Education funding and trickle-down economics: a cautionary tale | Editorial
In Oklahoma, funding for public education is down 28 percent since the recession. More than 90 school districts have turned to a four-day week to save money.
Category Archives: West Virginia
GOP Senate hopefuls set to debate April 23
Six months ago, no one predicted the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate during the May 8 primary election would be anything but a two-person race between current U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.
As Teacher Rebellion Catches Fire, Oklahoma’s GOP Governor…
As teachers in the historically red states of Oklahoma , Kentucky , and Arizona are following in the footsteps of educators in West Virginia and turning out in droves to demand higher pay, reliable pensions, and greater government investments in the public school system, s ome Republican state leaders are sticking to their narrative that teachers are simply asking for too much-a strategy that could backfire during the November midterm elections. Her comments followed fiery remarks by Kentucky Republican Gov. Matt Bevin, who last month said that educators who were protesting legislation that would slash their retirement benefits were "ignorant," "remarkably selfish," and "throwing a temper tantrum."
Teachers in two states shut schools over pay
Thousands of teachers in Oklahoma and Kentucky walked off the job Monday morning, shutting down school districts as they protested cuts in pay, benefits and school funding. The state Capitol in Kentucky filled with teachers protesting pension changes and demanding increased school funding.
Oklahoma teachers who just got raises rally for more funding
But some teachers are saying the legislation signed by Gov. Mary Fallin last week was not enough. The measure increases taxes on cigarettes, fuel and oil and gas production to provide teachers with raises of about $6,100, or 15 to 18 Passage followed threats by educators to walk out of classrooms beginning Monday, following the lead of teachers in West Virginia who won a 5 Alicia Priest, president of the Oklahoma Education Association teachers union, said Monday's rally could lead to a longer walkout as teachers from across the state press their demands that lawmakers approve more funding for state classrooms.
Filmmaker visits Logan County to discuss teacher strike
Nancy Peyton/Logan Banner Filmmaker Michael Moore was in Logan County Wednesday, March 14, 2018, to discuss the historic West Virginia teacher strike and the current political climate in the state with state Sen. and current U.S. House Third District candidate Richard Ojeda.
Don Blankenship, Dead Miners, Humility, and the Limits of Free Speech in West Virginia
Don Blankenship, former coal company executive who was convicted of federal safety violations that led to the deaths of 29 coal miners in 2010, is now running for U.S. Senate. I was sitting at home in West Virginia tonight when a call came in from the U.S. Senate campaign for Don Blankenship.
Striking West Virginia Teachers Revive a Proud Labor Heritage
In West Virginia, striking public school teachers and staff celebrated a victory this week, inspiring educators outside their state to take action for better pay and working conditions. Their nine-day wildcat strike - the longest in recent West Virginia history - put in stark relief another national debate on teachers: President Donald Trump's plan to arm teachers with concealed firearms in the aftermath of the Valentine's Day school massacre in Parkland, Florida.
West Virginia House opposes constitutional abortion rights
West Virginia lawmakers say the main goal of a constitutional amendment they are proposing is to end Medicaid funding for abortions - but opponents say the change could lead to a future ban on abortions altogether. The House on Monday voted 73-25 to pass the resolution, which was approved by the Senate a month ago and will now go before voters in a November referendum.
Twitter CEO asks for help on ‘civility’; YouTube stumbles
Democratic House Majority Leader KC... An effort by Colorado Democrats to expel one of their own over sexual misconduct allegations appeared set to fail Friday amid Republican objections to how the complaints have been handled. Republicans object to how... An effort by Colorado Democrats to expel one of their own over sexual misconduct allegations appeared set to fail Friday amid Republican objections to how the complaints have been handled.
Legislative Update – Miller
Greetings from the campaign trail! I continue to be overwhelmed by the support I've received from many of you - and am incredibly grateful for it. As I travel the district and meet with folks from all walks of life, I am filled with great hope for West Virginia's future.
West Virginia primary election candidates certified
West Virginia's May 8 primary election slate is official and will have several contested races on the federal level.
LHS students Skype with Sen. Manchin
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin answered questions from a Logan High School civic's class through Skype Wednesday afternoon.
West Virginia Senate opposes constitutional abortion rights
West Virginia's Senate on Friday voted to end abortion rights under the state constitution. The measure approved by senators 25-9 would require passage by two-thirds of the House and a voter referendum to amend the West Virginia constitution and take effect.
Manchin pledges not to campaign against fellow senators
Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, left, speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Monday, Jan. 22. Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, left, speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Monday, Jan. 22. WASHINGTON - Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., is encouraging Senate colleagues to join him in a pledge: To "return civility" to politics by pledging not to campaign against each other.
The Latest: Trump accuses FBI, DOJ of favoring Dems
GOP Rep. Mark Meadows is calling for the release of a classified memo on the Russia election probe, claiming there were "poor decisions made at some very senior level positions within the FBI and the DOJ." President Donald Trump walks to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, in Washington.
Pence touts tax cuts, slams Manchin in West Virginia
Vice President Mike Pence paid a visit Wednesday to a truck dealership in West Virginia, touting the tax cuts enacted by the Republican-controlled Congress while slamming the state's Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, who voted against the plan. Manchin faces re-election this year.
Manchin responds to Pence attacks: ‘This is why Washington sucks’
"The vice president's comments are exactly why Washington sucks. I'm disappointed in his comments but will continue to work to make Washington work so West Virginia and our country work," Manchin said in a statement.
Changes ahead for House of Delegates as Armstead plans to go
Tim Armstead spent 2007 to 2014 as the Minority Leader in the House of Delegates. Since then, with Republicans swinging to the majority, Armstead has been the Speaker.
The Latest: Ex-coal baron Senate bid: ‘Slap’ for miner’s dad
A West Virginia man whose son was killed in the deadliest U.S. mine disaster in four decades says a former coal executive's candidacy for U.S. Senate has brought up some bitter memories for his family. Robert Atkins' 25-year-old son, Jason Atkins, died in the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine explosion that killed 29 men in southern West Virginia.