Building Up W.Va. As A Vacation Destination State

Podcast - The Legislature Today Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

On this episode of The Legislature Today, with West Virginia tourism growing as a four season, nationwide destination, there's an abundance of legislation to enhance hiking and biking, with rail trails and rest stops along the way.

Assistant News Director Caroline MacGregor has more on this outdoor recreation push with House Minority Leader Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha, who sits on the House Committee of Economic Development and Tourism, and Sen. Mark Maynard, R-Wayne, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Outdoor Recreation.

Also, over the weekend, the House and Senate both met for regular floor sessions. The Senate passed four key bills including a tax cut proposal, a bill on employee pay raises for certain employees, a bill to shore up PEIA and a budget bill. Those have all headed to the House.

The Senate and Gov. Jim Justice now agree over the estimated $750 million Senate plan that includes an initial personal income tax cut of around 20 percent, a personal property tax credit for vehicles and a 50 percent personal property tax break on equipment and inventory aimed at small businesses.

The Senate also passed 20 bills Monday on a variety of issues ranging from alcohol consumption to high school sports. Chris Schulz has more.

And the House passed a bill that would create a military funeral honor guard in remembrance of Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams. The chamber also approved the contentious Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Finally, representing nearly a quarter million West Virginia senior citizens, AARP maintains a strong lobbying force at the state capitol. On AARP Day, at least two bills top the list to help the elderly, and often, the rest of us as well.

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The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.

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