Something to Think About
D Mi h l
Don Michael, WVFB Di t of Governmental Aff i
Director f G
t l Affairs
Taking Care of Business
– At this writing, ten days into
the sixty-day session, 1117
bills have been introduced –
375 in the Senate and 742 in
the House. With the Senate
it has been business as usual.
The House, on the other hand,
has featured an atmosphere
that has been colorful, to say the least . . . at times
“charged!”
Tomblin set the stage when he presented a balanced
budget “with no new taxes.” It is shameful that
Congress can’t perform in similar fashion. It amazes
me that so many “seemingly intelligent” people don’t
think we have a spending problem and could care less
about balancing the budget . . . talk about ignorance!
I’m thankful that common sense prevails in “Almost
Heaven, West Virginia,” where our public servants
are fiscally responsible, overwhelmingly pro-Second
Amendment, and let prayer guide each session of
business.
As expected, education is garnering major
attention during the 81st Legislature. The assault on
our right to bear arms has also taken center stage
and prompted several pieces
of legislation to protect our
constitutional rights. The
House, by a 97-0 vote, has
already advanced legislation
(HB 2471) to protect a
citizen’s Second Amendment
rights during a declared state
of emergency. The legislation
is designed to prevent West
Virginians from experiencing
a violation of their constitutional rights like those
in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. On
the agriculture front several bills are moving in
committee and we are very encouraged at this stage.
During National FFA Week, February 16-23, Senator
Ronald Miller (Greenbrier County) showcased youth
in agriculture on the Senate floor. He recited the FFA
Creed and emphasized the need to support young
people preparing for careers in our vital agriculture
industry. As an observer in the balcony, it was
heartwarming to watch the reaction of those who
have donned the blue and gold jackets. A past FFA
Week theme says it all – “You might outgrow the
jacket, but you will never outgrow the experience.”
Thanks to Senator Miller, as well as Senator Bob
Beach (Monongalia), who had a hand in the program.
The Rural Caucus is off and running strong,
with a standing-room-only crowd at its first
meeting. Thanks to Caucus Chair, Delegate Bill
Hartman, and the other 42
House members who made
this first meeting a priority.
Look for details to come.
FFA
“ A pastsays itWeek ‘You
theme
all –
might outgrow the
jacket, but you will never
outgrow the experience.’”
We can all rest assured that lawmakers will take
care of business regarding state finances. Governor
In closing, Farm
Bureau thanks the West
Virginia Department of
Education for providing
the opportunity to be a
stakeholder participant at
the recent “Team Ag Ed Summit” at Cedar Lakes.
The two-day meeting created an excellent forum
for idea exchange in charting a course of action
to strengthen Agricultural Education in West
Virginia. Agriculture Commissioner Walt Helmick
updated stakeholders on Department initiatives
and acknowledged his continued support for
Agricultural Education/FFA. Commissioner
Helmick has been a longtime supporter of the
program and holds the Honorary State FFA
Degree. Andy Pense, Coordinator in the Office
of Child Nutrition with the WV Department
of Education, shared insights into an exciting
partnership with Agricultural Education on the
“Farm to School” initiative spreading across our
state. I will focus on details in my April column.
Until then, take care FRIENDS, God bless and
KEEP SMILING.
West Virginia Farm Bureau News
5