CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Wednesday marked the opening day for the 87th West Virginia legislature, which swore in all the new senators and delegates one month before the legislative session.
Nine new senators and 16 new delegates took oath on Wednesday to lead the state in what many hope will be a new direction. Three of those 16 delegates are returning after having previously served in the West Virginia House several years ago: Del. Canterbury, Del. Eldridge and Del. Flanigan.
“I think we’re going to get to work for the businesses in the state,” Del. Daniel Linville (R) Cabell said.
Another familiar face who will continue serving at the state capital is Roger Hanshaw, who was elected to become the Speaker of the House for the fifth time. Several lawmakers who were sworn in said they have big aspirations for the state in 2025.
Del. Jordan Maynor (R) Raleigh said, “Economic development is going to be big. It’s going to be a big priority for us the last several years, and it’s going to continue to be.”
Del. Kayla Young (D) Kanawha said she hopes to see some of last year’s central topics be brought up once again.
“I’m also hopeful that we can do some stuff to work on PEIA to make sure our state employees aren’t paying out the roof. Hopefully we can just work on helping West Virginians,” Young said. “I’m really concerned about vaccine exemptions being rolled back. We have really great vaccine laws for kids. So, public health is a big concern of mine.”
Additionally, lawmakers added their goals include making life more affordable for everyday citizens through possible tax reductions, investment in education and more.
“West Virginia is starting to move in a very positive direction for the first time in my lifetime, and we’ve got a trend of more people moving into our state than leaving our state. We’re going to really try to supercharge that this year,” Del. Linville said.
In addition to the swearing-in and the start of a new year, some state officials said their goodbyes on Wednesday hoping to have left their mark at the capitol. Steve Harrison is wrapping up his fifth term as the West Virginia House Clerk.
“It really hasn’t sunk in. Retirement hasn’t sunk in yet,” Harrison said. “It’s unique to have these three opportunities I’ve had, I’m just thankful.”
Harrison said he served five terms in the House and one term in the Senate. He was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1992 when he was 26 years old.
“I really was involved in the pro-life issues and also was very involved in helping get the food tax reduced,” Harrison said.
The 2025 Legislative Session begins on February 12.
