In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, a ceremony was conducted on the North side of the Capitol building. The lawmakers in attendance were accompanied by members of the West Virginia Supreme Court and the Governor, as well as the members of West Virginia’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission to mark this National Day of Service.
The Appalachian Children’s Chorus greeted everyone with the National Anthem, and speakers presented their thoughts on honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Speaker of the House, Richard Thompson, said, “We should be honoring not just Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but also the leaders, activists, educators and legislators who strive to follow in Dr. King’s footsteps.”
He also called for everyone to “re-dedicate themselves to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s purpose.” He said that Dr. King wanted freedom to ring throughout the country which is why they honor him through the annual ringing of the bell.
President of the Senate, Earl Ray Tomblin, echoed the Speaker’s sentiments of Dr. King. He said Dr. King’s work has not ceased and it is seen in “the halls of our courthouses, statehouses, and in the halls of our nation’s capitol.”
Visiting school children participated in the bell ringing along with other dignitaries.
The Speaker and the President agreed they are proud to be a part of this annual tradition.
UPDATE: Check out both MLK Celebration speeches by the President and Speaker.
The Senate Chamber was buzzing with activity this morning as the Senate reconvened for the sixth day. 
Five bills, including 
The Senate reconvened this morning and introduced six bills.
The Senate reconvened this afternoon and introduced ten bills and acknowledged today as Mineral County Day. 
This afternoon, the House of Delegates reconvened and introduced 11 bills, such as 
The House and Senate reconvened at 7:00 p.m. this evening for a joint session in the House Chamber for the Governor’s presentation of the 
On Wednesday, members of the Joint Committee on Finance were given several presentations regarding Federal Block grant funds. Presentations were given by the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Bureau of Preventative Health and Preventative Services, the Bureau of Behavioral Health and Health Facilities and the Department of Maternal Child and Family Health, just to name a few.
The West Virginia State Senate convened for the 2010 Legislative Session at noon today. Having ascertained a quorum, 212 bills were introduced.