Dedication

This website is devoutly dedicated to all of Larry's friends and associates, both early and late, who have influenced and mentored him. However, it also should be noted that, being who they are, a majority of them have been late most of the time.

Friday, January 31, 2020

2020 West Virginia Legislative News Report #3

 Legislative action continues to intensify as more and more proposals (bills) are introduced, but only a selective few are given committee hearings and thereafter voted upon for passage in their originating chambers (House of Delegates or State Senate).

 This week I voted for, and the House of Delegates passed HB 4129 on adoption, which lessens the bureaucratic obstacles for the adoption of a child. HB 4129 now is pending consideration by the West Virginia State Senate.

 My HB 2497, the "Whistle-Blower" law, was passed by the House of Delegates (89 yeas, 6 nays, 5 absent). HB 2497 now is pending consideration by the West Virginia State Senate. HB 2497 protects government employees who "blow the whistle" on government wrong-doing or waste.

  I voted for, and the House of Delegates passed HB 4089, to require cursive writing to be taught in all of our schools. HB 4089 now is pending consideration by the West Virginia State Senate.

  I voted against HB 2433, which was narrowly defeated in the House of Delegates (47 yeas, 50 nays, 3 absent). HB 2433 would have further reduced the flexibility for local school boards to set their school year calendar. A motion the next day, to reconsider and re-vote on HB 2433, also was defeated (46 yeas, 52 nays, 2 absent). I again voted nay on reconsideration. I stood up, spoke up, and voted nay twice on HB 2433, because our local school boards should continue to have control over setting the local school year. Those who are concerned with school boards on this and other local school issues, should vote in the upcoming school board elections in May.

 I voted for, and the House of  Delegates passed HB 2419, to allow pre-trial release of inmates charged with misdemeanors (unless they are charge with a crime of violence, use of a deadly weapon, offense against a minor, drugs, or a serious traffic offense). This will help decrease the taxpayer expense of locking up defendants in regional jails while they are waiting for trial. HB 2419 now is pending consideration by the West Virginia State Senate.

 My HB 2605 was passed by the West Virginia House of Delegates Political Subdivisions Committee, and now moves on for further consideration by the House of Delegates Judiciary Committee. HB 2605 allows voters in West Virginia towns and cities to approve changing their June or other election dates to be on either the West Virginia regular Primary or General election dates, thus saving taxpayers money on elections and increasing voter turnout.

 Meanwhile, I continue to be a staunch supporter of our 2nd Amendment right to bear arms, personal property rights, individual liberty, and pro-life family values.

 More information about West Virginia legislation is available at the West Virginia Legislature's Office of Reference & Information, www.wvlegislature.gov or (304) 347-4836.

  My constituents also may visit www.LarryKump.com, telephone me at (304) 340-3122, or email me at Larry.Kump@wvhouse.gov for further inquiries. During session days, I always am in my legislative office (Room 476M) no later than 6:00 AM (and usually much earlier).

  May God bless you all real good!




  

Friday, January 24, 2020

2020 West Virginia Legislative News Report #2


As legislative proposals (bills) continue to be introduced and voted upon in the West Virginia Legislature, here are three more proposals that may not yet have caught your attention:

 This week, I voted for HB 4062, the Pharmacy Audit Integrity Act, which passed the House of Delegates. It requires that, beginning on 1 January 2021, all prescription drug discounts given by drug companies to a health insurance carrier shall either be used to reduce the individual's health insurance premium or passed on directly to the individual when the prescription is purchased. HB 4062 now is pending consideration by the West Virginia State Senate.

 My HB 2497, "Whistle-Blower" law, has passed the House Judiciary Committee. HB 2497 protects state and local government employees who "blow the whistle" on wrong doing or waste. It now is pending  passage by the West Virginia House of Delegates.

  My HB 4351 would require the West Virginia Legislature to set a leadership example, by providing random drug testing for legislators. HB 4351 has been referred to the West Virginia House of Delegates Judiciary committee.

 Meanwhile, I continue to be a staunch supporter of our 2nd Amendments right to bear arms, personal property rights, individual liberty, and pro-life family values.

 More information on legislation is available @ www.wvlegislature.com or by calling (304) 347-4836.

 Further, my constituents may visit www.LarryKump.com and are encouraged to telephone me @ (304) 340-3122 or email mail at Larry.Kump@wvhouse.gov for further inquiries.

