Local News
Rahall, Capito hail passage of veterans bills
A three-year pilot program providing enhanced access to care for rural veterans cleared the House Wednesday, drawing praise from Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.
Another measure designed to raise the rates of disability and survivor benefits of veterans was hailed by Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va.
“Our rural veterans face real and difficult challenges when it comes to accessing the health care that they need,” Capito said.
“Thankfully this legislation puts in motion a program that stands to benefit rural veterans in states like West Virginia.”
Capito said the bill would help lower the need to travel long distances veterans now travel to undergo advanced treatment or primary care.
“We shouldn’t be placing our veterans at a disadvantage simply because they choose to live in a rural area,” she added.
Rahall cited Department of Veterans Affairs’ figures showing the cost-of-living adjustment would help some 2.8 million veterans and 300,000 surviving spouses who get dependency and indemnity compensation.
The adjustment is linked to the Consumer Price Index, ascertained after the third quarter of each year. Last year’s increase was 2.3 percent.
“West Virginia’s veterans have made difficult sacrifices to preserve our freedom and way of life, and deserve equal protection from high gas prices and the rising cost-of-living,” Rahall said.
“This much-needed adjustment will provide better compensation for disabled veterans and survivor families, especially those who depend on these benefits as their only source of income.”
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- Boil water notices
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SCHOOL CLOSINGS and DELAYS
Click HERE to go to the West Virginia Department of Education with up-to-date school closings and delays by county.
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Moderate flooding reported in Greenbrier County
Emergency officials are reporting moderate flooding of small streams in western Greenbrier County, with the Greenbrier River not expected to crest until 7 p.m. or later Saturday.
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Legislative leaders applaud results of regular session
Except for the turf war over eye care, the session was, without question, low-key, devoid of conflict and produced few bold headlines in West Virginia newspapers.
Even so, leaders of both the Senate and House of Delegates applauded the results. - Optometry bill enacted in final hour of session
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Census still needs workers locally
Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 Roush-Fenway Racing Ford, is sponsored by the 2010 Census.
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