poll workers. After it was announced that the election would be delayed... More
Issues: Clean elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Inequality, Voting, Voting Rights
Blog WVCAEF August 7, 2020
Keep Us Going and Growing!
Our staff, volunteers and board members have continued to work hard through these challenging times. Some of the projects we focused on are highlighted in this update. We need your support to keep this work going and growing! More
Issues: Clean elections, Climate Justice, Education, Environment, Healthcare, Inequality
Keep Us Going and Growing!
Our staff, volunteers and board members have continued to work hard through these challenging times. Some of the projects we focused on are highlighted in this update. We need your support to keep this work going and growing! More
Issues: Clean elections, Climate Justice, Education, Environment, Healthcare, Inequality
Blog Julie Archer July 29, 2020
WV Groups, Community Leaders Call on Governor, Secretary of State and County Clerks to Replicate Primary Election Voting and Absentee Ballot Request Options
A coalition of voting rights advocates and community leaders representing poor and impacted communities across West Virginia is calling on Governor Jim Justice and state and local election officials to provide further clarity to the state’s voters regarding their plans to ensure a safe, accessible, and secure election and to mailing absentee ballot applications to those voters as was done in the primary election. More
Issues: Clean elections, Healthcare, Voting Rights
WV Groups, Community Leaders Call on Governor, Secretary of State and County Clerks to Replicate Primary Election Voting and Absentee Ballot Request Options
A coalition of voting rights advocates and community leaders representing poor and impacted communities across West Virginia is calling on Governor Jim Justice and state and local election officials to provide further clarity to the state’s voters regarding their plans to ensure a safe, accessible, and secure election and to mailing absentee ballot applications to those voters as was done in the primary election. More
Issues: Clean elections, Healthcare, Voting Rights
Blog WVCAEF July 22, 2020
Demand a #PeoplesBailout & Access to Absentee Voting
We need you to take two important actions. First, our Senators need to hear from you on their late pandemic response. Tell Senators Capito and Manchin that our families need robust support now. Second, in this time of crisis, we need clarity from state leaders about how we can cast our ballots safely in the upcoming election. Demand that Governor Jim Justice and Secretary of State Mac Warner protect our health and our right to vote by making this option available to all West Virginia voters again in the general election. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and Families, Unemployment benefits, Voting, Workers
Demand a #PeoplesBailout & Access to Absentee Voting
We need you to take two important actions. First, our Senators need to hear from you on their late pandemic response. Tell Senators Capito and Manchin that our families need robust support now. Second, in this time of crisis, we need clarity from state leaders about how we can cast our ballots safely in the upcoming election. Demand that Governor Jim Justice and Secretary of State Mac Warner protect our health and our right to vote by making this option available to all West Virginia voters again in the general election. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and Families, Unemployment benefits, Voting, Workers
Blog Julie Archer June 5, 2020
Supreme Court Elections Provide Opportunity to Increase Trust, Accountability and Transparency
This moment is an opportunity to bring greater trust, accountability, and transparency to the judiciary, but rebuilding trust in the judiciary cannot end with a single individual. As voters, it’s incumbent upon us to seek out unbiased information about the candidates rather than relying on misleading, inaccurate attack ads. The court and legislators must also seize this opportunity to begin to rebuild trust in the West Virginia judiciary by strengthening disclosure of political spending and the adoption of a strong, objective recusal standard. More
Issues: Clean elections, Disclosure, Elections, Fair Courts, Money In Politics, Voting
Supreme Court Elections Provide Opportunity to Increase Trust, Accountability and Transparency
This moment is an opportunity to bring greater trust, accountability, and transparency to the judiciary, but rebuilding trust in the judiciary cannot end with a single individual. As voters, it’s incumbent upon us to seek out unbiased information about the candidates rather than relying on misleading, inaccurate attack ads. The court and legislators must also seize this opportunity to begin to rebuild trust in the West Virginia judiciary by strengthening disclosure of political spending and the adoption of a strong, objective recusal standard. More
Issues: Clean elections, Disclosure, Elections, Fair Courts, Money In Politics, Voting
Blog WVCAEF May 8, 2020
Help Fix Our Broken Health Care System – Tell Us What You Think
Many of us were already struggling to get healthcare. Now, a global pandemic has uncovered even more gaps in the system. Even more West Virginians are falling through the cracks. It's unacceptable. We deserve better. And this Spring we we showed that when we come together for better healthcare -- healthcare that values people over profit -- we can win. So, what should we do next to fix our broken healthcare system? Tell us what you think! More
Issues: Healthcare, Inequality, Medicare, Workers
Help Fix Our Broken Health Care System – Tell Us What You Think
Many of us were already struggling to get healthcare. Now, a global pandemic has uncovered even more gaps in the system. Even more West Virginians are falling through the cracks. It's unacceptable. We deserve better. And this Spring we we showed that when we come together for better healthcare -- healthcare that values people over profit -- we can win. So, what should we do next to fix our broken healthcare system? Tell us what you think! More
Issues: Healthcare, Inequality, Medicare, Workers
Blog Julie Archer April 28, 2020
Our Court, Our Vote – Judges Are on the Ballot: Know Your Judicial Candidates
West Virginia voters will elect three justices to the West Virginia Supreme Court in the upcoming primary election. That's why we're excited to launch a new website, wvcourtelections.org, to help voters learn more about these elections and the judicial candidates. Our rights as voters, workers, parents, and community members depend on the decisions of our elected judges. It is imperative that we are better informed about our courts and the judicial candidates so that we can use our right to vote effectively. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Fair Courts, Voting
Our Court, Our Vote – Judges Are on the Ballot: Know Your Judicial Candidates
West Virginia voters will elect three justices to the West Virginia Supreme Court in the upcoming primary election. That's why we're excited to launch a new website, wvcourtelections.org, to help voters learn more about these elections and the judicial candidates. Our rights as voters, workers, parents, and community members depend on the decisions of our elected judges. It is imperative that we are better informed about our courts and the judicial candidates so that we can use our right to vote effectively. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Fair Courts, Voting
Blog WVCAEF April 24, 2020
COVID-19 and Voting: Help Your Neighbors Vote!
