My "Crossover Day" Deadline Deliberations

As the "Crossover Day" deadline looms large this coming week, for the West Virginia Legislature to pass legislative proposals (bills) out of the originating chambers (House of Delegates and Senate), it seemed prudent for me to pause and ponder anew this reminder from Valley Forge that helped persuade me to serve as a citizen legislator.

 The spirit of a lone soldier in George Washington's Continental Army stands barefoot in the freezing snow. Shivering in rags, hungry, and blood-stained from battle; he holds his battered musket in bandaged hands.

 There's fire in his eyes.

 Looking over 200 years into the future, he tells all of us today,

 "I gave to you a birthright of freedom, now enshrined in your Constitution, but your children graduate from high school too careless to read it. I fought in the icy winter, without shoes and with bloody feet, to give you the right to vote, but you stayed home on election day. I left my family destitute and hungry, so you could have the freedom to stand up and speak out for liberty, but you remain uninvolved. I orphaned my children, to give you a government endowed by God, but you have sat back and allowed others to hijack our rights and responsibilities."

  And so, while the West Virginia Legislature remains in session, it nevertheless continues to remain up to each and every one of us, me and you together, to work to preserve our precious heritage of freedom, for which  so many others have sacrificed so much.


 Footnote: Please also take a moment to click on the "Why It Matters" as well as the other links listed under "Videos" on the right hand side of this website.

2013 Eastern Panhandle News #7

Participating in this morning's State House meeting of the Eastern Panhandle Legislators were Senator Don Cookman as well as Delegates Larry D. Kump, Mike Folk, Larry Faircloth, Steven Skinner, Paul Espinosa, Ruth Rowan, Daryl Cowles, Eric Householder, and John Overington.

The Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train legislation (SB 103, HB 2879) was reported on by the Reverend J. Charles Riecks, National Association of Railroad Passengers spokesperson.

He reported that MARC has been serving the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia since 1983, but West Virginia never has had a voice in its operation.

SB 103 and HB 2879 would allow West Virginia to enter into an Interstate Compact agreement with Maryland and give West Virginia a voice on behalf of the Mountaineer commuters who use MARC to travel to and from their jobs.

Approximately 450-500 West Virginia commuters board the MARC trains in West Virginia (not counting the additional West Virginians who board the MARC train in Brunswick, Maryland to catch the much earlier MARC train to Washington, D. C.).

Mr. Riecks suggested that, with MARC service to West Virginia, West Virginia would have to create additional road and bridge capacity for the increased automobile traffic.

Both SB 103 and HB 2879 are pending consideration by the Finance committees in the House of Delegates and the Senate.

A representative of the West Virginia Department of Transportation and also Attorney General Patrick Morrisey will be invited to upcoming meetings of the Eastern Panhandle Legislative Caucus.

Beginning next Monday, the Eastern Panhandle Legislative Caucus meetings at the State House will begin at 8:30 AM.

Meanwhile, click on "A Budget Solution for You & Me" under the "Video" links on the right hand side of this webpage.

2013 Legislative News #7

The passage of and signing of SB 359 into law will not remedy West Virginia's education crisis.
 

 Left unresolved and still a problem is the lack of direct accountability of the West Virginia State Board of Education to Mountaineer voters and the continuing problem of too much top heavy bureaucratic authority over local  schools.

 The needs of students and the voices of parents will be much better served if we provide much more voter ownership of our educational system by making the members of the West Virginia State Board of Election accountable to voters in non-partisan General elections (HJR 35 - Constitutional Revision Committee), and moving the non-partisan local county school board elections from the Primary to General election (HB 2555 - Education Committee).

Further, SB 359 weakens the employment qualifications of the State Superintendent of Education, and removes the cap on his salary, even though he already earns more than the West Virginia Governor.

Until 1932, the State Superintendent of Education was an elected official, but now is appointed by the State Board of Education (who also aren't elected, but appointed by the Governor, and who has no authority over them after their appointments).

The State Superintendent of Education also is the only unelected state official who serves on the State Board of Public Works (Serving on the West Virginia Board of Public Works are the Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, and the State Superintendent of Education).  

 Sadly, SB 359 is full of sound and fury, signifying not so much (apologies to Shakespeare's "Macbeth").

  Legislative Process Footnote:

The deadline for introducing new legislative proposals (bills) is only a few days away. Further, committee voting on bills introduced must be completed in the originating chamber by the end of this month. Each chamber (House of Delegates and Senate) must complete voting on bills in the originating chamber by April 3rd. Then, each chamber will turn their attention soley to discussing and voting on bills that already have been passed in the opposite chamber.

