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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research

@wvu-iprpa.bsky.social
284 followers 21 following 231 posts

The Institute for Policy Research and Public Affairs provides non-partisan research and analysis to state, county, and municipal officials and members of the nonprofit and business community in West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.

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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Gov. Patrick Morrisey says his administration wants to pursue a federal program for nuclear energy hubs, but he also said this week that “West Virginia will not be a dumping ground for nuclear waste. Period.”
wvmetronews.com
West Virginia would do anything for federal nuclear program, but it won't do that - WV MetroNews
Governor says, 'I have directed my Office of Energy to ensure that every site identified in our final Nuclear Campus application is considered only for nuclear generation or manufacturing -- not as a ...
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia on Friday filed a lawsuit in the state’s highest court to require state lawmakers to “correct the school funding formula.”
westvirginiawatch.com
ACLU-WV files lawsuit over West Virginia school aid formula  • West Virginia Watch
The ACLU of West Virginia on Friday filed a lawsuit in an attempt to require state lawmakers to “correct the school funding formula."
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a State of Emergency in Boone and Lincoln Counties. The overnight declaration followed hours of intense rainfall, which caused streams and creeks in those areas to rise.
wvmetronews.com
Morrisey declares state of emergency in Boone and Lincoln counties - WV MetroNews
Boone and Lincoln counties endure damage from latest storms to cross West Virginia.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
West Virginia Supreme Court justices heard arguments in a power struggle over who has the final authority over education regulations: the Legislature or the state Board of Education.
wvmetronews.com
West Virginia Supreme Court considers clash over ultimate authority on education rules - WV MetroNews
The way the balance has typically been struck in practice is that the Legislature passes laws about education and the superintendent and state board are responsible for filling out the details through...
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
West Virginia will distribute $855,400 of federal Rural Health Transformation funds to the West Virginia Health Information Network to strengthen “health data infrastructure and improve the secure exchange of health information,” Gov. Morrissey announced.
westvirginiawatch.com
State to allocate $855.4K in Rural Health funds to West Virginia Health Information Network • West Virginia Watch
West Virginia will distribute $855,400 of its federal Rural Health Transformation funds to the West Virginia Health Information Network.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
West Virginia reacted swiftly to the Trump administration’s EPA move to remove Biden- and Obama-era rules on burning coal and natural gas to generate electricity.
wvmetronews.com
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a request for a major disaster declaration for storms and flooding that hit Kanawha, Fayette, and Harrison counties last month, and West Virginia’s state emergency services director described West Virginia’s disaster response efforts following recent severe storms.
wvmetronews.com
Summer of flooding across West Virginia leads to ongoing recovery efforts - WV MetroNews
Different regions of West Virginia have been hammered by severe weather over several months.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
West Virginia is now one of six states the U.S. Department of Energy has identified as potential hosts for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses.
wvmetronews.com
West Virginia rallies to be considered for federal selection for 'Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses' - WV MetroNews
The initiatives were described as a new effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Mingo County parents have filed a new lawsuit to stop the universal expansion of the HOPE Scholarship, the state’s education voucher program.
westvirginiawatch.com
Facing a school closure, Mingo County parents file lawsuit to block Hope Scholarship expansion • West Virginia Watch
A lawsuit brought by Mingo County parents seeks to stop universal expansion of the Hope Scholarship, the state’s education voucher program.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
About 4,000 fewer West Virginia children have federal food assistance benefits as of May, a year after President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed last summer, according to data from the state Department of Human Services.
westvirginiawatch.com
4,000 fewer West Virginia children have SNAP since One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed • West Virginia Watch
About 4,000 fewer West Virginia children have federal food assistance benefits as of May, according to the Department of Human Services.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Residents in an area of Kanawha County that has experienced increased flooding in recent years could soon be eligible for a property buyout program.
wvmetronews.com
Kanawha County Commission to apply for USDA property buyout program after learning about it from county resident - WV MetroNews
Campbells Creek resident says waterway has changed for the worse in recent years.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Putnam County residents and commissioners took on the polarizing topic of data centers during Tuesday evening’s meeting.
wvmetronews.com
Putnam County residents present resolution to county commission on proposed Google data center - WV MetroNews
Google's planned data center for property in Buffalo has been met with skepticism and concern from Putnam County residents.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Fentanyl seizures decreased by 39% during the first year of the second Trump administration after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shifted the Department of Homeland Security’s criminal investigations arm to conduct immigration enforcement.
