On a lighter note

Last week's Front Porch podcast featured an interview with WV's official folklorist Emily Hilliard. Catch the podcast here.

And, if you could use a little good news, Medicaid expansion in Louisiana, which took effect June 1, seems to be a huge hit. Already over 200,000 low income working residents have signed up and the total may reach 375,000 or more.I  hope this nudges other southern states to step up.

Finally, WV's budget goat rope is finally over for a few months. I guess it could have been worse. It probably will be again. At least a shutdown was avoided. The game will begin again in earnest in January if not before.

Make some noise, WV

We're on uncertain ground in WV these days. For the first time the state is facing a government shutdown as a result of the inaction of the Republican controlled legislature, especially the House. If that happens it's closing time for all kinds of things, like state police, nursing homes, transportation, public safety, education, parks, libraries, health care and tons more.

If there ever was a time to make some noise, this is it. Here's a link with information about quick and easy actions you can take.

My message would be that the House needs to avoid a shutdown and drastic cuts to needed services and PEIA by passing a tobacco tax increase. Or you could just keep it simple with this message:
#dontshutdownmystate.

Seriously, it's time to turn up the volume.