 During session days, I always arrive in my legislative office (476M) no later than 6:00 AM, and usually much earlier.

 May God bless you all real good!



Wednesday, January 22, 2020

2020 West Virginia Legislative News Report # 1


It again is both my personal privilege and sacrifice to serve the citizens in the House of Delegates District #59 (portions of Berkeley and Morgan counties) of the West Virginia State Legislature.
During the legislative session, thousands of legislative proposals (bills) will be introduced but only a couple of hundred of them actually will be heard by a legislative committee, pass both the House of Delegates and State Senate, and be signed into law by our Governor.
Legislative committee deliberation and approval are the key gateway to the passage of any legislation into law
I serve on the House of Delegates Judiciary, Industry & Labor, and the Technology & Infrastructure committees.
As always, I continue to stand up and speak out on behalf of more taxpayer friendly and less intrusive government, based on our divinely inspired rights and responsibilities of our Constitution.
To that end, I am a staunch supporter of our 2nd Amendment right to bear arms, personal property rights, individual liberty, and pro-life family values.
So far, during this 2020 legislative session, I have introduced 44 legislative bills.
For example, this week I sponsored and voted for HB 4007 ("Born Alive" Survivors Protection Act), which protects the lives of children who survive botched abortions. HB 4007 passed the House of Delegates on Wednesday, January 15th, 2020.
I am a sponsor of HB 4133, to provide more citizen friendly driver's license application options under the federally mandated "REAL ID" act.
I also am a sponsor of HB 4376, which would prohibit municipalities from limiting our 2nd Amendment rights.
More information on my positions on West Virginia good governance is available at www.LarryKump.com.
Constituents also are invited to telephone me directly at my State Capitol office, (304) 340-3122.
Stay tuned.🤔
There is more to come, and may God bless you all real good!🤗

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Kump officially files for re-election to the West Virginia Legislature



FALLING WATERS, WEST VIRGINIA — Delegate Larry D. Kump has officially filed for re-election to the West Virginia Legislature.

 Delegate Kump, who previously filed pre-election papers with the Secretary of State’s office, again will be a Republican candidate to represent West Virginia House of Delegates District #59, which includes adjoining portions of both Berkeley and Morgan counties.

“After a strong and steady stream of personal pleadings urged me to yet again serve in public office and prolonged pondering and personal prayer, I have decided to answer this call to return to duty one more time,” Kump said .  He also cited the maxim, “Protanto quid retribuamus? (What shall we give in return for so much?)", as his motivation to continue serving the public.

 In 2010, Kump came out of retirement from a lifetime career of public service and was first elected, serving two terms in office, until the end of 2014. He then once again came out of retirement and was elected for yet another two-year term in the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2018.

 During his terms of legislative service, "It always has been my habit to start each of my legislative work days at the State House prior to 6:00 AM, usually even earlier. It's amazing what you can accomplish with advance preparation and a robust work ethic!"

 "Tried and tested in the crucible of a life-time of public service", Kump said he previously has promised and will continue to stand up and speak out on behalf of more taxpayer friendly and less intrusive government. He also pledges to continue to serve with “integrity, accountability and transparency", professing that, "We must continue to work together to reduce senseless spending, improvident programs, and counterproductive taxes and regulations.”

  “During my previous tours of duty, 75 different Republican and Democrat legislators, in the 100-member West Virginia House of Delegates, co-sponsored legislation with me. Even so, I never have been and never will be someone who goes along, just to get along,” Kump pointed out.

 He went on to say that, "I never have participated in lobbyists' dinners or partied during legislative sessions, but my office door always has been open to anyone who wants to discuss issues and principles with me. Rather than relying on the loudest and most raucous voices of a few, my simple solution always has been to carefully consider the merits of all constituent concerns, but then also be diligent to uphold the principles of my sacred Constitutional Oath of Office.".

 Delegate Kump vows to continue to pursue the “principles of good governance”, which he believes will give our citizens meaningful tax reform, protect retired senior citizens and “working Mountaineers”, defend the personal right to bear arms, provide for local school accountability and parental choices, more equitable treatment of school teachers and state employees, and to safeguard our personal property rights and pro-life family values.

 He further elaborated that, "especially dear to my heart are those God given rights and responsibilities of our Constitution, which are the very keys of our individual and family prosperity.".

