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
Read More >>House Bill 206 This legislation is one of the most significant investments in public education in our state’s history. It represents an investment of more than $177 million in our state’s public education system. It provides for higher salaries for teachers and service personnel, additional counselors and student support staff, increased funding for counties with smaller populations, salary incentives for math and special education teachers and an expansion of the Mountaineer Chall
Read More >>It's official - I'm seeking re-election for a second term. Here is the press release......... Today, West Virginia State Senator Patricia Rucker announced that she will be seeking re-election to continue to represent the state’s 16th senatorial district.Said Senator Rucker, “Since Republicans gained the majority in both houses in 2014, our state has experienced a rebirth. I was elected to the West Virginia Senate in 2016 and since then I have seen exciting progress. Last year, the West V
Read More >>Recent polls, articles and opinion pieces describe the rise in popularity of socialism. The Democratic Socialists claim that their ranks are growing. There have been recent high-profile political victories by socialist candidates in various parts of the United States. Among millennials, there is a certain coolness about socialism. Young people are attracted to it because they think it brings people together. My personal experiences with socialism have shown me how devastating it can be
Read More >>Thank you for your amazing support. We were successful because of you. I am looking forward to working with everyone to realize West Virginia's potential and the potential of each West Virginian.
Read More >>The scourge of drugs is something we need to urgently address. It is a problem that is reaching epidemic proportions in our local communities. Drug addiction destroys lives – the lives of our young people – and does tremendous damage to families. Drug addiction is a multi-faceted problem. While I do not advocate for the legalization of drugs, I do believe that we need to do all that we can to avoid making criminals of our young people. Incarcerating young people for drug possession has
Read More >>I am very pleased to announce that I've been endorsed by the National Rifle Association. Furthermore, the NRA has graded my opponent with an "F" -- their lowest rating. After looking at Delegate Skinner's voting record they have concluded that he does not support our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. You can depend on me to defend our Constitutional Rights.
Read More >>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: September 19, 2016 Patricia Rucker
Read More >>An article that appeared in the Charlotte Observer tells an interesting story. According to the headline, despite GOP tax cuts, North Carolina is still "raking in" more tax revenue. The article goes on to say that because of the tax cuts, the state budget went from a projected deficit in 2016 to a surplus. The tax cuts stimulated the state economy and 90,000 new jobs were created. Here in West Virginia we can learn from this. Raising taxes to plug holes in the budget does more harm tha
Read More >>As we watch government and taxes grow every year in West Virginia, we see our bank accounts and individual liberties shrink and our opportunities for a better life for ourselves and our children diminished. At the recent Eastern Panhandle Business Association forum I was struck by yet another devastating ranking for West Virginia mentioned by several speakers. West Virginia ranks 50th with regard to regulation - making it the most over regulated state in the nation. What we need instead
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