Legislator Agendas Taking Shape

A number of West Virginia media have checked in with their local lawmakers before they head to the Capitol for this year's regular session.

House Speaker Rick Thompson, D-Wayne, tells the Herald-Dispatch that "a grim financial forecast exacerbated by the national recession will be the dominant issue." The Huntington also hears from other Wayne and Cabell county legislators.

Wood County lawmakers rank relief from "other post-employment benefits" costs a major item, the News and Sentinel of Parkersburg reports.

Taxes and the budget were dominating topics of a forum featuring Eastern Panhandle legislators and covered by The Journal. The Martinsburg newspaper reports separately on Town Hall-style meetings held by several of this lawmakers in advance of the session.

Lawmakers from that region also touted an increased homestead property tax exemption for seniors to Public Broadcasting (with audio).

MetroNews, meanwhile, hears from the state troopers' association and chamber of commerce regarding their legislative wish lists.