 “Additionally, still more needs to be done about the drug and alcohol abuse that rages throughout West Virginia,” Kump said. “And so, our West Virginia legislators, in addition to enacting other prudent measures, should lead by personal example. That’s why I’m again proposing random substance abuse testing for all West Virginia legislators.”

 Kump added that,  "times are still too hard for  too many of us, and so there needs to be more tax reform, not increased tax burdens in West Virginia."

 “A better way is to restructure our already ample state budget by reforming our tax system and state government programs,” he said. “Among other things, this could and should lead to improved highways (including long overdue improvements to Rt. #9 between Martinsburg and Berkeley Springs), reduced (not increased) gasoline prices at the pump, better internet access and the complete elimination of state taxes on our social security benefits and all pensions."

 "Further, the persistent problem of West Virginia's aging and declining population adversely affects all of us, including an expected decline in our representation in the United States Congress. In reviewing our state government policies and tax structure, we should undertake a serious study of, as well as action, to reverse this decline."

 This "battle-tested Christian conservative" has lived modestly in his legislative district for almost thirty years. He lives with his "beloved" wife Cheryl and their canine companion, "Bodacious Bob the Wonder Dog".  Meanwhile, Delegate Kump has vowed to continue being "firm and faithful on behalf of our traditional Mountaineer values, while working together, to keep all of us and our families independent".

 A kinsman of Patrick Henry and former West Virginia Governor Herman Guy Kump, as well as Town of Hedgesville founder Josiah Hedges, Kump currently serves on the West Virginia House of Delegates Judiciary committee,  Government Organization committee, Industry and Labor committee, and Technology and Infrastructure committee.".

  Before previously retiring, Kump previously served  for over forty years in various public policy and administrative positions; including as a media and government relations professional, labor relations specialist and director, legislative staffer, prison case manager, court expert witness, training coordinator, cognitive development specialist, critical incident stress counselor, certified mediator and arbitrator, and even a sex offender group therapy facilitator.

 Join the Mountaineer League of Extraordinary Citizens, and make a difference  on behalf of good governance.

 Send your campaign contribution, whether modest of magnanimous, to:

Friends of Larry D. Kump
P. O. Box 1131
Falling Waters, West Virginia 25419-1131

So, what are you waiting for?

 For more information about Delegate Larry D. Kump, read the "Kump Biography" @ www.LarryKump.us, as well as his posts about good governance @ www.LarryKump.com.

Please share this message with others, asking them to go and do likewise, and may God bless you all real good! 

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

New Year's Opportunities (Please share this message with others)


Dear Friends & Fellow Citizens,

 Dieter F. Uchtdorf recently reminded me that the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, but the second best time is now.

 Moreover, Thomas Paine previously pointed out in "The American Crisis" that, "These are the times that tries men's souls", and this remains ever so true here and now.

 Centuries ago, Janus was the ancient Roman God of beginnings, and what time is better for new beginnings than here and now?  After all, the month of January is named after him, because the beginning of the year is a time for refelection and also for planning and doing.

 We continue that tradition today, making personal action resolutions in January for the rest of the year.

  Accordingly, with the forthcoming start of the new year and the 2020 West Virginia Legislative Session, this personal plea again comes to you, asking you to also pass this message along to others, simply because everyone's involvement is needed to help us make a difference together in the pursuit of the principles of good governance.

For me, my decision to again serve in public office was because of my firm conviction and personal passion to do my best to be an independent voice on behalf of our personal liberties and responsibilities.

 Especially dear to my heart are those God given rights and responsibilities promised to us by the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 10th Amendments of our Constitution, including our personal property rights as well as the rights of the yet unborn..

 These principles, along with the necessity for personal integrity in our elected officials, are the very keys to our individual and family prosperity.

 To that end, we need and must continue to work together for a reduction in senseless spending, improvident programs, and counterproductive taxes and regulations.

Remember, we are not alone, but we must all do our part.



Working together to stay Independent,

Larry D. Kump
West Virginia Delegate, District #59 (Berkeley-Morgan counties)

Postscriptum: 

Please remember to share this plea with all of your family and other associates. Add your personal encouragement for each of them, to also pass along this call to action to even more others.

Also, please send your contributions to my re-election campaign, whether modest or magnanimous, to -

Friends of Larry D. Kump
P. O. Box 1131
Falling Waters, West Virginia 25419-1131

Finally, always,  and for sure and certain; may God bless you all real good!

