Dear LWV-WV Members,
First things first. As you know, the WV Legislature is now in session. On the second day, members of the House of Delegates started moving a bill that would ban abortions at 15 weeks, just like a Mississippi law under review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill (HB 4004), would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks of gestation, well below viability and the line set forth by Roe v. Wade. HB 4004 and HB 4005, which imposes invasive, cruel, unnecessary requirements regarding disposal of fetal tissue, have both passed the passed through the House Health committee and are on their way to Judiciary.
This is a red alert moment for reproductive freedom. Now is the time to be heard. There will be a public hearing tomorrow (Jan. 17) at 3 PM on these bills in the House of Delegates Chamber at the State Capitol. At this time, the hearing is limited to in-person participation, which may be difficult, if not impossible, due to the impending winter storm. As such, members are asked to contact their members via other means.
The League of Women Voters supports the right of individuals to make their own reproductive choices, and opposes laws intended to restrict access to abortion. Additionally, the League supports equitable access to a basic level of care that covers reproductive health services including abortion.
The right to decide if or when to have a child is essential to a person’s ability to make highly personal decisions about their body and their future. It is essential for social, economic, and racial equality. We can't stand by while politicians try to restrict people's personal freedoms and take away their health care. Find your legislators here.
---
Additionally, related to the legislative session, are a number of events this week related to the LWV-WV's priorities for 2022. (See complete list priorities below.)
Tuesday, January 18 - 6-7:15 PM - Information Session on the Feasibility of Advanced Nuclear in WV - The WV Environmental Council (WVEC) and others are hosting for an informational session on both the benefits and risks of repowering coal plant sites for advanced nuclear energy development or small modular reactors (SMRs) in West Virginia followed by a presentation from state legislators on the political landscape around proposed nuclear legislation and a Q&A discussion. Register here.
Thursday, January 20 - Environment Day (E-Day) - Hosted by the WVEC - Initially, scheduled as an in-person event, E-Day has been cancelled due to COVID concerns. A possible virtual event will take place latter in the session. In the meantime, check out WVEC's first newsletter of the year to learn more about what they'll be watching for this year. You can sign up for their weekly legislative updates here.
Thursday, January 20, 6-7 PM - Health Care for All WV's Civic Engagement Training - (Virtual/Zoom)
- How do you contact and build relationships with your representatives?
- How do you track a bill from start to finish?
- How do you use the West Virginia Legislature page?
- How do you support state healthcare legislation?
Learn how to find your representative(s), build relationships with them, and share what's most important to you as a West Virginian. Register here. (Note: LWV-WV is a member of the Health Care for All WV coalition.)
Friday, January 21 - Fairness WV Fight for Freedom Day of Action for reproductive freedom and LGBTQ equality. Although initially an in person lobby day, this event is now a virtual day of activities. Register here.
---
The LWV-WV has identified three main areas as legislative priorities for 2022. These represent only the primary focus areas for the League for the coming year. We will continue to work with partners on other issues.
Democracy
The right to vote and equal access to the ballot are pillars of our democracy and guiding principles for the LWV. We will:
• Oppose restrictions on voter registration or voting.
• Advocate for methods to increase voter turnout, based on lessons learned from the 2020 elections.
• Prioritize measures to make voting easier, while protecting election security, including no-excuse absentee voting and expanded options for ballot return and early in-person voting.
• Support legislation to modernize election methods, reduce taxpayer costs, and reduce administrative burden.
• Oppose any effort to make political spending less transparent.
• Support measures to increase transparency and public participation in the next redistricting process.
Social Justice
The LWV is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion because, to succeed in the 21st Century, West Virginia must be welcoming for all. We will:
• Oppose legislative efforts to suppress civil and Constitutional rights.
• Support legislation to ban discrimination and ensure equality of opportunity in education, employment, and housing for all West Virginians regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
• Support health care for all West Virginians including expanded Medicaid coverage, subsidies for affordable coverage under the ACA, measures to eliminate disparities in health care availability and outcomes for Black and other minority communities, and access to evidence-based treatment and harm reduction strategies to save lives affected by substance use disorders.
• Advocate for state and local budgets that cover essential services and protect our most vulnerable.
Environmental Protection
Climate change is no longer a distant or future threat. The LWV is committed to protecting the planet along with the health and safety of all West Virginians. We will:
• Support updating water quality standards to strengthen protections for human health, and support measures to expand access to water service that meets these standards.
• Target strategic management of natural resources to protect the planet for this and future generations.
• Advocate for environmental priorities that are coupled with a creative and just transition for workers in fossil fuel industries.
• Oppose facilities that add, expand, or preserve dependence on fossil fuels.
Best,
Julie