FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, August 24, 2024
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice extends State of Emergency for all 55 counties due to drought conditions
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Gov. Justice announced he has extended the statewide State of Emergency for an additional 30 days due to a shortage of rainfall that has caused drought conditions.
The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates extreme, severe, and moderate drought conditions have continued to impact the entire state.
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Gov. Justice also reminds agencies to utilize the Emergency Drought Relief Reimbursement Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to those helping secure and distribute irrigation and livestock water supplies in counties experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions.
“This drought continues to plague our farmers, so we’re extending our State of Emergency to help get water to those who are in desperate need,” Gov. Justice said. “Our farmers are truly the backbone of our state, and we understand the level of stress they’re experiencing because of these extreme conditions. We will not watch our hardworking farmers suffer because of uncontrollable factors. What we can control, however, is making sure they have the resources to get through this tough time. Our public agencies are working hard to deliver water, as needed. Our Emergency Management Division and the Department of Agriculture are working hard to secure disaster assistance. We are all pulling the rope together to get through this time. I promise, we will get through it together.”
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First Lady Cathy Justice honored for expanding Communities In Schools program statewide, celebrates 20th anniversary of CIS
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First Lady Cathy Justice and Gov. Justice joined the 20th anniversary celebration of Communities In Schools in Greenbrier County.
During the event at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, First Lady Justice was honored with an award of appreciation for being a driving force behind the success of the program, leading its statewide expansion.
Under her leadership, CIS has grown from serving three pilot counties in 2018 to reaching every corner of West Virginia, providing essential resources to at-risk students, helping them stay in school and succeed. West Virginia is the only state in the country to have CIS operating in every county.
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Communities In Schools West Virginia has had a significant impact, employing over 250 site coordinators who work in more than 270 schools and support over 114,000 students. Their combined salaries total over $18 million annually, supporting hundreds of local families.
“Communities In Schools has become a beacon of hope for so many students in West Virginia,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “Jim and I are proud to celebrate this incredible milestone for Greenbrier County and to support an organization that is dedicated to taking care of our children. This program only works because of our amazing site coordinators, teachers, and administrators who deeply care about the well-being of each and every student. They are truly the ones guiding them through life’s challenges to build a brighter future. I could not be more thankful for the people here tonight and those making an impact across the state. Thank you all for having me, because I am so honored to receive this award.”
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Gov. Justice, DoHS announce increase in provider waiver rates and IDD waiver expansion
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Gov. Justice and the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) announced that providers have been notified that the Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) will increase provider waiver rates by 15% on October 1, 2024, the amount as recommended in the service cost and rate review conducted by Myers and Stauffer LC and released on December 8, 2023.
The Governor discussed the expansion during his weekly administration briefing.
A waiver rate increase will also occur for family support, as well as personal care rates on October 1. In addition to rate increases, BMS will remove an additional 50 Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD) members off the waitlist. This is in addition to the 99 members who were removed from the waitlist on July 1, 2024. The total cost to remove 50 members from the waitlist is $3.9 million per year.
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Gov. Justice, WV DCR celebrate hiring milestones with 52 additional graduates
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Gov. Justice and the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WV DCR) announced a major achievement for West Virginia correctional facilities with the graduation of 52 new officers and staff.
This year, WV DCR has welcomed a total of 429 graduates into its ranks, nearly equaling the total amount in 2023, when 483 officers and staff graduated from the Division of Corrections Training Academy.
Recruiting efforts, including increased pay scales for correctional officers, continue to pay dividends as staff vacancies continue to decrease in facilities statewide. Most notably, 19 facilities are currently at a vacancy rate of 10% or below for Correctional Officers.
"I couldn't be happier for the 429 folks who’ve graduated from the training academy this year,” Gov. Justice said. “It’s truly amazing to see so many West Virginians stepping up to serve in these important roles. By improving pay and benefits, we’re not just filling positions, we’re bringing in talented and dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference. This graduation is a shining example of what we can achieve when we pull the rope together, and I'm committed to supporting our correctional officers as they build brighter futures for themselves and our communities. I cannot understate the importance of this transformation. People are very proud to be a correctional officer in West Virginia.”
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Gov. Justice announces major investments in Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and Lost River State Park
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Gov. Justice announced significant developments at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and Lost River State Park as part of ongoing investments to enhance outdoor recreation and tourism in the state.
Cass is adding its first campground featuring 100 campsites, modern amenities, and historic preservation. Lost River is adding 35 modern campsites, enhancing its existing natural retreat. With investments totaling nearly $13 million, both projects are expected to be completed by mid-2025.
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These campground projects are part of an ongoing investment in the West Virginia State Parks system. During the Justice Administration, more than $250 million in improvement projects have been completed.
“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work going into the campground upgrades at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and Lost River State Park,” Gov. Justice said. “Each day, the world continues to discover the world-class recreational opportunities in West Virginia. By improving our campgrounds and preserving the rich history of our parks, we’re inviting more visitors to see for themselves why our state parks are the best in the country.”
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Friends With Paws welcomes newest therapy dog to Gilmer County Elementary School
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Representatives of First Lady Cathy Justice visited Gilmer County Elementary School for an assembly to celebrate the arrival of the state’s newest therapy dog through the Friends With Paws program.
The dog introduced at the event is a male Yellow Labrador Retriever named Boaz.
“I am so excited to add another addition to our Friends With Paws family,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “I know that Boaz will be an exceptional addition to the Gilmer County Elementary School community. All of the excitement, love, and smiles that were displayed today warmed my heart. It has truly been an honor seeing what our therapy dogs are capable of and how they will impact lives for the better.”
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