CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After a unanimous vote, West Virginia Delegate Saira Blair has been named chairwoman of the Eastern Panhandle Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers that focus on issues found in the Eastern Panhandle region.
Due to the region’s unique geography, Eastern Panhandle residents have a different perspective on issues, and as a result, the region’s lawmakers formed the caucus to help connect this region to the rest of the state.
Blair says the caucus would focus on several matters, including funding for education programs and creating more jobs in the Eastern Panhandle, which would make the border region more competitive.
She believes that with the caucus they will have a greater opportunity to raise awareness for the Eastern Panhandle’s interests in the legislature.
Blair says once they pass some pressing bills for the leadership the caucus has plans to promote several bills they think can make a difference for their constituents.
Among them is a plan to eliminate a 7 percent markup on all goods through the West Virginia Unfair Trade Practices Act of the 1930’s.
Blair said it will make a huge impact on gas prices.
“It’s really hurting our state. We are having a very difficult time competing with Virginia, and this is going to really help solve our problem” she explained.
The bill has bipartisan support among Eastern Panhandle representatives.
The caucus will also push for increased funding to Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.
Blair is unfortunately not optimistic about the bill’s chances.