West Virginia Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman

WHEELING — West Virginia Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman stands by her track record of pressing legislation that makes the Northern Panhandle “a better place to live and raise a family.”

“That was my ‘why’ originally for running, and it’s still my ‘why,’ she explained.

Chapman, R-Ohio, is seeking re-election this year and faces a primary opponent on May 12 in retired Eagle Manufacturing President and CEO Joe Eddy. The winner is set to face current Delegate Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, in the general election.

Chapman is a constitutional lawyer and mother of two young children, and she noted those vocations often drive her legislative actions.

She has introduced and sponsored bills pertaining to school security, such as the “Guardian Act,” which permits the hiring of retired law enforcement and safety officials to provide security services in public schools.

Chapman said she has also focused on bills that protect children from bullying, human trafficking and sextortion. It is also important to her that any education meant to protect children be age appropriate.

“Parents can still opt out, but at least children are given the tools to understand safe internet use,” she said.

Chapman was instrumental in getting a measure passed this year that is intended to stabilize the budgets of businesses that provide child care to working families. It bases state subsidies to providers on enrollment rather than attendance and expands tax credits for employers providing child care.

Other bills pushed by Chapman pertain to health care. These have focused on encouraging health care providers to remain in West Virginia and making health care options more affordable in the state.

Chapman had served as chair of the Senate Health Committee prior to resigning from the position during the recent legislative session.

In a letter to Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, she stated: “Given your demand that I promise my support to you, I am hereby immediately resigning as health chair.

“I made a pledge when I ran for office that my vote belongs to the people of the Northern Panhandle and not to another senator, lobbyist or special interest group.”

Chapman explained her action came following pressure to support a bill providing locality pay to teachers.

“There was a concentration of power in the Eastern Panhandle about locality pay for teachers,” she said. “I didn’t want the Northern Panhandle to be harmed. I was supposed to support it, but I couldn’t.”

Nevertheless, Chapman says there are no hard feelings between her and other Senate members.

“We’re all in for the same reasons, though we do have our disagreements,” she continued. “We are at least cordial to each other. There are no issues on my side.”

Chapman noted that she and Gov. Patrick Morrisey have a good relationship, and this helped when she asked the state on behalf of Hancock County for an $8 million loan to help with its current financial issues.

“That was a huge win because our innocent teachers, bus drivers and cooks deserve to be paid,” she said. “It wasn’t their fault what happened in Hancock County.”

Chapman added she is always there to answer when a constituent calls her needing assistance.

“I am always quick to help people with issues that affect their lives,” she said. “I’m proud to be in a position to help.”

Chapman noted her record is strikingly clear on some specific issues.

“I’m unapologetically pro-life,” Chapman said. “I’m also pro-Second Amendment. I will never vote to restrict anyone’s constitutional rights.”