2013 Eastern Panhandle News #6

At the last minute, this morning's State House meeting of the Eastern Panhandle legislators was unexpectedly aborted, due to the preemption of our meeting room by another group. Since there were no other meeting rooms available for us this morning, the meeting will be rescheduled, at a date and time yet to be determined.

The Reverend J. Charles Riecks, National Association of Railroad Passengers, was to be the guest speaker for this meeting. He had intended to answer questions about SB 103 and HB 2879, in regard to the proposed participation by West Virginia in the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train system, which currently serves the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

SB 103 and HB 2879 are the legislative bills that address this issue. Both bills have been passed by the Transportation Committees in the House of Delegates and State Senate. Both bills currently are awaiting further committee hearings before the House of Delegates and State Senate Finance Committees.

Visit the other entries at this website for more legislative news.

Focus and Civility

The intemperate statements, allegedly directed against the personal safety of West Virginia State Senator Herb Snyder (D-Jefferson County), are both alarming and churlishly counterproductive to good governance and civil discourse.

Of course, the 2nd Amendment to our United State Constitution resonates deeply within the hearts and sinews of Mountaineers.

We are understandably and deeply passionate about our right to keep and bear arms.

However, as the West Virginia State Senate prepares to further deliberate and decide how to best protect our God given and Constitutional rights and responsibilities, we all need to keep our focus solely upon the important principles and issues now being considered by the West Virginia State Legislature.

Even so, let us not also be led astray into believing the inflamed outbursts of a feckless few represent the mind of the many, who anxiously are striving to preserve our sacred liberties.

To do so would be akin to painting all of Christendom with the brush strokes of those such as David Koresh and the Reverend Jim Jones.

Thoughts about SB 371 (Criminal Justice Reform)

                                 
The following are my thoughts that I shared with other leaders about the above referenced legislative proposal on post conviction criminal justice:
The American Correctional Association (ACA) Page 8, lines 7 & 8

 Giving broad and absolute authority to the American Correctional Association (ACA) to establish West Virginia Division of Corrections mental health guidelines would surrender West Virginia's jurisdiction and authority to an unaccountable outside organization. I suggest that the ACA not be given authority or jurisdiction in this legislation. Their expertise can be utilized as suggestions without giving them authority. (I can amplify further on this. This is a major concern)

Child Abuse, Page 11, beginning on line 16

 Any early release, including parole, of any person convicted of child abuse (or abuse of a vulnerable person) seriously endangers public safety. Those committing these heinous crimes should never be eligible for accelerated release or parole, inasmuch as their danger to public safety is ongoing. These felons, while not a large percentage of prison populations and usually not a behavioral problem while incarcerated, nonetheless constitute a clear and present danger to the public upon their release from incarceration.

Parole Officers Self-Defense, Page 15, lines 16-17, Page 54, lines 15-24

 Allowing parole officers to carry concealed deadly weapons simply is prudent policy.

Risk & Needs Assessments , Page 19, line 21, Pages 24-25, Page 29, line 18, Page 31, lines 18-24, Page 32, line 4, Page 36, lines 5-8 and lines 18-19, Page 46, line 18, Page 53, lines 6-11, Page 57, lines 14-15, Page 65, lines 5-7

 Care should be taken to not create a burdensome bureaucracy with this process. Many jurisdictions have become so enamored with complex assessments that the assessments actually have become counter-productive to positive outcomes. There is a real danger that administration of these assessments will consume too much of the time that criminal justice employees should be spending in more productive ways. Suggest streamlining this criteria by simply mandating that it should be "cost and time effective"  and that reports about programs be "outcome based", to help forestall the temptation of agencies to simply tout the number of programs and participants as indicators of success.

Community Corrections Subcommittee, Page 22

 I would suggest that a  prison case manager (non-supervisor) also serve on this subcommittee, inasmuch as it is this line position that has a tremendous insight into effective programming and need.


Community Criminal Justice Boards/Substance Abuse Treatment, Page 27, lines 1-2, Page 68, lines 12-17

 The definition of a member "with a background in substance abuse treatment and services" should be further clarified to  emphasize the principle that preference shall be given to the appointment of an individual with successful direct experience with abusers in abuse service and treatment and without regard to formal education. It has been my sad experience that abuse treatment can become a "cottage industry" for degreed professionals, while the most effective abuse counselors are those who have had personal and real world experience in overcoming addictions. In prison environments, often the most effective mentors are those who can relate to the abusers by showing them how they overcame their own abuse addictions (including fellow inmates). The Twelve-step Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two good program examples. Also, inmates often use addictions programs merely as tools to "game the system" and  to glean certificates of completion for parole and release purposes, but without merit.    


Random Drug & Alcohol Testing, Page 30, lines 15-16

 Another good tool.


