Today proved to be a busy Friday in the Senate as members debated Senate Bill 238 which would prohibit discrimination based upon age or sexual orientation. Several remarks were made in support and opposition but in the end the bill passed 23 yea to 10 nay. There is also a similar bill in the House.
Also passed today was Senate Bill 318 which would expand the Division of Protective Services’ law-enforcement authority over state property under certain circumstances. Senate Bill 375 was moved and it relates to the Office of Coalfield Community Development master land use plans.
Katie Dean, a Frasure Singleton intern, ended her week with a speech to the Senate. Dean, a Junior from WVU, thanked Senators and staff for giving her the opportunity to be a part of the Legislative process. She said she learned a lot from her experience and is considering working for the government. She spoke on behalf of the Frasure Singleton interns who arrived at the Capitol at the beginning of this week. Participants are assigned to a legislator who will aid in explaining the lawmaking process. Interns will attend committee meetings and public hearings where legislation and issues are debated and discussed.
Red Cross representatives were also recognized in the Senate as Senate Resolution 29 was adopted. The resolution designates March, 2009, as American Red Cross Month. In 2008, more than 3,000 American Red Cross volunteers from West Virginia responded to more than 850 disasters statewide, assisted 2,300 military families through a wide variety of support programs and trained more than 70,000 people in life-saving courses such as CPR, First Aid and Water Safety.
The following committees with meet on Monday:
Pensions- 12 p.m.- 451M
Natural Resources- 1 p.m.- 208W
Agriculture- 2 p.m.- 208W
The Senate will reconvene on Monday March 16th at 11 a.m.