The West Virginia Primary Election is coming up fast on June 9, and it's going to take ALL OF US to help people vote in the era of COVID-19! We’re looking for volunteers to make phone calls from their homes from April 30 until June 9. We’ll provide virtual trainings, scripts, phone numbers, staff who are on call to answer questions, and all the info you need to get started. Join us for the Vote Together WV phone bank launch and training, Thursday, April 30, 5-8:30PM. Sign up here. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Fair Courts, Voting, Voting Rights
COVID-19 and Voting: Help Your Neighbors Vote!
The West Virginia Primary Election is coming up fast on June 9, and it's going to take ALL OF US to help people vote in the era of COVID-19! We’re looking for volunteers to make phone calls from their homes from April 30 until June 9. We’ll provide virtual trainings, scripts, phone numbers, staff who are on call to answer questions, and all the info you need to get started. Join us for the Vote Together WV phone bank launch and training, Thursday, April 30, 5-8:30PM. Sign up here. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Fair Courts, Voting, Voting Rights
Blog WVCAEF April 21, 2020
Have You Lost Your Health Care During COVID-19?
Our friends at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy put together this helpful guide to outline the options that people have to maintain critical health coverage during this time. Please share! More
Issues: Healthcare, Kids and Families, Unemployment benefits, Workers
Have You Lost Your Health Care During COVID-19?
Our friends at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy put together this helpful guide to outline the options that people have to maintain critical health coverage during this time. Please share! More
Issues: Healthcare, Kids and Families, Unemployment benefits, Workers
Blog Julie Archer April 8, 2020
WV House Rejects New Court Sought by Powerful Special Interests
If you were one of the people who responded to calls to action from WV Citizens for Clean Elections Coalition and our partners and allies during the 2020 WV Legislative Session, thank you! You helped defeat a bad bill sought by powerful special interests. Besides the intermediate court of appeals, there were also multiple constitutional amendments proposed that would have undermined the independence of the courts. We must continue to fight these attacks and push for increased transparency in our elections and the adoption of strong recusal standards to remove political pressure and conflicts of interest from our courts. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Fair Courts, Money In Politics, Voting Rights
WV House Rejects New Court Sought by Powerful Special Interests
If you were one of the people who responded to calls to action from WV Citizens for Clean Elections Coalition and our partners and allies during the 2020 WV Legislative Session, thank you! You helped defeat a bad bill sought by powerful special interests. Besides the intermediate court of appeals, there were also multiple constitutional amendments proposed that would have undermined the independence of the courts. We must continue to fight these attacks and push for increased transparency in our elections and the adoption of strong recusal standards to remove political pressure and conflicts of interest from our courts. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Fair Courts, Money In Politics, Voting Rights
Blog WVCAEF April 8, 2020
Big Victories for Healthcare for All WV Campaign
By passing three of its top priority bills, the Health Care for All WV Coalition won big this year in the fight for all West Virginians’ right to health care. Hundreds of West Virginians joined together in asking legislators to support common sense measures that save money, dignity and lives in the long run. They urged lawmakers to choose people over profit by working towards a health system that serves everyone. The work is just beginning. Click here to learn more and get involved. More
Issues: Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and Families, Medicaid, Medicare
Big Victories for Healthcare for All WV Campaign
By passing three of its top priority bills, the Health Care for All WV Coalition won big this year in the fight for all West Virginians’ right to health care. Hundreds of West Virginians joined together in asking legislators to support common sense measures that save money, dignity and lives in the long run. They urged lawmakers to choose people over profit by working towards a health system that serves everyone. The work is just beginning. Click here to learn more and get involved. More
Issues: Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and Families, Medicaid, Medicare
Blog WVCAEF April 8, 2020
Awards Dinner Postponed, but not Our People First Agenda!