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Kump candidacy published by "The Journal"


HEDGESVILLE — Del. Larry Kump, R-Berkeley, announced Wednesday at a monthly Hedgesville Town Council meeting that he will seek another term of office during the next election.
Kump, who has already filed pre-election papers with the Secretary of State’s office, will be running for a seat in the state House of Delegates in 2020 to represent District 59, which includes the northwestern section of Berkeley and Morgan counties.
Kump’s decision comes on the heels of a recent health scare for which he underwent a successful surgery to remove blockage from his carotid artery.
“After a strong and steady stream of personal pleadings urged me to once again serve in public office and prolonged pondering and personal prayer, I have decided to answer the call to return to duty one more time,” Kump said in a prepared statement handed out Wednesday evening. “And so, I now am a Republican candidate for re-election to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2020.”
He also cited the saying, “What shall we give in return for so much?” as the reason for his desire to continue serving the public.
In 2010, Kump came out of retirement and was first elected, serving two terms in office, until the end of 2014. He then once again came out of retirement and was elected for yet another two-year term in the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2018.
Kump said he has promised and will continue to stand up and speak out on behalf of more taxpayer friendly and less intrusive government. He also pledges to serve with “integrity, accountability and transparency.”
According to the West Virginia Legislature’s website, Kump currently serves on the industry and labor committee; technology and infrastructure committee and the judiciary committee. During the 2019 session, Kump sponsored 15 bills in the House of Delegates.
“During my previous tours of duty, 75 different Republican and Democrat legislators, in the 100-member West Virginia House of Delegates, co-sponsored legislation with me. Even so, I never have been and never will be someone who goes along, just to get along,” Kump said in the statement.
He also vows to pursue “principles of good governance,” which he believes will give the people a meaningful tax reform, protect retired senior citizens and “working Mountaineers,” defend the personal right to bear arms, provide for local accountability of schools, more equitable treatment of school teachers and state employees (including much needed reform of our educational system) and to safeguard personal property rights and pro-life family values.
“Additionally, still more needs to be done about the drug and alcohol abuse that rages throughout West Virginia,” Kump said. “And so, our West Virginia legislators, in addition to enacting other prudent measures, should lead by personal example. That’s why I’m again proposing mandatory substance abuse testing for all West Virginia legislators.”
Kump added times are still to hard for many local residents and so there needs to be more tax reforms, not tax burdens.
“A better way is to restructure our already ample state budget by reforming our tax system and state government programs,” he said. “Among other things, this could and should lead to improved highways (including long overdue improvements to Rt. 9 between Martinsburg and Berkeley Springs), reduced (not increased) gasoline prices at the pump, better internet access and the complete elimination of state taxes on our social security benefits and all pensions.
Born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Kump currently lives in Falling Waters. He moved to West Virginia in 1989 and graduated from the Maryland Correctional Profession Staff Academy as a Maryland Prison Case Manager, according to his biography.
He has also served as a court expert witness, employee training coordinator, cognitive development trainer, employee critical incident stress counselor, certified mediator and a part-time sex offender group therapy facilitator.
According to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website, one other individual has filed for candidacy in the 59th District — Republican Chandler Stone Absher of Hedgesville.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Tax Attacks!

Tax his land.
Tax his bed.
Tax the table
at which he's fed.

Tax his tractor.
Tax his mule.
Teach him taxes
are the rule.

Tax his work.
Tax his pay.
He works for
peanuts anyway.

Tax his cow.
Tax his goat.
Tax his pants,
and tax his coat.

Tax his ties.
Tax his shirt.
Tax his work,
and tax his dirt.

Tax his body.
Tax his brain.
Tax his air, and
tax his rain.

Tax his water.
Tax his bath.
Take it all.
Take all he hath.

Tax his mother.
Tax his dad.
Tax his simple
homeplace pad.

Tax his tobacco.
Tax his drink.
Tax him if he
tries to think.

Tax his wine.
Tax his beers.
If he cries,
then tax his tears.

Tax his car.
Tax his fuel.
Make him feel like
such a tool.

When he screams,
tax him more.
Tax him 'till
he's good and sore.

Tax his coffin.
Tax his grave.
Tax the sod in
which he's laid.

Put these words
upon his tomb,
"Taxes drove me
to my doom!".