Violation of Probation, page 37, lines 15-17, Page 38, lines 5-7

 The focus of violations of probation on absconding from supervision or committing a new crime, instead of other minor issues perhaps is the most excellent recommendation to reduce bureaucracy and counter-productive criminal "justice" in SB 371. However, I would suggest that the penalties for minor probation violations be even more lenient and less structured.

Home Plans & Jobs, Page 43, line 18, Page 52, lines 5-24

 These provisions are most welcome. A major problem with release from incarceration is lack of the ability of inmates to find a home plan or to become employed and productive members of society. 

State Parole Officers Imprisonment Authority, Page 54, line 12, Page 59, lines 4-19

 Giving parole officers the right to imprison, without approval of the court, really worries me.

Drug Courts (Drug Offender Accountability and Treatment), Page 64

 Drug courts have been an effective tool, tremendously reducing recidivism (as well as prison costs), and should be supported and expanded.

 Finally, much more should be attempted to address West Virginia's prison problems, in  addition to the above suggestions regarding SB 371.

2013 Eastern Panhandle News #5

Participating in this morning's State House meeting of the West Virginia Eastern Panhandle legislators were Delegates Larry D. Kump, Larry Faircloth, Mike Folk, Ruth Rowan, Paul Espinosa, Eric Householder, Daryl Cowles, and John Overington as well as Senators Don Cookman and Craig Blair.

Berkeley County Councilperson Jim Whitaker also participated in the meeting.

West Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Brent Benjamin made a presentation on both adult and juvenile West Virginia drug courts, and an intense discussion with the legislators and Councilperson Whitaker followed.

Also and previous to and after the meeting, Delegate Kump and Senator Cook had a personal discussion about SB 371 and other criminal justice issues.

Next week, the caucus hopes to schedule a presentation and discussion regarding the pending Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC)legislation on behalf of MARC commuters from West Virginia.

Please visit the "Journal Legislative News #3" and other entries at this website for additional legislative news and views.

2013 Legislative News #6

West Virginia Delegate Larry D. Kump, District #59 (Berkeley-Morgan Counties) has been carefully watching the proposed legislation on education as it is debated in the West Virginia State Senate. After the Senate works its will on this legislation, the Falling Waters Delegate will carefully scrutinize the amended version when it comes up for a vote in the House of Delegates. However,  he laments that the Governor's proposed legislation on education reform falls short of doing enough to reduce State Board of Education bureaucracy and empower local school boards, as well as the teachers' ability to be effective in their classrooms. He also believes that further citizen participation and "ownership" of education, through increased voter participation, would be much improved  by moving county Board of Education elections from the Primary to General elections (HB 2555).

On the issue of bar closing times in the Eastern Panhandle and the problems they create by encouraging over indulgent boozers from Maryland and Virginia to bring their rowdy and dangerous behavior to West Virginia, Kump believes that the most effective and straightforward solution would be to empower individual West Virginia counties to set their own rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption, as is done in other States. He will be introducing legislation to do just that, as well as making these rules and regulations subject to voter referendums.

 Other legislative bills being sponsored or cosponsored by Delegate Kump are:

HCR 51 & HCR 61 Our State & Citizen Rights (Rules Committee) Requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to establish a post session Interim Study on the impact of federal laws and regulations upon the sovereign rights of the State of West Virginia and our citizens, as protected by the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

HB 2594  Teaching Our American Heritage (Education) Would require schools to teach about the Declaration of Independence, our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and other relevant historical documents and events from the era of our Founding Fathers.

HB 2828 Protecting Vulnerable Children (Judiciary) Would make it a crime to solicit a child to enter a vehicle in order to commit an offense against that child.
  HB 2871 Drivers' License Reform (Judiciary) Would remove the mandatory requirement for Mountaineer citizens to submit to the arcane and stifling regulations that make it so difficult to obtain new and renewed West Virginia driving licenses. This measure  was passed in previous legislative session by the West Virginia Senate, but never approved by the House of Delegates.

  HB 2882 Budget Reform (Finance) Would reduce West Virginia budget expenditures by one percent (1%) each year for ten (10) successive years.

  HB 2884 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Reform (Judiciary) Would reform the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to remove loopholes and make it easier for West Virginia citizens to ask for and obtain information and accountability regarding what our West Virginia government agencies are doing.

  All bills first must be heard and voted upon in their assigned legislative committee before receiving further legislative consideration (Committee assignments are listed after each bill number and title above).

More information on legislative issues and other legislation sponsored and cosponsored by Delegate Kump is available at other entries at this website.

For information on bills not listed at this website and which legislators are assigned to which committee (and how to contact them), click on the "WV State Legislature" link under "Links" on the right hand side of this webpage.

