Friday, March 11, 2011
EKB Capsule News...West Virginia...3-12-'11
People who want to pay their respects to Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, will be able to do so for three days in Washington, D.C. Visitation for Buckles will be Sunday from noon to 6:00 P.M. at Joseph Gawler's Sons Chapel and from noon to 9:00 P.M. Monday. Buckles will then lie in repose from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Arlington National Cemetery's memorial amphitheater. He will be buried with full military honors in a public ceremony at 4:00 P.M.
- Gas prices rose again Thursday night. In Kanawha City and throughout the valley, the price was up to $3.65. Triple A says gas prices jumped four cents overnight in West Virginia. The Associated press had reported that oil prices had dropped below $100 per barrel for the first time in more than a week. But, Japan, the third largest oil importer, suffered a massive earthquake that spawned a tsunami. Meanwhile, in other places in the U.S., gas climbed above $3.54 per gallon overnight.
- At the request of McDowell County Senator John Pat Fanning, the state Senate Confirmations Committee declined Friday to recommend McDowell County Assessor Dennis Altizer's nomination to the state Records Management and Preservation Board. Altizer had been nominated by Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.
- Under legislation approved by the state Senate Friday, journalists could not be forced to disclose the names of confidential sources in most legal proceedings. The House approved its own version of the shield law March 2nd. The bill would shield reporters in civil and criminal trials, before grand juries and in administrative proceedings. The bill exempts testimony that would prevent imminent death, serious bodily injury or unjust imprisonment. The Senate's changes would expand protection to student and part-time journalists, among other things.
Under legislation that passed by a 77-15 vote in the House of Delegates, West Virginia state government would spend up to $11.4 billion during the next budget year. The spending plan would begin July 1st. It includes $4 billion backed by general tax revenues, and $497 million from lottery proceeds. The House Finance Committee added $48 million for one-time projects, and around $70 million in general and lottery revenues for proposed pay raises.
- Under a measure passed Friday by the state Senate, West Virginia would require insurance coverage of autism treatment. Senators unanimously sent the measure back to delegates Friday after agreeing to benefit caps and an exemption for small employers. Both public and private insurers would cover applied behavioral analysis. This ABA therapy is considered crucial for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Coverage would begin at age 2. Friday's bill would cap annual benefits at $30,000 for the first three years. It then sets a $2,000-per-month limit until age 18. It exempts employer plans with fewer than 25 workers.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:13 PM 
