WVEC Action Alert

February 15, 2008

Dates / Events of Interest This Week:
Please try to attend as many of these events as possible.

Monday, February 18:  WV State Workers Rally, state capitol.
Meet at the upper rotunda at 9:30 a.m.
Rally for: living wages, benefit protection, better environmental regulations, audit DEP - why WV revenue $$$ missed from not collecting for fines?

Wednesday, February 20:  State capitol - Attend Senate EIM Meeting on Oversight hearing of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  Please meet at the Rotunda at 9:30 a.m. for directions to committee room.
10:00 a.m. - Senate Committee Oversight hearing of the DEP - in Energy Industry & Mining (EIM) Committee in Room 208 W.

Friday, February 22:  WV Environmental Council's "Environment Day" (E-Day) at the state capitol, Charleston.  Theme:  "Rally For Our Streams".  Citizens from across the state gather to highlight environmental legislation and important issues. 
From 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  Located in the House & Senate halls and upper rotunda area.
Highlights:  Over 20 displays, press conference, grassroots citizen lobbying. 
Take the day to join WVEC at the capitol - large turnout needed to show our legislators WV citizens want our representatives to vote for strong environmental regulations.
For more information:  WVEC office, (304) 414-0143. 

Friday, February 22:  WVEC’s E-Day Benefit Reception / 2008 Award ceremony.  To be held at the Women's Club of Charleston  - Corner of Virginia Street & Elizabeth Street East, Charleston.  From 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Live music by:  The Blue Notes! 

Deluxe Soup & salad dinner buffet.  Featuring home made soups:  vegetarian black bean chili, vegetarian potato, vegetarian broccoli & cheese, vegan vegetable, French onion.  Large variety of salads, bread from the Charleston Bread Company, desserts, drinks & more.
Suggested Donation: $15 a person - $25 per couple (or whatever you can afford!!!)

Our 2008 Awards:
Mother Jones – Senator Jon Blair Hunter
Chuck Chambers Public Service – Delegate Mike Burdiss
Chuck Chambers Public Service – Delegate Joe Talbott
Laura Forman Grassroots Activist – Matt Keller
Laura Forman Grassroots Activist – Chuck Nelson
Linda Schnautz Courage – Chrystal Gunnoe
Green Entrepreneur – Mountain View Builders, LLC
Youth Activism – Danny Chiotos, with the Student Environmental Action Coalition

Wednesday, February 27:  Senate Committee hearing on the Valley Fill Ban Bill, SB 588.  10:00 a.m. in the Energy, Industry & Mining (EIM) - RM 208 W.  Meet at the rotunda at 9:30 a.m. for directions to room.

Thursday, February 28:  Special Event to honor Senator Jon Blair Hunter particularly for his support of clean elections.  To be held at the Women's Club of Charleston, corner of Elizabeth & Virginia Street.  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  Senator Hunter will receive OVEC's Bill Moyer's "Defender of Democracy" Award in recognition of his tireless work for accountable government and citizen participation.  He has been a great friend to many West Virginians working on progressive issues throughout his legislative career.

This event is a fundraiser in support of our new Clean Elections Challenge Grant.  For more information:  OVEC office, (304) 522-0246 or WV-CAG office (304) 346-5891.