Patricia Rucker
Governor Justice’s Stay at Home Executive Order
Today Governor Justice issued an Executive Order instructing West Virginians not to leave their homes unless it is necessary. Here are the specific things deemed to be necessary: Please take all precautions necessary to avoid contact with people. Wash your hands frequently and take extra precautions with regard to hygiene . Keep a reasonable distance from people you do not know and avoid large groups. Let us all pray that this is resolved as soon as possible. You can find the compl
Read More >>Legislation to Help Children
The session ended this past weekend and this post contains an updated version of my column that appeared last week in the Journal. Here are some of the highlights regarding legislation aimed at helping our young people. All of these bills are completed legislation. I am particularly pleased with HB4092 and HB4094. These bills address issues relating to foster care. HB4092 establishes a foster care Bill of Rights for both foster parents and children while HB4092 clarifies the role of
Read More >>Press Release: SB 657 Allowing For The Creation of Tourism Development Districts Passes the House
SB 657, allowing for the creation of tourism development districts passed the house yesterday 93 - 6. Having already passed the Senate this legislation now goes on to the governor for his signature. In a statement from the bill's lead sponsor Senator Patricia Rucker, (Jefferson) she stated: "This legislation is needed to continue the positive momentum in West Virginia's economy. The tourism industry has become a vital part of a more broadly diversified economic picture in our state and
Read More >>Jefferson County Passes Resolution Supporting SB 657
The Jefferson County Commission passed a resolution in support of Senate Bill 657 that will help Harpers Ferry get the help it needs to get Hilltop House built. It's a wonderful thing when the community unites around a project and stands together to make things happen. I'm proud to have been the lead sponsor on the bill. Thank you to the Jefferson County Commission! Here's the text of the resolution: JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION, CHARLES TOWN, WV RESOLUTION Whereas, Senate Bill 657,
Read More >>Students Do Have a Right to Know
One of the most important things that government should do is to educate - to let people know. Here's the link. https://www.wvnews.com/theet/opinion/columns/w-va-students-deserve-better-education-career-information/article_08c57ba1-a37b-559d-83cb-a8b45b99338e.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share
Read More >>National School Choice Week
Every January, thousands of parents, teachers, students and activists assemble at state capitols across the nation to celebrate. What are they celebrating? They are celebrating educational choice. It’s National School Choice Week, and West Virginia is playing a key role in emphasizing the value and benefit school choice gives students and families. Since 2011, National School Choice Week has provided us with the opportunity to recognize the important contributions that primary and s
Read More >>Press Conference in Charles Town
I held a press conference yesterday at the Court House in Charles Town. Here is the text of what I said: I am here today to bring good news. We can all use a little good news. I am going to introduce legislation that will finally break the impasse in Harpers Ferry regarding Hilltop House. The legislation will be called the Tourism Development District Act. Tourism is an essential industry here in the Eastern Panhandle. In Jefferson County it accounts for more than 1/3 of all the
Read More >>Senator Rucker Files to Run for Re-election
Yesterday, State Senator Patricia filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, making it official that she is running for re-election in the 16th Senatorial District; a district that includes all of Jefferson County and parts of Berkeley County. “I feel that my first term has been productive, but I also feel that there is so much more that needs to be done”, said Senator Rucker, surrounded by many of her senate colleagues as she filled out the paperwork. “It’s great w
Read More >>MARC Train Service Will Continue
MARC train service will continue here in the Eastern Panhandle. An agreement has been reached this week regarding funding with more than $3.3 million being allocated. The funds are coming from a variety of sources: $1.1 million from the governor's contingency fund, $1.2 million is from the legislature and $750,000 coming from other state agencies. Local governments (municipal and county) will contribute an additional $300,000. Maryland will increase the price of the MARC train service s
Read More >>Young People Misunderstand Socialism and its Effects
As a legislator one of the things I value most is that there are many people from all walks of life that take the time and effort to share their thoughts and perspectives with me. However, one of the things that concerns me most is that among many young people there appears to be a misunderstanding as to what socialism is and what it represents. A significant number of our young people think that socialism is a solution to the ills of society. Some even think of it as cool. I hope they ar
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