Here's what the Kanawha Valley's talking about today:
Governor seeks 10 percent tax cut
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said he would seek an up to 10 percent tax cut during the upcoming legislative session. The session is set to begin on Wednesday, Jan. 14. The reduction would require the support of both the House and the Senate. Morrisey maintains the tax break would "help provide relief for taxpayers while maintaining the fiscal responsibility we’ve set as a standard for the first year of my administration.” [WCHS]
KCS Superintendent provides update on cell phone policy
Kanawha County Schools Superintendent Dr. Paula Potter said that students think a new cell phone policy is "going rather well." During Monday's board meeting, Potter told board members that just over 1,400 discipline infractions have been reported in county high schools and roughly 650 in middle schools since the start of the school year in August. Kanawha County’s policy bans elementary school and middle school students from having their devices during the entirety of the school day, while high schoolers can access their phones in between classes and during lunch. The policy follows legislation passed last year, which required county boards to develop strategies for the use of electronic devices like cellphones and tablets in the classroom. [WV Metro News]
State funding for dilapidated properties is out of money
A statewide program that helped communities across West Virginia deal with dilapidated properties has run out of funds. The Demolition Landfill Assistance Program is administered through the state Department of Environmental Protection. The program, which was established in 2021 and funded with federal COVID-19 recovery funds, reimbursed local governments for the demolition of abandoned buildings. Over a two year period, the fund helped communities in the Kanawha Valley and beyond demolish 1,800 structures. There are currently 240 demolitions ongoing, though all funds have been distributed. [Mountain State Spotlight]
