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W.Va. on my mind as Environment and Public Works Committee chair

After the American people made their voices heard in November, President Trump is now back in the White House with a Republican majority in both chambers of Congress. In this new Congress, my role has expanded. For the first time, I will serve as the senior-senator from West Virginia, the Chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, and importantly, the Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The Environment and Public Works Committee, or the EPW Committee as it is typically called, is tasked with developing policies to address the infrastructure, economic ...

Medicare Advantage delivers results and deserves lawmakers’ support

More than 20 years ago, I founded Primary Care One to ensure West Virginians could access high-quality, affordable primary health care. Our patients receive unlimited physician visits, X-rays, physical exams, lab tests, minor urgent care, and essential medications at four clinics. Our mission is to connect patients with essential health care where it’s needed most while also providing financial stability. Few products in the healthcare space can match that level of affordability and certainty, but Medicare Advantage stands out as an option for those on Medicare that delivers quality, ...

Thankful to those of you who read my column

So this week, I am including in this little corner of the paper ... my little section of the world, a photograph. Not the best picture, by any means. But still, a moment captured of the three people who mean the very most to me. They are my reason for saying what I say. They are the ...

A heart to heart is needed in Charleston

I’m writing this on Valentine’s Day, three days into the 60-day legislative session, and if Gov. Patrick Morrisey and some members of the Republican caucus in the House of Delegates have love for each other, I’m having a hard time seeing the floating hearts. Morrisey presented his first State of the State address Wednesday night to a joint session of the West Virginia Legislature, but even before he presented his legislative agenda, I was hearing consternation from House Republicans about pressure from those in the Morrisey administration. In fact, one thing I noticed Friday is ...

Why W.Va. must prioritize local food and health

Facing what our new Governor describes as a “massive deficit” in our state budget, I can’t help but notice that Medicaid and PEIA are among the primary causes. This raises an important question. What could we have done over the past few decades to reduce these expenses? The answer is simple - promote healthier outcomes through better diet and nutrition. Healthcare professionals have long advised us to eat healthier, and national discussions increasingly emphasize the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables over processed foods. Yet, here in West Virginia, we’ve often ignored ...

Looking at government by the numbers

The process of budget planning has begun for many of our governmental entities. If you follow along with the Legislature, our state lawmakers received Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year Wednesday during his first State of the State Address. Our state reporter, Steven Allen Adams, will, no doubt, be keeping a close eye on the movement there, especially with all the discussion of a $400 million hole, which is still up for debate depending on whether you speak to people connected to Morrisey or the now-U.S. Sen. Jim Justice. There undoubtedly are ...