How Using Rainy Day Funds Affects State Credit Ratings
Brian Skinner
State Fiscal & Economic Policy
Agency officials say smart management and design contribute to high marks
From The Well
At the center of the West Virginia state capitol is an area known as “The Well.” It is the informal gathering place for lobbyists, reporters, constituents and lawmakers. Centrally located between the chambers of the House of Delegates and Senate, The Well is often where information is shared, alliances are formed and deals are made.
From The Well
The Impact of COVID-19 on Working Women and Policies that Might Promote Gender Equality in the Labor Market
By Brian Skinner, Esq. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended work and home life for everyone, but women in particular have carried the largest share of the burden. A recent article in the NY Times highlights the heavier domestic burden borne by women caused by the pandemic. Including, the fact that they are more likely to lose …Read More
Pennsylvania governor urges legalization of adult-use cannabis: What About West Virginia?
By Brian Skinner, Esq. On Tuesday, Governor Tom Wolf of West Virginia’s neighbor to the north, Pennsylvania, called on state lawmakers to legalize a commercial recreational marijuana program during the fall legislative session. Pennsylvannia’s Medical Marijuana Program was signed into law on April 17, 2016, and one year and two days later, West Virginia’s Medical Cannabis Program, a virtual carbon …Read More
Ohio Legislature Considers Bill to Provide Health Care Providers, Businesses and Schools with Liability Protections
By Brian Skinner, Esq. On June 30, 2020, the Ohio Senate passed a substitute bill for H.B. 606 passed by the House on May 28, 2020. The Senate amendments substantially rewrite the House bill by including many of the provisions of S.B. 308 passed by the Senate on June 3, 2020. The bill grants temporary …Read More
The Voting process Explained — Want to vote early? Here’s how.
Brian Skinner
Election, In-person Early Voting
By Democracy Docket Once you have registered to vote, you don’t have to wait until Election Day to cast your ballot. While you can of course vote on Election Day in every state, many states also allow voting during the weeks leading up to Election Day—this process is known as “early voting.” Most states offer …Read More
The Voting Process Explained — First, We Register
Brian Skinner
Uncategorized
By Democracy Docket In the United States, the first step to vote unfortunately isn’t as easy as just turning 18. You first have to register to vote and every state has different rules and regulations for this step that vary widely. https://www.democracydocket.com/2020/08/voting-process-explained-registration/
What Does the Post-COVID Natural Gas Market Mean for West Virginia?
By Brian Skinner, Esq. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a large-scale shutdown of the West Virginia economy. But of course, the state is not alone in seeing its economy stifled by the pandemic. Market disruptions and business interruptions have occurred world-wide. And, it is likely that the impact of the COVID-19 will continue well …Read More
Companies Postpone Returning Employees to the Office
By Brian Skinner, Esq. An August survey by the Pacific Business Group on Health, found that 57% of major U.S. employers said they will postpone return-to-work plans because of recent increases in coronavirus infections. About 43% say they are planning to bring employees back to the worksite, but with multiple, enhanced safety measures in place. Part …Read More
Voting by Mail in Ohio and West Virginia
Brian Skinner
Elections, Vote by Mail
By Brian Skinner, Esq. In July of this year, Democracy Docket published a report that includes a state-by-state assessment of voters’ ability to vote by mail in the 2020 General Election. As the report notes, the U.S. Constitution makes the 50 states primarily responsible for regulating elections. Consequently, voters across the country face a patchwork of …Read More
States Consider Creating Their Own Worker Safety Standards
By Brian Skinner, Esq. As states began the process of reopening their economies, they took different paths to put in place COVID-19 mitigation rules for businesses. Some have implemented mandatory standards for businesses that are intended to protect employees. Other states have simply issued guidelines. …Read More
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