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Guest Column: The health of our state is the future of our state

West Virginia is a state defined by its strength. We know how to show up for one another. We know how to fight for what matters. And right now, nothing matters more than the health of our people. We are at a crossroads. Chronic disease rates remain among the highest in the nation. Mental health challenges are growing, especially among our youth. Rural communities are losing access to providers, and we are facing a wave of retirements in the very professions we depend on to care for our communities. Behind these statistics are families, neighbors, coworkers and caregivers facing ...

Guest column: West Virginia lawmakers should back Medicare Advantage

I have spent my career in the professions of insurance and law. These days, part of my efforts include helping seniors select their appropriate Medicare coverages. Healthcare access and affordability are critical for West Virginia retirees and seniors, which makes programs like Medicare Advantage indispensable. More than half of West Virginians who are eligible for Medicare choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage program, mirroring national trends. Keeping this program strong and on steady financial ground is critical to protecting the health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of ...

Guest Column: America has the resources to confront China’s mineral extortion

It is no secret that China has weaponized control of the world’s mineral supply chains. We’ve already seen this when both the Biden and Trump administrations challenged China’s unfair trade practices. Beijing has responded by simply restricting or banning the export of minerals needed for America’s economy and defense industrial base. China’s ever-growing chokehold on mineral supply chains — and U.S. reliance on imports — has been America’s Achilles’ heel for more than a decade. According to recent government analysis, the U.S. is import-reliant for 40 critical ...

Adding to my list of Capitol records

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made my nearly annual trip to the U.S. Capitol Building to spend time with members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation. I’m writing this on Thursday afternoon from the U.S. Senate’s press gallery. I spent part of the day with U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, and U.S. Rep. Riley Moore. The first time I made this trip was in March 2021 to shadow Capito, R-W.Va., and then-senator Joe Manchin, following them to votes and meetings. That was already a pretty surreal visit. I’m someone who loves going to ...

Finding some light within the darkness

As I’m sitting down to write this week’s column, Friday morning, I remain awaiting word of power being restored to my neighborhood. I was hopeful when awaking Thursday, as the FirstEnergy Storm Center reported the potential of restoration by 11 p.m. that day, then an update of 8 p.m., then back to 11 p.m. Both moments came and went without a flicker, for me to go to sleep and greet Friday with a notice that there was then no specific estimate. I noticed two crew trucks passing the house as I left for work, with an update of possible restoration by 6 p.m. Friday greeting me late ...

Dedicated officials keep you safe

I believe most people think of rate cases and ratemaking when they think of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia. However, the Commission staff and duties involve much more than rates. Among the myriad of other natters in which we are involved, I want you to remember we are on the front line when it comes to the safety of commercial vehicles, what you call semis or tractor-trailers, and the like. We also inspect buses, taxis and any number of other commercial vehicles, but I want to talk with you about our primary highway safety duties. We have a dedicated force of ...