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Ohio Setting Example on How To Legislate

Editorials

West Virginia leaders would do well to look west for a model of the future. In Ohio, not only are leaders there attracting new businesses and growing the state’s population, they also are finding ways to put money back into the pockets of residents. Consider: starting in January, Ohio residents making more than $26,050 annually will pay a flat personal income tax rate of 2.75%. That’s in contrast to West Virginia’s top rate of 4.82% on income. Then there’s this: a group in Ohio this month is finalizing a plan to present to the General Assembly on how to reform the state’s ...

Diversify Voices in Energy Discussions

Editorials

As the U.S. Senate considers codifying the reestablishment of the National Coal Council, lawmakers have an opportunity. U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli’s bill drew support from enough Democrats in the House of Representatives that it is now moving to the Senate, which will consider whether it is necessary to back up the executive order that, among other things, called for reinstating the group that provides guidance on the future of coal technologies and markets. And Rulli, R-Ohio, is right. It is important for those making decisions about our energy future to have information and guidance ...

Child Care Gets A Boost

Editorials

For many families, finding affordable child care is one of the bigger obstacles to being able to be full participants in the workforce. Sometimes it just makes more sense for a parent to stay home with the kids than to go out into a job that perhaps doesn’t even cover the costs of child care. With the launch of Ohio’s Child Care Cred Program, funding is now available for a program that helps split the child care burden. Applications for participation in the $10 million program are due by May 1, 2026, with funding available through June 30, 2026. Families must live in the state ...

Vaping Continues To Be A Concern

Editorials

As though West Virginia’s young people don’t have enough challenges to overcome, an American Lung Association representative suggests we’re failing them on another front: vaping. Though it has been evident for many years that vaping is not even remotely a safe alternative to smoking, tobacco companies have continued their marketing onslaught — and access is easy. “We are talking about one of the most deadly products currently on the market … and hooking and addicting our kids,” Jennifer Folkenroth with the ALA told WCHS. “There is no safe alternative. The only true ...

Eliminating a Nasty Pest

Editorials

Those insects you see hopping around ... well ... everywhere you walk in the Ohio Valley these days? Those spotted lantern flies aren’t just a nuisance you need to step over. In fact, you should be stepping on them. The lantern fly has worked its way into both sides of the Ohio Valley. They’re found throughout the Northern Panhandle in West Virginia and have been both confirmed and established in Belmont and Jefferson counties. They like to feed on the sap of fruit trees and vines like apple, cherry and grape, and the liquid they secrete invites sooty, black mold that can choke ...

Happy Anniversary to Augusta Levy

Editorials

The Augusta Levy Learning Center recently honored its past and its future with a 20th anniversary celebration —and the announcement of a new name. It will now be called Augusta Levy Behavioral Services, a reflection on the expanded menu of services the organization now provides. “Our services at the center remain true — we’re serving children with autism, but now we can serve adults with behavioral needs, we can provide vocational services and independent living services,” said Angie Wood, Augusta Levy executive director. “We get to help children with severe emotional and ...