Warm thanks from Senator Kessler

Prevailing wage, if you haven't heard by now, is on the Republican chopping block. A public hearing was held this morning, during which proponents were outnumbered by opponents 4 to 1. When business and labor come together to oppose legislation which reduces wages and trashes an already unsteady economy, well … what's a Republican to do?

Apparently they're waiting, along with the rest of us, until it gets parked in a committee somewhere. Or not. There's always the possibility of the bill not being taken up at all.

In the meantime … how about a word of thanks from Senator Jeff Kessler for the terrific turnout for the Stand UP Stand WITH West Virginia rally this past Monday? Neither snow, nor cold, nor bad driving conditions kept what looked like thousands from fighting for their rights.

This week saw a major turnout of hardworking West Virginians at the State Capitol, despite frigid temperatures and a record-setting snowstorm that blanketed much of the state.

During discussions, back-door negotiations with out of state interest groups and finally the passage of SB 361, the prevailing wage bill, I became frustrated with  the what I was witnessing by the Republican leadership and its push of harmful legislation on the people of this great state; so I called  for the Show Up Stand Up rally on President’s Day.

It warmed my soul to stand with nearly 2,000 West Virginians from across the state to make our voices heard and fight for their wages and rights that are being stripped from them.  The event was aimed at bringing attention to the radical and wrong agenda items being pushed through this session, and boy did we bring attention to it.  The Republican leadership has set a breakneck pace, moving through bills they say will improve West Virginia’s business climate…I say they’re wrong! These policies are hurting West Virginia workers and have more to do with politics that with helping the State. 

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the brave men and women who deified the elements to fight for what’s right, and to the many speakers who joined us in our fight.  There is nothing I can do to turn back the clock and change what happened during the last election, or change one vote on the floor; but what I can do is promise that if you stand with me I will stand with you and never stop fighting for your wages and your rights.