One of West Virginia’s biggest strengths is our people and strong sense of community. As we all are experiencing unprecedented times, we here at WV Citizen Action are continuing to care for one another during this pandemic. Every year, we look forward to the Spring Fling, however we are taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe by postponing this year’s celebration. In the meantime, we encourage you to please give what you can now to support the important work that needs to be done all the way through our present crisis. Our goal is to emerge from this crisis stronger through community engagement and continuing to make a difference in our state and nation! More
Issues: Climate Justice, Democracy, Environment, Fair Courts, Healthcare
Awards Dinner Postponed, but not Our People First Agenda!
One of West Virginia’s biggest strengths is our people and strong sense of community. As we all are experiencing unprecedented times, we here at WV Citizen Action are continuing to care for one another during this pandemic. Every year, we look forward to the Spring Fling, however we are taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe by postponing this year’s celebration. In the meantime, we encourage you to please give what you can now to support the important work that needs to be done all the way through our present crisis. Our goal is to emerge from this crisis stronger through community engagement and continuing to make a difference in our state and nation! More
Issues: Climate Justice, Democracy, Environment, Fair Courts, Healthcare
Blog Julie Archer April 3, 2020
Absentee Voting Available To Anyone Due to Coronavirus Emergency
Wondering how the COVID-19 crisis will impact the West Virginia’s 2020 primary and judicial elections? Two weeks ago, the Secretary of State announced that every registered West Virginia voter is eligible to vote absentee during this public health emergency. This week, Governor Justice announced that he is using his emergency powers to delay the primary until June 9, past the anticipated peak of the coronavirus outbreak. More here and at GoVoteWV.com. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Fair Courts, Voting, Voting Rights
Absentee Voting Available To Anyone Due to Coronavirus Emergency
Wondering how the COVID-19 crisis will impact the West Virginia’s 2020 primary and judicial elections? Two weeks ago, the Secretary of State announced that every registered West Virginia voter is eligible to vote absentee during this public health emergency. This week, Governor Justice announced that he is using his emergency powers to delay the primary until June 9, past the anticipated peak of the coronavirus outbreak. More here and at GoVoteWV.com. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Fair Courts, Voting, Voting Rights
Blog WVCAEF April 3, 2020
Groups Demand Support for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Intervention in Next Federal COVID Package
Citizen Action and other local, state, and national organizations joined with the National Child Abuse Coalition to urge Congress to act swiftly to provide emergency funding for the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. More
Issues: Kids and Families, Our Children Our Future
Groups Demand Support for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Intervention in Next Federal COVID Package
Citizen Action and other local, state, and national organizations joined with the National Child Abuse Coalition to urge Congress to act swiftly to provide emergency funding for the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. More
Issues: Kids and Families, Our Children Our Future
Blog Gary Zuckett April 25, 2018
New Election App Helps Voters Choose Candidates
On the first day of early voting, WV Citizen Action Education Fund (WV CAEF) is excited to announce a new resource for helping voters identify candidates and issues they support with a new, easy to use election app called BallotReady. BallotReady is a non-partisan civic engagement tool that enables users to find comprehensive ballot information for their own voting precinct. The tool displays candidate bios, stances, endorsements, and relevant news all in one place; and helps users to find their polling place, make a plan to vote, easily save, and be reminded of the information prior to and on Election Day. More
Issues: Civic Engagement, Elections, Voting
New Election App Helps Voters Choose Candidates
On the first day of early voting, WV Citizen Action Education Fund (WV CAEF) is excited to announce a new resource for helping voters identify candidates and issues they support with a new, easy to use election app called BallotReady. BallotReady is a non-partisan civic engagement tool that enables users to find comprehensive ballot information for their own voting precinct. The tool displays candidate bios, stances, endorsements, and relevant news all in one place; and helps users to find their polling place, make a plan to vote, easily save, and be reminded of the information prior to and on Election Day. More
Issues: Civic Engagement, Elections, Voting
Blog WVCAEF April 17, 2018
New Tax Law Benefits Health Care Industry, Endangers Vital Services
A new West Virginia report by Americans for Tax Fairness and Health Care for America Now detailing the affects of the new tax law on families in West Virginia and compares that with the tax benefits that health insurance companies and prescription drug manufacturers receive under the same law. Read the full report here. More
Issues: Healthcare, Taxes
New Tax Law Benefits Health Care Industry, Endangers Vital Services
A new West Virginia report by Americans for Tax Fairness and Health Care for America Now detailing the affects of the new tax law on families in West Virginia and compares that with the tax benefits that health insurance companies and prescription drug manufacturers receive under the same law. Read the full report here. More
