FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, October 5, 2024
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Governor and First Lady Justice issue statement on death of coal miner in Taylor County
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Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice issued the following statement after learning about the death of a coal miner in Taylor County.
Colton Walls, 34, of Bruceton Mills, sadly passed away this afternoon from injuries he sustained while working as a longwall electrician at the Arch Coal, Leer Mining Complex. Walls is survived by his wife, Jonda, and his three children.
“Our miners are the backbone of West Virginia, and every loss we experience hits us to our deepest cores,” Gov. Justice said. “The heart and soul of West Virginia are found in our coal miners, and today, we grieve the loss of one of our own. I’m told that Mr. Walls was truly dedicated, hardworking, and brave, and I know he’ll be dearly missed by many. It’s moments like these that remind us of the incredible sacrifices made by those who have the courage to be a miner. So, please hold his family and loved ones close in your hearts tonight. Cathy and I will continue to keep him and all our other miners in our prayers.”
The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training and the Mine Safety and Health Administration are at the mine site and will be conducting an investigation.
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Gov. Justice declares a State of Emergency in Mercer County due to damage from Hurricane Helene
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Gov. Justice declared a State of Emergency for Mercer County following significant damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
The powerful storm left widespread destruction in its wake, impacting homes, businesses, and other infrastructure. This declaration allows the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to implement the Emergency Operations Plan, allowing swift mobilization of personnel, resources, and essential emergency services.
“We’re still learning about reports of serious damage throughout Mercer County, and the estimates are adding up quickly. I’m told there’s a sizable portion of the county still without power, and there were so many downed trees that it’s been difficult to get the full scope of what’s happened. This State of Emergency will allow us to speed up the response on the ground and potentially receive federal assistance as we push forward with recovery efforts,” Gov. Justice said.
“This storm is one that we’ll remember in Appalachia for a long, long time. We’ve seen some really troubling images from our neighboring states, but there’s no question that Helene has left its mark here at home, as well. We’ll continue to pull the rope together and take care of each other, because that’s what we do in West Virginia.”
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Gov. Justice presents $500,000 check to Bob Burdette Center to expand afterschool tutoring program
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Gov. Justice delivered a $500,000 check to the Bob Burdette Center to support the expansion of its afterschool program, as it launches a new two-year pilot initiative focused on improving tutoring access for at-risk students in Kanawha County.
The pilot program will serve two schools on Charleston’s West Side, Mary C. Snow Elementary and Edgewood Elementary, both located in economically disadvantaged areas. The program’s certified teachers will provide one-on-one tutoring to help students improve their math and reading skills.
“Our kids truly mean the world to me and deserve the best of the best,” Gov. Justice said. “This new program is going to bring in great teachers who provide the support these kids need to succeed. I’ve said it time and time again that investing in our children and their future is the most important thing we can do. Cathy and I are so happy to see the success of Communities In Schools, and for it to influence this afterschool program at the Bob Burdette Center is amazing. The folks here are doing God’s work, and we couldn’t be more thankful. Our kids are real winners and worth every penny of this money.”
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Gov. Justice announces launch of West Virginia Paranormal Trail
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Visit spooky sites and win prizes using digital passport
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In celebration of spooky season, Gov. Justice and the West Virginia Department of Tourism announced the launch of a statewide Paranormal Trail, designed to help spook-seekers discover the state’s most spine-chilling sites. An accompanying digital passport allows visitors to check in at haunted locations, earning points and unlocking exciting prizes along the way.
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"I love when we come up with new ways to get folks to explore West Virginia," Gov. Justice said. "We've got so much unique history here, stories passed down through the years, and even a few ghost tales. Our new Paranormal Trail is a way to check out some places that'll give you the chills. Now that October is here, people are looking for a spooky way to get in the spirit of things, and this trail is just the ticket."
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Gov. Justice announces September revenue collections, continues to push for personal income tax cut during legislative interims
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Gov. Justice announced that West Virginia’s revenue collections of $580.6 million in September, the third month of Fiscal Year of 2025, were $14.3 million above the estimates.
Gov. Justice addressed the revenue collections and the need for an additional income tax cut during the administration briefing.
“Our revenue numbers continue to show that we are minding the store,” Gov. Justice said in part. “But we also need to keep pushing forward on eliminating our personal income tax. We have to keep it moving because eliminating our personal income tax is going to show the world why they need to move to West Virginia. Cutting our personal income tax is a drop in the bucket when you consider the multiplier effect it will have on our state’s future. Let’s keep going.”
Gov. Justice has asked both the House and Senate to consider another personal income tax cut of up to 5%, which he included in his Special Session agenda. The proposal is before the Legislature, and both chambers continue to deliberate on the Governor’s plan to provide further tax relief for hardworking West Virginians. The West Virginia Legislature returns to Charleston for interims on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
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