2013 Eastern Panhandle News #4

Attending this morning's State House meeting of the Eastern Panhandle legislators were Senator Don Cookman as well as Delegates Larry D. Kump, Mike Folk, Larry Faircloth, Daryl Cowles, Paul Espinosa, Eric Householder, John Overington, and Ruth Rowan.

Guest participants were Scott Swaim and Kurt Fuchts from West Virginia Farm Credit.

There was a spirited discussion about education reform. Delegate Kump lamented that the proposed legislation from the Governor does not sufficiently reduce the bureaucracy and control of the State Board of Education and suggested that the proposed legislation needs to do more to empower local county boards and local teachers.

The consideration of adult drug courts for the Eastern Panhandle was broached. Delegate Eric Householder will follow up and do additional research.

There was discussion of HB 2720 (bar closing times). Delegate Kump suggested that the best solution to this issue would be to give the authority to individual counties to regulate alcoholic beverages and that proposed county regulations should then be subject to a voter referendum in the following general election.

The Workers' Compensation coverage cost problem for volunteers at local fire departments was discussed.

HB 2723 by Delegate Larry Faircloth would institute a five percent (5%) surcharge on bail bonds (to be paid by those getting the bail bonds) to help fund regional jails and state police operations.

Additional legislative news is reported in other entries at this website. For even further information on other bills introduced and the legislators who are assigned to the committees with responsibilities for these bills, click on the "WV State Legislature" link under "Links" on the right hand side of this webpage.

2013 Legislative News #5

 Delegate Larry D. Kump, District #59 (Berkeley-Morgan Counties) will be pushing for legislation to reform the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Current law on the issue has so many loopholes that citizens routinely are rebuffed and denied, when they ask for accountability and information on what our state government is doing.  Kump is a persistent and fervent advocate on behalf of government and legislative transparency as well as citizen accessibility and participation in both.

 The Falling Waters Delegate's recent letter to the Beretta firearms company national headquarters in Maryland, suggesting to them that they relocate from that anti-personal liberty state to the much friendlier Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, has caught the attention of the Maryland State Legislature. Maryland State Senator Christopher Shank (R-Washington County) has asked West Virginia Delegate Kump for permission to read his letter aloud during a session of the Maryland State Senate.
 
 Additional legislation being sponsored or cosponsored by Delegate Kump includes, but is not limited to:

HCR 51 Our Citizen & State Rights (Rules Committee) Requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to establish a post session Interim Study on the impact of federal laws and regulations upon the sovereign rights of the State of West Virginia and our citizens, as provided by the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. 

HB 2594  Teaching Our American Heritage (Education) Would require schools to teach about the Declaration of Independence, our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and other relevant historical documents and events from the era of our Founding Fathers.

HB 2728 Parking for Disabled Veterans (Veterans' Affairs and Homeland Security) Would allow any veteran with a disabled veteran automobile license plate to park in handicap parking spaces. 

The above are only some of the proposals that he has and will yet introduce in the West Virginia Legislature (see other entries at this website). All bills first must be heard and voted upon in their assigned legislative committee before receiving further legislative consideration. (Committee assignments are listed after each bill number and title above). For information on other bills introduced and which legislators are assigned to which committee, click on the "WV State Legislature" link under "Links" on the right hand side of this website.

2013 Eastern Panhandle News #3

Just So You Know:

Over my ongoing protests, the West Virginia Senators and Delegates in the bi-partisan Eastern Panhandle Legislative Meetings previously decided to revise our previous practice and keep a portion of our weekly Monday meetings closed to the public and confidential.

However, my position is and always has been that our Eastern Panhandle legislator meetings should be ever so transparent and consistently open to public scrutiny and participation.


*Friday, February 1st: the 2013 Session organizational meeting of the Eastern Panhandle Legislative Caucus, Holiday Inn, Martinsburg, West Virginia.


Postscript: "Vox Populi est Vox Dei!"

2013 Eastern Panhandle News #2

Meeting this morning in the State House, were Eastern Panhandle legislators were Delegates Paul Espinosa, Ruth Rowan, Larry D. Kump, Steven Skinner, Mike Folk, Jason Barrett, Gary Howell, John Overington, Daryl Cowles, and Eric Householder as well as Senators
Don Cookman, Craig Blair, John Unger, and Herb Snyder.

Issues discussed by the caucus, but not limited to, included:

* Education. Concern was expressed by some legislators about mandates from Charleston that restrict county school boards' autonomy. Higher education issues, as well as Board of Education elections (HB 2555), were included in the discussion.

* The possible impact of the recent State Supreme Court overturning of the mandate for the Kanawha County Board of Education to provide a specified amount of funding to their local libraries and how that would affect other county libraries, especially in Berkeley County.