westvirginiawatch.com
Fentanyl seizures plummeted as Trump administration shifted focus to immigration • West Virginia Watch
Fentanyl seizures decreased by 39% during the first year of the second Trump administration according to a report published Friday.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a State of Emergency declaration for all 55 West Virginia counties Tuesday after the latest batch of storms swept through the state.
wvmetronews.com
Morrisey declares State of Emergency in all 55 counties after latest batch of devastating storms - WV MetroNews
Storms rolled through the state Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection determined this week that Fundamental Data, the company proposing to build a massive data center and power plant complex in Tucker County, did have legal site control when it was approved for an air quality permit last year.
westvirginiawatch.com
WV DEP says Fundamental Data controls site of proposed Tucker County data center, power plant • West Virginia Watch
DEP determined this week that Fundamental Data did have legal site control when it was approved for an air quality permit last year.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy and Infrastructure heard testimony from FirstEnergy and Appalachian Power on the final day of interim meetings in Charleston about keeping electricity rates low.
wvmetronews.com
Electric utility officials say new generation key to keeping power rates manageable as demand ticks up - WV MetroNews
First Energy, Appalachian Power officials testify during interim committee meetings.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
President Donald Trump said Friday the federal government will fund $180 million in grants for mining schools across the country as part of his administration’s goal of rebuilding the U.S. coal industry.
westvirginiawatch.com
Trump announces $180M for mining education as administration recommits to coal • West Virginia Watch
President Donald Trump said Friday the federal government will fund $180 million in grants for mining schools across the county.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Tuesday that he will be taking a brief listening tour around the state’s southern coalfields to hear about the persistent water issues residents in the region face.
westvirginiawatch.com
After years of pleas to address water crisis, Morrisey begins two-day Southern WV listening tour • West Virginia Watch
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that he will be taking a brief listening tour to hear about the persistent water issues residents face.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
The Kanawha County Commission sent a letter to the state Department of Environmental Protection last week urging it to refrain from issuing an air quality permit for a proposed “advanced recycling” plant until the project provides more details to address concerns raised by residents.
westvirginiawatch.com
Kanawha County Commission wants more information as WV DEP considers permit for Clean Seas • West Virginia Watch
Members of the Kanawha County Commission sent a letter to the state Department of Environmental Protection this week urging it to refrain from issuing an air quality permit for a proposed “advanced re...
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Fundamental Data rep says company wrote WV data center law, urges project guardrails in his own town.
westvirginiawatch.com
Fundamental Data rep says company wrote WV data center law, urges project guardrails in his own town • West Virginia Watch
While Tucker County residents struggle o get answers from Fundamental Data about its proposed data center, a company representative spoke at a city council meeting nearly 400 miles away sharing detail...
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The state Public Service Commission announced Monday about both broadband expansion and electricity grid rules.
wvmetronews.com
State Public Service Commission makes announcements on broadband expansion, electric grid evaluation - WV MetroNews
The PSC made those announcements Monday.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
The state Department of Education is launching an initiative to support middle school education in West Virginia. The initiative is called “West Virginia Middle Schools: Bridging the Future” and focuses on students in grades 6-through-8.
wvmetronews.com
State education department launching initiative to support middle school students, teachers - WV MetroNews
The initiative will focus on students in grades 6-through-8.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Attorneys for the State of West Virginia are asking a federal district judge to pause consideration of a big lawsuit over foster care while they pursue a review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
wvmetronews.com
Attorney General's Office plans to ask U.S. Supreme Court to review longstanding foster care case - WV MetroNews
West Virginia has long had a crisis involving children being removed from their homes. The dashboard maintained by the state shows 5,890 child welfare placements currently.
