FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, April 22, 2023
CONTACT: Jordan Damron, [email protected]
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice urges safe driving in Work Zones as state begins massive 2023 highway construction season
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Gov. Jim Justice kicked off the 2023 highway construction season earlier this week, reminding drivers to slow down and pay attention in work zones.
The Governor was joined by state and federal officials, as well as a representative from the West Virginia Contractors Association.
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"On every street corner, we've got orange cones, workers everywhere, and the roads are improved," Gov. Justice said. "Now, Is it too much to ask that workers deserve to be able to get their dinner bucket, go to work, and deserve to go home safely? It only takes one wrong turn, and we have a catastrophe. I'm 100% supportive of our Work Zone Safety campaign, because lives are on the line.”
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Gov. Justice issues proclamation banning outdoor burning until further notice
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To reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires due to drought, Gov. Justice has issued a proclamation that bans all outdoor burning throughout West Virginia, effective, April 17, 2023.
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The ban, which is necessary due to dry and windy weather conditions expected in the coming days and an increasing potential for forest fires, will be in effect until conditions improve and the Governor rescinds the order by further proclamation.
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Gov. Justice recognizes Tax Day 2023
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Gov. Justice issued the following statement regarding Tax Day:
“This Tax Day is a great day in West Virginia,” Gov. Justice said. “With the largest tax cut in state history on the books, our state is on the move toward complete elimination of our personal income tax, while still helping all West Virginians save real money on their tax payments, and increase their take-home pay each month. I couldn’t be more proud of our progress.
“With the help of the Legislature, we’ve also been able to cut taxes in many other areas, which are helping our West Virginia businesses thrive and continuing to make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
“The bottom line is that the world is watching West Virginia. The world sees us in a different light. Instead of being the blunt end of a bad joke, we’re the diamond in the rough people missed. That’s something all West Virginians should be immensely proud of not just on Tax Day, but everyday."
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Gov. Justice signs bill capping insulin copays at $35, lowest mark in country
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Gov. Justice signed Senate Bill 577 earlier this week, which puts a cap on the cost of copays for insulin at $35. This cap is now the lowest in the country, making the life-saving drug more affordable and accessible for people in West Virginia. The Governor signed the legislation alongside AARP West Virginia members.
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Gov. Justice announces release of $12.7 million in Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Funds
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Gov. Justice released more than $12.7 million in Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Funds dedicated to infrastructure renovation, dam restoration, stream restoration, and wastewater treatment projects.
HUD defines mitigation funds as those activities that increase resilience to disasters and reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of loss of life, injury, damage to and loss of property, and suffering and hardship, by lessening the impact of future disasters.
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West Virginia Dept. of Tourism announces Dark Sky promotion
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The West Virginia Department of Tourism has partnered with the International Dark-Sky Association to launch a new campaign highlighting the state’s endless stargazing opportunities.
This promotion of West Virginia’s star-studded skies began this morning in conjunction with International Dark Sky Week, April 15 – 22, 2023 and will run through the end of the summer.
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First Lady Justice introduces newest Friends With Paws therapy dog during assembly at Oakvale Elementary School
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First Lady Cathy Justice visited Oakvale Elementary School for an assembly to celebrate the arrival of the state’s next therapy dog through the Friends With Paws Communities In Schools (CIS) program.
The dog introduced at the event earlier this week is named Oakley. He is an Apricot and White Labradoodle.
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The Friends With Paws program places certified therapy dogs in several schools across the state, providing companionship and comfort for students in need of a boost. Since April 2022, twelve Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been placed in CIS schools across the state.
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Breeze Airways doubling service to Orlando before first flight takes off
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Just three weeks after Breeze Airways tickets went on sale, West Virginia International Yeager Airport’s newest low-cost carrier has already increased the number of weekly flights to Orlando, Florida for summer travel. Ticket sales to Orlando have been one of the company’s strongest route launches to date.
Due to stronger than expected sales, Breeze has added two additional weekly flights from CRW to Orlando, Florida (MCO). The flights will now operate to MCO on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, through August 15 when it will revert to two flights weekly.
Additionally, the airline plans to fly larger planes, Airbus 220-300 aircraft with 137 seats, including first-class seating and more legroom options for passengers. Tickets are available immediately.
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