* Problems with the tremendous differential between the cost of housing in the Eastern Panhandle and some other regions of West Virginia, especially in regard to the salaries of state employees and teachers.

* The possibility of another circuit and family judge for the Eastern Panhandle.

* The Common Interest Ownership Act (Homeowners' Associations) legislative proposal, which still is pending introduction but will be forthcoming.

* The possibility of a formal agreement with the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train which would give West Virginia a voice in the MARC operating decisions.

* Bar closing hours.

* Local home rule for cities and counties.

2013 Legislative News #4

The following is a list of additional legislative proposals which I have sponsored or cosponsored in the West Virginia House of Delegates:

HJR 28 Taxpayer Bill of Rights (Constitutional Revision Committee) Would amend the West Virginia Constitution to require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to increase the General Fund of the state budget and for excess taxes collected to be returned to the taxpayers.

HB 2489 Elected Officials Accountability (Judiciary Committee) Would provide that elected public officials or public employees found guilty of misconduct while in office or employed to forfeit their positions.

HB 2555 County School Board Elections (Political Subdivisions Committee) Would change the election of county school boards from Primary to General elections (ensuring more voter participation).

HB 2556 Reduction in Small Town Expenses (Political Subdivisions Committee) Would reduce newspaper printing expenses of financial statements for Class IV municipalities (Such as the Town of Hedgesville).

HB 2557 Whistle-Blowers (Energy, Industry and Labor, Economic Development and Small Business) Would give state employees, who "blow the whistle" on wrong-doing in government, the protection of a grievance procedure and also fine those who harass whistle-blowers.

HB 2560 Self-Defense Rights in Schools (Education) Would allow school administrators, who have proper permits, to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds.

HB 2565 Ballot Access (Judiciary) Would enhance the ability of minor political parties to get on election ballots.

HB 2568 Non-Partisan Election of Judicial Officials (Constitutional Revision) Would provide an "advisory only" voter referendum on whether or not judges and magistrates should be elected on a non-partisan basis.

HB 2872 Firearms while Hunting or Fishing (Judiciary) Would protect the rights of hunters and fishers to carry unloaded firearms.

HB 2575 Prevailing Wages Rates Reform (Energy, Industry and Labor, Economic Development and Small Business) Would require "prevailing wage" rates on public construction to be determined solely by wages within the county.

HB 2576 Eliminate Prevailing Wage Law (Energy, Industry and Labor, Economic Development and Small Business) Would eliminate the current West Virginia "prevailing wage" law.

The above are only a few of the bills that have been and will be introduced in the West Virginia Legislature (See other and future entries for more). All bills first must be heard and voted upon in their assigned legislative committees before receiving further legislative consideration (Committee assignments are listed after each bill number and title above). For information on other bills introduced and which legislators are assigned to which committees, click on the "WV State Legislature" link under "Links" on the right hand side of this webpage.

2013 Eastern Panhandle News #1

State legislators from the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia met this morning at the State House to discuss legislative issues.

Participating were Senators Craig Blair and Herb Snyder, as well as Delegates John Overington, Jason Barrett, Paul Espinosa, Larry D. Kump, Larry Faircloth, Daryl Cowles, Steven Skinner, Mike Folk, Tiffany Lawrence, and Eric Householder.

A general discussion ensued about the range of possible future issues discussion.

These issues included, but were not limited to: bar closing times, home owners associations, education, workers compensation, home rule, Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train service, regional jails, and local state government salaries.

Delegate Kump announced that he will soon be introducing legislation to defray the public notification expenses of Class IV Municipalities and to make the non-partisan election of local school boards more friendly to voters by moving the elections of local school boards from the Primary to General elections.

2013 Legislative News #3

Today was the first day in the West Virginia Legislature for legislative proposals (bills) to be introduced.

Although a multitude of bills will continue to be introduced in the coming days, here are some of the bills that I introduced today as a sponsor or cosponsor (Committee assignments are listed after each bill number and title):

HB 2009 Voter Rights (Judiciary Committee) Provides the same privacy rights for signers of ballot petitions that are enjoyed by voters in elections.
HB 2010 Employee Freedom of Choice (Energy, Industry, Labor, Economic Development & Small Business Committee) Gives employees the right to join or to refrain from joining a union and provides penalties for harassing employees.
HB 2019 None of the Above (Judiciary) Puts "None of the Above" as a choice on the ballots for elections of state officials.
HB 2027 Non-Partisan Elections (Judiciary) Creates non-partisan elections for state officials, judges, and magistrates.
HB 2218 National Defense Authorization Act Protection (Government Organization Committee) Protects West Virginia citizens and agencies from actions by the United States Armed Forces which violate the United States or West Virginia constitutions.
HB 2374 Child Abuse (Judiciary) Eliminates parole eligibility for child abusers. (Note: This does not eliminate the right to appeal these sentences in court, which is a separate procedure from parole)
HB 2405 Election Reform (Judiciary) Provides for single member delegate districts in all West Virginia House of Delegate districts.

