It’s that time of year! The WV Legislature convened this week in Charleston. For the next 60 days, we will be in session.
STAY IN TOUCH — Due to COVID, access to the capitol is limited. I welcome you to make virtual office appointments with me. Please call my office at 304-357-7959 to schedule. You can also reach me via email to share your opinion or ask a question: stephen.baldwin@wvsenate.gov. Or reach me via social media: @baldwinforwv. I’ll do my best to stay in touch!
COLUMNS — Speaking of communications, I will continue writing these weekly columns in the local papers as a way of keeping you updated. It’s always been called “The Back Pew.” Even though I now sit on the front row as minority leader, the title will continue…because I’m still a back pew kind-of-guy. And I will continue to give you the straightforward truth about what’s going on in Charleston!
LEADERSHIP ROLE — As I mentioned, this year I’ve been chosen by my colleagues as the “Minority Leader” of the WV Senate. It’s a true honor, as more experienced and talented members of the group could have easily done the job. But they’ve placed their confidence in me to lead the Senate Democrats for the next two years. A two-party system has challenges and frustrations. But it works best when both parties work together and hold each other accountable to our common values as West Virginians and Americans.
BROADBAND — Folks ask me what my top priority is this session, and the answer is easy. Broadband. It’s #1, #2, and #3. We’ve talked about it for years, but it’s time for action. We need to take the bull by the horns and get the fiber in the ground or on the poles to every hill and holler in West Virginia. Even if we have to build the system ourselves and then allow companies to provide the service.
TAX REFORM — One of the proposals you’ll hear about often is tax reform. W.Va. Republicans want to eliminate the income tax and the manufacturing machinery tax. Both are easier said than done. Because they make up a huge part of the state budget. Would you be willing to pay no income tax but pay a significantly higher sales tax, cut higher education in WV, pay taxes on personal services like haircuts, and raise taxes on items like property or soda? Expect to hear a lot about this. Proponents say it will keep young people here and encourage business development. I’m concerned about gambling our future away by giving up half the state budget. Always ask: Who does this help? Who does it hurt? What’s the full story?
LOBBYISTS — With access to the capitol restricted, lobbyists in Charleston will assume a larger role than ever before. They will wine & dine legislators each night at fancy events in Charleston in hopes of getting their agenda passed. Our Senate Democrats, therefore, proposed a bill to ban lobbyists from buying meals/entertainment for legislators during session.
VACCINES — For the past few weeks, my top goal has been getting more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in West Virginia. It’s paying off. We’re seeing increased shipments from the federal government, allowing more local residents to be vaccinated.
That’s the view from the back pew, where it is my privilege to serve you!
Senator Stephen Baldwin is a local Presbyterian pastor representing Fayette, Greenbrier, Monroe, & Summers. Reach him at 304-357-7959 or stephen.baldwin@wvsenate.gov. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @BaldwinForWV.
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