State of West Virginia Archives: on Families & Children

Ron Stollings: Raise age to 21 for buying tobacco and vape products

The bill adds language to better define e-cigarettes and vape products and increases fines for the sale of tobacco to those underage. The bill also makes it a crime to smoke in an enclosed vehicle with a child under age 17 present. In a concession to the other side, the bill permits active military members 18 or older to purchase tobacco products. The bill passed 20-14.

Stephen Noble Smith: For family leave, and equal pay for equal work

Raise the income limit for child care subsidies to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, increasing access to childcare for more than ten thousand more working families, each year. We will not confuse poverty with neglect or abuse. Under no circumstances may a fit parent lose the right to contact with his or her child. Being unable to make rent or pay bills--or living in a rural area with sparse services--does not equate to child neglect.

Stephen Noble Smith: Kinship families receive same support as foster families