The above are only a few of the bills that have been and will be introduced. All bills must first be heard and voted upon in their assigned committee before receiving further legislative consideration. For information on other bills introduced and which legislators are assigned to which committees, click on the "WV State Legislature" link under "Links" on the right hand side of this webpage.

2013 Legislative News #2

Delegate Larry D. Kump, District #59 (Berkeley-Morgan Counties), makes it a point to consider the principles of economic freedom, individual liberty, and personal accountability as the basis of all his legislative proposals and votes.

He went on to further outline how these principles apply to education reform, substance abuse, the criminal justice system, and taxing the elderly.

Pointing out that elected county boards of education are the only school officials who are directly accountable to the voters, the Falling Waters Delegate proposes that West Virginia's highly centralized, overstaffed, and underperforming education system be revamped. He wants to give much more initiative and authority to local county school boards and to give teachers much more flexibility and say in the classroom. According to Kump, the proposal by some wags to create regional school authorities to determine salaries and other issues only would amount to another "Rube Goldberg" layer of ineffective bureaucracy. He also believes that voters will be much more involved with local school boards if their non-partisan election is moved from Primary to General elections, when more voters participate.

In regard to the growing Mountaineer substance abuse epidemic, Kump says that, in addition to substance abuse and drug addiction treatment programs as alternatives to prison sentences, state lawmakers also need to look at decriminalizing some offenses.

He said, "Why should taxpayers, and also state and local governments, be squeezed and squeezed and squeezed to provide lock-up welfare for prison inmates when there are much better ways to deal with these problems?".

Kump also is proposing legislation that would allow individuals, who have turned their lives around after a past drug related conviction, to have their criminal records expunged if they remain drug free for a period of time.

On the issue of taxation, Delegate Kump notes that thirty-six other states exempt social security benefits and all pensions from state taxes, and the time is long overdue for West Virginia to go and do likewise.

The Firearms Feeding Frenzy

The calumny and reflexive media hysteria since the monstrous mass murders in Connecticut and elsewhere continues with little pause for us to ponder.

Let's not allow the reactions of some panicked and pandering politicians to create even more of a frenetic feeding frenzy out of our heartfelt national sorrow and distress.

Let's absolutely not allow this and other terrible tragedies to be twisted to inadvertently further enable the despicable acts of the mentally ill and morally challenged, creating even more killing fields.

Let's certainly not forget that the previous (and now expired) federal assault weapons ban had no discernable impact to reduce violent crimes.

Let's also not forget that Connecticut already had and has some of the strictest firearms regulations in our nation.

Let's be cautious and consider the emotional bias and even the fallacious fear of firearms by some, which has led to woefully worrisome siege mentality proposals, to further barricade our schools and other public places.

 

Let's not fall victim to creating a false sense of security with ill-considered proposals.

 

Let's not continue to attempt to disarm responsible citizens.

 

Let's not make us and our children even more defenseless prey to  the depravity of more of the same evildoers.

Good grief!

 

A wise wag previously pointed out that violent crime is not caused by firearms, just as obesity is not caused by spoons.

After all, wasn't it Samuel Colt's invention that first was credited as being "the great equalizer"?

I don't own a personal firearm, but my next door and near neighbors do own them, and I know that the personal safety of all of us is enhanced when responsible citizens have the means of self defense.

A brave teacher was killed, while trying to shield the children.

For want of a defensive firearm, many died, and our nation weeps.

2013 Legislative News #1

By MATTHEW UMSTEAD
February 1 2013, 9:17 PM EST
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.herald-mail.com/news/tristate/hm-many-issues-discussed-at-2013-legislative-outlook-luncheon-in-martinsburg-20130201,0,5802882.story

2013 Legislative Preview

 Although the West Virginia Legislature met briefly on January 9th to elect legislative officers (Speaker of the House, Senate President, et al), the regular session of the 2013 Legislature will not begin until February 13th (as required by the West Virginia Constitution in the year following a gubernatorial election).

In the interim until then in the West Virginia House of Delegates, the Speaker will be appointing the membership of the House committees and the committee chairpersons. After the regular session begins, proposed legislative bills will begin to be given bill numbers and be assigned by the Speaker to the  various committees.

Keep in mind that most proposed legislative bills never get a committee hearing, so the decision of the committee chairperson to grant a bill a hearing is a critical legislative process hurdle to overcome.

I will send out legislative updates periodically throughout the session and also post them at this website, so stay tuned.

