CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — West Virginia lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session as Saturday turned into Sunday.
“I think we had a great first session together, the Senate body and the governor,” said Sen. Brian Helton (R-Fayette). “We’re behind him all the way. We’re going to support his agenda. I think it lines up with what’s best for West Virginia. I’m excited to be a part of this team over the next four years to work with Governor Morrisey and grow this state like never before.”
Other senators disagreed.
“I think it was a do-nothing session,” said Sen. Joey Garcia (D-Marion). “We didn’t do anything. I heard some comments the other day about all the wonderful things we’ve done. We haven’t done anything about foster care or childcare. We haven’t done the real work that the people were asking us to do.”
One of two Democrat senators, Garcia was also not happy with the way that his Republican colleagues passed a bill in the final few minutes of session that bans any DEI programs.
“Shortcuts and rule breaking. Whatever it takes to get that agenda passed is what this Republican majority is willing to do,” Garcia said. “It’s not right.”
Even some Republicans were not entirely pleased with the legislative session.
“I’m a little disappointed that we had to have a little more growth in the budget that I would have wanted,” said Del. Vernon Criss (R-Wood).
However, the House’s finance chair does approve of several items that were included in the $5.3 billion state budget that passed both chambers.
“There’s $125 million to go to the highway department for a fall paving program. That will be good,” Criss said. “Water and sewer projects will be funded. Economic development will be funded. The thing we’re most proud of in the back of the budget is $250,000 to go to Lilly’s Place.”
Republican Brian Helton points to the microgrids bill and the creation of economic growth districts as successes of the legislative session.
“And also Lauren’s Law which we passed this year. In honor of Lauren Cole, it enhances penalties for those that deal death here in West Virginia,” Helton said. “For the most hardened drug criminals that deal fentanyl that results in death, we’ve enhanced those penalties.”
While Senator Helton applauds Governor Patrick Morrisey’s leadership, Delegate Criss was much more critical of the governor.
“He doesn’t understand the state being from New Jersey,” Criss said. “He doesn’t spend time here to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ Getting the cooperation of the legislature is a problem for him.”
Governor Patrick Morrisey has hinted at a special session this summer, but if and when that will happen has yet to be determined.