When he's gone,
do not relax.
Because then it's time
for inheritance tax!


Please share this message with others,  asking them to go and do likewise, and, for sure and for certain, may God bless you real good!

West Virginia Delegate Larry D. Kump  
West Virginia House of  Delegates District #59 (Berkeley-Morgan counties)
www.LarryKump.us

Friday, August 9, 2019

Protecting our 2nd Amendment Rights:

GOP DELEGATES PLEDGE TO PROTECT SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS



CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A group of Republican delegates today are vowing to stand firm to protect West Virginians’ Second Amendment rights.



The pledge comes in response to yesterday’s announcement by two Democrat delegates, who announced they intend to introduce gun control legislation in the state Legislature.



Delegates Tom Bibby, R-Berkeley; Jim Butler, R-Mason; Scott Cadle, R-Mason; Roy Cooper, R-Summers; Mark Dean, R-Mingo; Tom Fast, R-Fayette; John Paul Hott, R-Grant; Gary Howell, R-Mineral; Eric Householder, R-Berkeley; Dean Jeffries, R-Kanawha; Joe Jeffries, R-Putnam; John Kelly, R-Wood; Kayla Kessinger, R-Fayette; Larry D. Kump, R-Berkeley-Morgan; Sharon Malcolm, R-Kanawha; John Mandt, R-Cabell; Carl “Robbie” Martin, R-Upshur; Patrick Martin, R-Lewis; Zack Maynard, R-Lincoln; Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock; Chris Phillips, R-Barbour; Eric Porterfield, R-Mercer; Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh; Terry Waxman, R-Harrison; Marshall Wilson, R-Berkeley; and Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, and Majority Leader Amy Summers, R-Taylor, today issued the following joint statement:



“The recognition and protection of the most basic natural right – the right of self-defense – is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and in Article III, Section 22 of the Constitution of West Virginia,” the delegates said.



“We will not abandon these guarantees of individual liberty in the pursuit of hollow ‘solutions’ that will not solve the current issue, much less guarantee freedom to the generations that will follow us.



“Having sworn an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this State, we will abide by that oath in spite of short-sighted and temporary political pressures.



“Legislators calling for ‘red flag’ laws are preying upon the fear generated by the actions of madmen that would carry out their acts regardless of any laws this State would enact. What is clear to us is the breakdown of the family will not be overcome by well-intentioned but misplaced legislation that does nothing to solve the core issues that lead to these tragedies.



“The call for ‘red flag’ laws denies the real problem and attacks honest, law-abiding citizens. West Virginia has a large veteran population that cannot be discouraged from seeking help by laws that would disproportionately strip them of the rights they have sacrificed so much to defend. We stand firm in our convictions to defend our constitutional rights and uphold the freedoms of all the people of West Virginia.



“While we will join in thoughtful consideration of any serious proposals to combat the evil acts plaguing our nation, we will remember Benjamin Franklin’s solemn warning that ‘Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.’”

Thursday, July 25, 2019

"Wow!" says it all!

This is "A.J", the beautiful young lady, who is holding a bouquet of roses and standing between my beloved wife Cheryl and me in the Falling Waters, West Virginia "Dollar General" store.
Last Saturday evening, when Cheryl was in the store and fainted from illness, this remarkable Dollar General employee and lady of most infinite worth, immediately sprang into action on Cheryl's behalf.
She took incredible and loving care of Cheryl, until the paramedics arrived and rushed Cheryl to the local hospital.
Cheryl and I today watched the store's security videos of the incident. It was more than scary.
A.J. truly saved Cheryl's life, and my tongue cannot begin to express my supernal gratitude.
May God bless A.J. real good!😍
www.LarryKump.us
Postscriptum: For those of you in the Falling Waters area, please stop by the Dollar General store and tell A. J. and her store manager that A.J.'s a lady of most infinite worth. 🤗

Monday, June 24, 2019

Semper Fi!