It's a Miracle!

The photographer made even me look good. Kudos to Martin Valent, official photographer for the West Virginia Legislature. (Click the pic to get a full size image.)

Meeting with School Retirees

Click on the link below for this news article:
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/587042/Retiree-meeting-held.html#.UK-1q7rkcC4.email

Term Limits (Also see Postscript)

October 25, 2012
Sheriff term limits up for vote

By Vicki Smith

The Associated Press

 MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Keith Wilson Jr. is one of West Virginia's youngest sheriffs at 39, but even if he wins a second term on Election Day, his career with the Wirt County department will end in four years.

Term limits the West Virginia Constit ...
Read more

Footnote: There was a longer version of this article published on Friday, October 26th in the Hagerstown Herald-Mail newspaper, to which reporter Matthew Umstead contributed, but it was not available on-line.

November 7th Postscript: West Virginia voters resoundingly defeated this proposed constituional amendment, which also has been defeated by our  citizens many times previously in prior elections. In point of fact, this proposal now has been voted down five times by Mountaineer citizens (1962, 1973, 1982, 1994, and 2012). Given the opportunity, it is my considered opinion that the people of West Virginia would vote for term limits for all elected officials.

Legislator News Update

WV Construction News

In a letter to West Virginia Delegate Larry D. Kump, Contractors Association of West Virginia Executive Director Mike Clowser wrote, "On behalf of the 475 members of the Contractors Association of West Virginia,...We appreciate the availability you always afford us to discuss the opportunities and the challenges of the construction industry in West Virginia.".

For more information, contact: Mike Clowser at (304)342-1166 or cawv@cawv.org.

More on Early Voting

Wednesday October 24, 2012
Early voting begins in W.Va., runs through Nov. 3

by The Associated Press

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia voters began filling out ballots across the state Wednesday as early voting got under way for the Nov. 6 general election.

Early voting continues through 5 p.m. on Nov. 3, and the polls will be open on Saturday ...
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Footnote: 877 citizens voted on the first day of early voting in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Also, an important issue on the ballot is a proposed amendment to the West Virginia State Constitution, regarding whether or not to eliminate term limits for County Sheriffs.

West Virginia Election News Update

Early this morning,It pleased me to be the first early voter in Berkeley County again at the Berkeley County Voter Election Center in downtown Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Even better, there was a long line of voters behind me, stretching out through the door of the Election Center.

Early Voting in West Virginia will continue at County Election Centers throughout West Virginia from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Wednesday, October 24th through Saturday, November 3rd (except for Sunday, October 28th).

For those Mountaineers who prefer to wait and vote on election day (Tuesday, November 6th), you can confirm your election day polling place by visiting www.wvsos.com.

Elections matter, and every vote really does count.

So, what are you waiting for?


Postscript: 877 citizens participated in the first day of early voting in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Another important issue on the West Virginia ballot this year is a proposed amendment to the  West Virginia State Constitution, regarding whether or not there should be term limits for County Sheriffs.

Chamber of Commerce News

West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Stephen G. Roberts has announced that the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee has endorsed the re-election of Delegate Larry D. Kump to the West Virginia House of Delegates.

In a letter to Delegate Kump, President Roberts told him that, "We believe you have a history of working hard to move West Virginia forward.".

Well Regarded by Those who Heal

The West Virginia Hospital Political Action Committee (HOSPAC), "based on voting records for incumbent candidates and recommendations from member hospitals", has endorsed the re-election of Delegate Larry D. Kump to the West Virginia House of Delegates in the new district #59.

Contact HOSPAC Treasurer Joe Letnaunchyn at (304) 353-9716 for further details.

They Built It!

Building upon their belief that Delegate Larry D. Kump "will help advance the manufacturing legislative agenda to create more jobs and investment in West Virginia", the West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) has endorsed Kump's re-election to the West Virginia House of Delegates.

For further information, contact: WVMA President Karen S. Price, (304) 342-2123.

Navy Dave Weighs In

Dear Larry:

These days it is a rare, but professional, pleasure to support any candidate for political office in whom one has the utmost confidence.
 Not only am I fully satisfied with his legislative results, but his personal character (indeed his entire attitude toward life & political reality in our state) offer agreement, cooperation, & continuing success for all --including those special ideas which he offers so often & so innovatively himself. I can only wish there were more candidates in both parties I could support with the complete confidence.
 I take personal pleasure in adding my name to the lengthy & growing lists of individuals & solid organizations supporting my WV State Delegate, Larry D. Kump.

Proudly . . .