Issues: Healthcare, Taxes
Blog WVCAEF April 9, 2018
Power to the People: WV CAEF’s Awards Dinner & Fundraiser
On Friday, June 1, we are hosting our annual awards dinner and fundraiser at the Charleston Woman’s Club. We hope you can join us! In honor of Paul Nyden, long-time Charleston Gazette investigative reporter who passed away earlier this year, we are dedicating, the Paul Nyden and Don Marsh Public Service Award, which recognizes a lifetime commitment to truth, justice, and service in the public interest. Cathy Kunkel will be the first recipient of this newly dedicated award. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of our awardees, this is a great opportunity to lift up the great work we all have been doing over this past year -- oh, and have a little fun, too! More details here. More
Power to the People: WV CAEF’s Awards Dinner & Fundraiser
On Friday, June 1, we are hosting our annual awards dinner and fundraiser at the Charleston Woman’s Club. We hope you can join us! In honor of Paul Nyden, long-time Charleston Gazette investigative reporter who passed away earlier this year, we are dedicating, the Paul Nyden and Don Marsh Public Service Award, which recognizes a lifetime commitment to truth, justice, and service in the public interest. Cathy Kunkel will be the first recipient of this newly dedicated award. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of our awardees, this is a great opportunity to lift up the great work we all have been doing over this past year -- oh, and have a little fun, too! More details here. More
Blog Julie Archer March 16, 2018
Two Constitutional Amendments Headed for the Ballot in November
During the 2018 legislative session, legislators approved resolutions putting two proposed constitutional amendments on the November 6 general election ballot. The Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the judiciary’s budget. The No Constitutional Right to Abortion Amendment is being deceptively explained as an effort to take away Medicaid funding for abortion, but aims to take away reproductive rights for women more broadly. More
Issues: Elections, Fair Courts, Healthcare
Two Constitutional Amendments Headed for the Ballot in November
During the 2018 legislative session, legislators approved resolutions putting two proposed constitutional amendments on the November 6 general election ballot. The Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the judiciary’s budget. The No Constitutional Right to Abortion Amendment is being deceptively explained as an effort to take away Medicaid funding for abortion, but aims to take away reproductive rights for women more broadly. More
Issues: Elections, Fair Courts, Healthcare
Blog WVCAEF March 4, 2018
Campaign Contributions: You, Too, Can Follow the Money
In what is now likely a familiar story to most reading this, Lissa Lucas was escorted from the House chamber after being called out of order for reading a list of campaign contributions that each of the committee members had taken from interests that stood to benefit from the bill before the committee. Lucas is a candidate running for a House seat in this election, but you don't have to be running for office to get access to the information on campaign donors— you can do it too. Try out one of these easy tools and take a look at the wealth of information they have on your legislators’ campaign contributions. More
Issues: Disclosure, Elections, Money In Politics, Voting
Campaign Contributions: You, Too, Can Follow the Money
In what is now likely a familiar story to most reading this, Lissa Lucas was escorted from the House chamber after being called out of order for reading a list of campaign contributions that each of the committee members had taken from interests that stood to benefit from the bill before the committee. Lucas is a candidate running for a House seat in this election, but you don't have to be running for office to get access to the information on campaign donors— you can do it too. Try out one of these easy tools and take a look at the wealth of information they have on your legislators’ campaign contributions. More
Issues: Disclosure, Elections, Money In Politics, Voting
Blog WVCAEF February 13, 2018
FirstEnergy Ends Bid to Sell Pleasants Power Plant
In a notice filed Monday, Feb. 5, with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, FirstEnergy Corp. stated that it will stop fighting to transfer ownership of the Pleasants Power Plant to Monongahela Power and Potomac Edison, FirstEnergy’s West Virginia utilities. This is a major win for the 530,000 Mon Power and Potomac Edison consumers in West Virginia. This deal was bad from the beginning and the extensive evidence presented at the PSC proceeding made clear that the proposed transfer would benefit FirstEnergy and hurt West Virginians struggling to survive in today’s economy. More
Issues: Consumer Protection, Energy, Energy Efficiency, Utility Rates
FirstEnergy Ends Bid to Sell Pleasants Power Plant
In a notice filed Monday, Feb. 5, with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, FirstEnergy Corp. stated that it will stop fighting to transfer ownership of the Pleasants Power Plant to Monongahela Power and Potomac Edison, FirstEnergy’s West Virginia utilities. This is a major win for the 530,000 Mon Power and Potomac Edison consumers in West Virginia. This deal was bad from the beginning and the extensive evidence presented at the PSC proceeding made clear that the proposed transfer would benefit FirstEnergy and hurt West Virginians struggling to survive in today’s economy. More
Issues: Consumer Protection, Energy, Energy Efficiency, Utility Rates