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Reposted by WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research
Sam Workman @sam-workman.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I'm not sure there's any fighting tech that makes people's lives easier, at least in the short run, regardless of whether it makes lives better. Academic life starting to have an abacus feel.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
A facility harvesting rare earth minerals is set to bring hundreds of jobs to Greenbrier County. The existing Greenbrier Smokeless Coal mining operation in the Sewell seam is collaborating with companies Flash Metals USA, AmForge, and GreenMet to build a mineral processing hub in Rupert.
wvmetronews.com
Rare earth minerals investment to bring hundreds of jobs to Greenbrier County, surrounding areas - WV MetroNews
The mineral processing hub will be in Rupert.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
In the decade since the devastating 2016 floods that cost 23 people their lives, West Virginia has seen the number of flooding events in the state more than double compared to the 10 years before, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s storm database.
westvirginiawatch.com
A ‘never-ending cycle’: Data shows flood events have more than doubled in WV since June 2016 flood  • West Virginia Watch
In the decade since the devastating 2016 floods, West Virginia has seen the number of flooding events in the state more than double compared to the 10 years before.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
More than 26,000 students have applied for full funding of the Hope Scholarship for the upcoming school year, costing the state of West Virginia an estimated $155 million so far.
westvirginiawatch.com
Hope Scholarship price $155M so far after 26,617 WV students apply  • West Virginia Watch
More than 26,000 students have applied for full funding of the Hope Scholarship for the upcoming school year, costing the state of West Virginia an estimated $155 million so far.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
The federal government will spend $700 million to build or refurbish coal power infrastructure across the country, boosting coal jobs and lowering energy costs.
westvirginiawatch.com
Trump to pump $700M into coal power in the states, as he again blasts renewable energy • West Virginia Watch
The federal government will spend $700 million on building or refurbishing coal power infrastructure in a boost to coal, Trump said.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the appointment of a new state budget director. Aaron Snodgrass will be taking on the role of state budget oversight.
wvmetronews.com
Governor announces new state budget director - WV MetroNews
Aaron Snodgrass will be taking on the role of state budget oversight.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Appalachian Power plans to upgrade three of its power plants with recent federal funding received from the U.S. Department of Energy.
wvmetronews.com
Appalachian Power using federal funding for coal plant upgrades - WV MetroNews
Appalachian Power President and CEO Brian Abraham said the company received $51 million to upgrade its Mitchell Plant in Marshall County.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Efforts to expand career pathways for West Virginia high school students continue to grow.
wvmetronews.com
Classroom 2 Career initiative continues work to pair West Virginia students with career pathways - WV MetroNews
West Virginia Director of Career Technical Education Adam Canter reported that more than 2,000 students worked in C2C apprenticeships in 2025.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
A team at the University of Michigan has created an online tool to track school closures and consolidations in West Virginia as the state grapples with population decline and widespread financial issues across schools.
westvirginiawatch.com
WV native creates online state school closure tracker; 70% of closures impacted elementary schools • West Virginia Watch
A team at the University of Michigan has created an online tool to track school closures and consolidations in West Virginia.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
A coalition of families, educators and community members has called for an immediate pause on school closures in West Virginia, so lawmakers have time to address the state’s antiquated school funding formula.
westvirginiawatch.com
Coalition asks state leaders to immediately pause WV school closures as lawmakers mull funding fix • West Virginia Watch
A coalition has called for a pause on school closures so West Virginia lawmakers have time to address the state’s school funding formula.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Beginning next year, work requirements will be a condition of eligibility for more than 161,000 Medicaid recipients in West Virginia, and most state enrollees are unaware of this, a new survey found.
westvirginiawatch.com
Most of WV Medicaid recipients aren’t aware that work requirements are coming, survey finds • West Virginia Watch
Beginning next year, work requirements will be a condition of eligibility for more than 161,000 Medicaid recipients in West Virginia.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Beginning soon, West Virginia’s cottage food producers will have more options about what they can make and sell.
westvirginiawatch.com
Law expanding West Virginia's cottage food industry takes effect June 12 • West Virginia Watch
Beginning soon, West Virginia’s cottage food producers will have more options about what they can make and sell.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
As data center developments continue to spark unrest in communities where they’re proposed, Chris Morris, the director of the state’s Data Economy Office, acknowledged Tuesday that communication with community members could be improved.
westvirginiawatch.com
WV data czar recognizes need to improve public communications over data center developments, HB 2014 • West Virginia Watch
The director of the state’s Data Economy Office acknowledged that communication regarding data centers to community members could be improved
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
According to the report, West Virginia hospitals charged, on average, prices that are 337% of the rate Medicare charges for the same services.
westvirginiawatch.com
WV among states where hospitals charge commercial insurance plans the most, study says • West Virginia Watch
West Virginia hospitals have some of the highest prices in the country for commercial insurance, a new study finds.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Ascend West Virginia, a program aimed at bringing remote workers to the Mountain State, is expanding significantly.
