Charleston, WV - During “Wyoming County Day” at the Legislature this week and a large contingent of citizens from around the county visited the Capitol and met with several Delegates representing all or parts of Wyoming County.

Delegate Linda Phillips and Delegate Daniel Hall from Wyoming County as well as House Finance Chair Harry Keith White and Delegate Rupert “Rupie” Phillips, who both represent portions of Wyoming County, met with concerned citizens to address a variety of important issues.

“I am always excited to see my constituents when they visit the Capitol or come to Charleston to see friendly, familiar faces and hear their concerns in person,” said Delegate Linda Phillips. “We are elected to serve the will of the people back home and I strive to always listen and respond to any constituent concern. It is always good to have a “piece of home” come to see me while I am in Charleston”

Topics discussed while they met with their delegation included the substance abuse problem plaguing the southern region.

“Substance abuse is a very important issue to me as well as the other members of the delegation so I wanted to hear some of my constituents’ ideas on combating this problem plaguing this region,” said Delegate Hall. “The substance abuse problem touches all citizens from every walk of life one way or another and must be dealt with. We are committed to finding a solution for not only the region but for the entire state.”

The group also met with House Finance Chairman Harry Keith White and discussed aspects of the Governor’s proposed Budget as well as other issues before his committee.

“While we talked about the budget process and how we go about formulating the budget, through budget hearings and other meetings, we also talked about some of the programs being developed in Community and Technical Colleges and through WorkForce WV to take advantage of economic opportunities,” said Delegate White. “With the Marcellus Shale natural gas development ongoing, West Virginia’s going to need a homegrown work force trained for this industry so providing programs related to the job infrastructure needed for this economic development opportunity is a top priority.”

Another issue discussed by the group was the education system in West Virginia, both public and higher education.

“Tying in with what we talked about in regards to the Community and Technical Schools, we discussed the importance in improving our school system to provide the type of educational background needed for future success,” said Delegate Rupie Phillips. “We must continue to look at ways to improve the quality of our schools through a variety of ideas, better pay, more accountability as well as the general infrastructure needed in schools for 21st Century learning.”

The Wyoming County group was also recognized on the House floor during the floor session and hosted a reception at the Governor’s Mansion later in the day.