 Retired Marine Colonel Don Douglas, enjoying a belated 73rd birthday breakfast @ "Betty's" restaurant, with Delegate Larry D. Kump and Larry's beloved wife Cheryl. 🤗
   Colonel Douglas served our country for 38 years, as a "Double Ace" fighter jet pilot and with three tours of duty in Vietnam. 🤔
  He currently is a "Toys for Tots" volunteer coordinator, placing over 6,000 toys for local area needy children during each Christmas.😮
  He also is the chief volunteer caretaker for the African-American "Ubilla" cemetery, in which Civil War era slaves also
are interred . 🙏🏿
Colonel Douglas truly is a man of most infinite worth, who embodies the essence of "Semper Fidelis".
  I am honored and humbled to claim Don as my hero and friend. ☺️

Friday, June 21, 2019

A Heartfelt Letter

After a crazily contentious yet productive special session of the West Virginia Legislature, I made the six hour drive back home here to Falling Waters yesterday, and was heart warmed to find the following letter waiting for me in my mailbox:
"Dear Mr. Kump,
Thank you so much for providing copies of the West Virginia Legislature Membership Directory 2019 at our Hedgesville Library.
How I wish that more legislators were as aware of and concerned about their constituents as you are.
I have always believed that each of us has a responsibility to become informed about the issues, our local, state, and federal governments, and our state legislators and congresspersons.
While voting is a right, it is also a privilege and an obligation.
You have provided, at no cost to us, valuable information in a concise, well-organized format.
I hope that more people will pick up a copy and appreciate you having made it readily accessible.
Sincerely,
Linda L. Jones"
Footnote: Please share this post with others and ask them to go and do likewise. Also, please check out www.LarryKump.us, and may God bless you all real good!

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Straight from the Heart (and a blast from the Past)

I have been asked by friends of Larry to enter some positive comments regarding Larry. I have resisted, not because of any doubts about Larry, but because I am not a West Virginian.
 Also I am very cynical of politics and politicos.
 Honestly, in my opinion and be it red or blue, politics is crap and all crap stinks.
 So at the risk of offending a person that I consider a good friend, I must question his sanity for desiring to enter this foray.
With that being said, I have known Larry for 16 years and from those years of working with, and sometimes even working against Larry, I can say for certainty that Larry would be one of the very few people that would represent his constituents with absolute integrity.
I know that Larry believes in a minimal intrusion type of government and constantly seeks ways to use the remaining "necessary evil" that government is in a most efficient manner.
Quite simply and for what it is worth, if I could vote for Larry I would.

John Reamy, friend and former coworker

Footnote from Larry: This letter of endorsement was first penned by John in August of 2010. It still touches my heart. Check out www.LarryKump.com for other issues pertaining to good governance.

Please share this post with others, and may God bless you all real good!




Thursday, March 7, 2019

Taking the Oath of Office





It made me feel both pleased and proud, to have my wife Cheryl join me and hold the Scriptures, as the West Virginia House of Delegates Clerk Steve Harrison administered the Oath of Office to me, on December 10th, 2018, as a Delegate representing District #59 (Berkeley-Morgan counties)🤗
www.LarryKump.us

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Whistle-Blower Protections to be Enhanced




This week, the West Virginia House of Delegates passed my HB 2497 (Whistle-Blower Law Enhancements) by an unanimous vote of 99 (with one delegate, Kayla Kessinger,  being absent and unable to vote).
 Although HB 2497 is titled under "Whistle-Blower Law", I prefer to describe it as the "State Employees Bill of Rights and Responsibilities".
 Under the current law, a whistle-blower is a state civil service employee who makes "a good faith effort" to blow the whistle on "wrongdoing or waste" in our West Virginia state government.
 HB 2497 extends and strengthens this current law by prohibiting state government from denying whistle-blowers promotions or other increase in compensation that they otherwise would have received.
 HB 2497 also allows whistle-blowers. who are retaliated against, to use the West Virginia Public Employees Grievance Procedure, and provides that nothing shall disparage, impair, or limit any other right or legal action of the employee.
 HB 2497 further allows state employees to be members of employee organizations or to refrain to be members of employee organizations.
 Finally, except when on duty or acting in an official capacity and except where otherwise prohibited by state or federal law, no civil service employee may be prohibited from engaging in political activity or be denied the right to refrain from engaging in political activity.
 Whistle-blowers typically are under a lot of pressure and even retaliation for standing up and speaking out about government wrongdoing and waste.
 HB 2497, if enacted into law, will strengthen and protect our courageous government whistle-blowers.
 HB 2497 now is pending consideration and passage by the West Virginia State Senate.
 For more about my views on good governance, visit www.facebook.com/LarryDKump and also www.LarryKump.us.
 Please share this message with others, and ask then to also go and do likewise.
 May God bless you all real good!