wvmetronews.com
West Virginia expands Ascend program with new initiative targeting military veterans - WV MetroNews
Officials announced the Ascend Hero program Tuesday afternoon in Charleston
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
West Virginia's General revenue for the month of April was $671 million, according to reports from state officials. The monthly estimate had been $601 million.
wvmetronews.com
State revenue runs $70 million over estimate for most recent month - WV MetroNews
General revenue for the month was $671 million, according to reports from state officials. The monthly estimate had been $601 million.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the first $28.56 million in availability to bolster West Virginia’s rural healthcare infrastructure and professional workforce.
wvmetronews.com
Governor announces $28 million starter pack for rural health transformation funding - WV MetroNews
The initial funding, which is part of a larger federal grant, is aimed at initiatives called the Mountain State Care Force, HealthTech Appalachia and the Connected Care Grid.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Berkeley County officials are asking state tax officials for details on the financial breakdown of a potential data center project.
wvmetronews.com
Berkeley County questions split of data center money under state law - WV MetroNews
The 'Power Generation and Consumption Act,' supported by Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s administration and signed into law last year, included a formula for how to divvy up the property tax base generated by...
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
State Attorney General J.B. McCuskey has announced an $11 million settlement with video game company Roblox.
wvmetronews.com
McCuskey announces $11 million settlement with video game Roblox - WV MetroNews
Attorney General says agreed-to deal with help protect children.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
In just about a month, the deadline to file as an intervener in the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link project will have passed, and a series of public meetings will begin.
wvmetronews.com
Residents impacted by MARL prepping for public meetings; Capito weighs-in - WV MetroNews
Both public meetings and PSC deadline to intervene in the case will come in June.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
More than 20,000 West Virginia students have applied for the Hope Scholarship, the state’s education voucher program, to use next school year.
westvirginiawatch.com
More than 20,000 WV students apply for Hope Scholarship voucher after eligibility broadens • West Virginia Watch
More than 20,000 West Virginia students have applied for the Hope Scholarship, the state’s education voucher program.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Implementation of a previously approved federal rule meant to help prevent black lung in the nation’s coal miners has been delayed indefinitely, according to an update posted last week in the Federal Register.
westvirginiawatch.com
Federal regulators indefinitely delay rule to protect coal miners in WV, beyond from black lung • West Virginia Watch
Implementation of a previously approved federal rule meant to help prevent black lung in coal miners has been delayed indefinitely.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Children’s Home Society of West Virginia operates 54 programs across the state to help teens and young adults aging out of foster care. The program helps vulnerable youth learn essential life skills, such as managing their finances and doing laundry.
westvirginiawatch.com
WV youth aging out of foster care face waitlist for resources; Morrisey vetoes bill to address issue • West Virginia Watch
Gov. Patrick Morrisey vetoed a bill that would have expanded West Virginia programs that help children aging out of foster care.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Between 40,000 and 75,000 West Virginians will lose their Medicaid coverage in 2028 under new work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks going into effect beginning next year, according to a study released last week.
westvirginiawatch.com
Medicaid work requirements, redeterminations will cause up to 75K to lose their health care in WV • West Virginia Watch
Up to 75,000 West Virginians will lose their Medicaid coverage in 2028 under new work requirements beginning next year.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Google, a tech giant in the cyber industry, has proposed bringing a data center to West Virginia, and reactions to the news are pouring in from state lawmakers and property owners.
wvmetronews.com
Google’s proposed data center in Buffalo draws both support and concern - WV MetroNews
The announcement was made last Friday by Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
A GOP-backed bill meant to make changes to West Virginia’s ban on certain colorful artificial dyes failed to make it to the governor’s desk this year.
westvirginiawatch.com
West Virginia’s artificial food dye ban still blocked by judge; bill to address it died in Senate • West Virginia Watch
A GOP-backed bill meant to make changes to West Virginia's ban on certain colorful artificial dyes failed to make it to the governor’s desk this year. For now, the food dye ban – one of the first of i...
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WVU Rockefeller Institute for Policy Research @wvu-iprpa.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
A group of mothers in West Virginia is urging Gov. Patrick Morrisey to sign legislation approved by lawmakers, which they call a child care stabilization measure.
wvmetronews.com
Group encourages Morrisey to sign child care legislation - WV MetroNews
Mom's Rising West Virginia says five years of hard work has paid off and the Governor's signature is the last hurdle for a much needed childcare bill for West Virginia's working families.
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