David L. Woods, Phd, Adjunct Professor at Marshall University & Captain, USNR (Ret.)-- from "The Woods", Hedgesville, WV

A Boost from Bankers

Mountaineer bankers believe  in Delegate Larry D. Kump and are urging his re-election to the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Source: Joe Ellison, West Virginia Bankers Association Political Action Committee (WVBankPAC).

And the Beat Still Goes On...

The West Virginia Business & Industry Council (BIC) has endorsed the re-election of Delegate Larry D. Kump to the West Virginia Legislature in the new House of Delegates District #59 in the Eastern Panhandle (Berkeley-Morgan Counties).

In a letter to Delegate Kump from BIC Chairman Janet Vineyard, she pointed out to him that, "Having worked closely in my position with state government and various organizations, I deeply admire your commitment and resolve in running for state office, as the problems facing West Virginia surely will impact future generations...We look forward to working with you.".

BIC includes more than 50 West Virginia trade associations and businesses, which collectively represent more than 250,000 employees across multiple industry categories. For further information and a list of BIC members, contact Janet Vineyard at jan@wvbic.org.

Medical News Update

The West Virginia State Medical Association Political Action Committee (WESPAC) has endorsed the re-election of Delegate Larry D. Kump to the West Virginia House of Delegates in District #59 (Berkeley-Morgan Counties).

According to WESPAC Chairman Phillip R. Stevens, MD, WESPAC is "concerned for patients' rights, the public health of WV, affordable health insurance coverage for all families, and fairness in the courtroom."

The West Virginia State Medical Association has over 2,800 members who are physicians, retired physicians, medical residents, and students.

For further information, contact Amy Tolliver at (304) 925-0342 #25.

West Virginia Energy News

The West Virginians for Coal Political Action Committee has endorsed the re-election of Delegate Larry D. Kump to the West Virginia Legislature in District #59.

Chris Hamilton, West Virginians for Coal, pointed out that, "We appreciate all your hard work for your district, the state and for the state's energy and extractive programs."

A Chaplain on Islam

As a retired military Chaplain let me say an "amen" to Mr. Kump's remarks about Islam. One of the fine lines of distinction that I was always concerned about was precisely the point made here (see previous entries).

In matters of faith the primary call to the believer is to know his or her faith and to incorporate that faith into his or her life.

The primary focus of our faith should lie in ourselves, not in rushing to condemn others, who may not hold the same belief set that we do.

A tricky proposition at best.

And yet, if one really studies the history of o ur country and asks the question, "What caused many of our ancestors to leave their old homeland, family, and friends and undertake a risky journey across many a stormy sea?", you will find in a surprisingly large number of cases the answer was "Religious Intolerance."

Grace and Peace,
C.R.

Yikes!

Yesterday afternoon, in the West Virginia State Legislature's Government Organization Interim Committee Subcommittee meeting, one Senator proposed that, in order to give social workers more personal protection, state troopers make precautionary pre-visits to the homes of all social work clients.

Yikes!

Farm Bureau News

The West Virginia Farm Bureau Political Education and Political Action Committee (WV FARM PAC) has endorsed Larry D. Kump for re-election to the West Virginia House of Delegates in the new District #59 (Berkeley-Morgan Counties).

For more information, contact WV Farm Bureau President Charles Wilfong at (304) 472-2080.


Note: Check out the video links on the right hand side of this website.

"West Virginians for Life" News

 The West Virginians for Life Political Action Committee (WVL PAC) has endorsed the 2012 re-election of Delegate Larry D. Kump to the West Virginia House of Delegates from District #59, Morgan-Berkeley Counties.

 Doctor Wanda Franz, WVL-PAC President, said, "We appreciate the support Larry D. Kump has given to the pro-life cause during the last Legislative session in Charleston. Much work needs to be done to pass legislation to benefit the families of West Virginia, and we look forward to increasing the protection of life in future sessions."

 For further information, contact WVL-PAC President Wanda Franz at (304) 599-0798 or WVL-PAC Program Director Mary Anne Buchanan at (304) 594-9845.

A Message from Micah

 "I have given West Virginia Delegate Larry D. Kump the "Greatest Delegate in the House" award.

Mr. Micah Phelps
South Charleston, West Virginia"

Here's another Fine Mess!

The "Morgan Messenger" June 20th editorial, "Marriage Counselor's Full Employment Act", was another excellent disclosure of government obstruction and interference, this time with marriage.

Regardless of the good intentions of the sponsors of HB 4605, which was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, I strongly spoke out and voted against this ill-conceived legislation. It greatly increases license fees for West Virginia marriages and also attempts to coerce nascent newlyweds into a government approved indoctrination course.

Bottom line: West Virginia now is discouraging marriage, by increasing marriage fees and adding more bureaucratic challenges to nuptials.

"Laurel & Hardy" perhaps sum this up best, "Here's another fine mess...".