In the world of politics, it is not uncommon for opponents to use legislative decisions to attack each other. This is exactly what is happening in the Republican race for U.S. Senate in West Virginia, where U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney is criticizing Governor Jim Justice for his veto of House Bill 5014.
The bill, which would have provided $2 million in state surplus appropriations for West Virginia University's Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, was seen as crucial funding for the institute's groundbreaking ultrasound research. This research has gained international recognition for its potential to help people with Alzheimer's disease, substance use disorder, and other addiction disorders. In fact, the program was even featured on CBS News' 60 Minutes last year.
However, the bill was amended by the state Senate to include an additional $4 million for hospital grants and research programs. Governor Justice vetoed the bill, citing ambiguity in the language and a lack of explanation for how the additional funding would be used. He expressed concern that some hospitals across the state would be neglected in favor of a few.
Mooney wasted no time in criticizing Justice's decision. He accused the governor of not supporting groundbreaking medical research and failing to prioritize the lives saved as a result of it. Mooney pointed out that Justice had approved $10 million for Marshall University to build a new baseball stadium two years ago, suggesting a lack of consistency in the governor's priorities.
The Governor's Office defended Justice's decision, stating that it would not be fair to provide funding for the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute while other items funded from surplus tax collections are on hold. Justice's proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 included $100 million to be appropriated to the state's rural hospitals from available surplus tax dollars. The governor argued that picking a few winners would not be fair to all hospitals.
In addition to House Bill 5014, Justice is also awaiting House Bill 5105, which eliminates vaccine requirements for public virtual schools, private schools, and parochial schools. The bill has sparked controversy, with doctors and public health advocates pressuring Justice to veto it, while health freedom advocates urge him to sign it. Mooney expressed his support for the bill, calling it “common sense” and highlighting the importance of balancing public health with religious freedom.
Governor Justice is carefully considering whether to sign or veto House Bill 5105. He emphasized the need to be respectful of everyone's freedoms while also protecting the well-being of the population.
As the Republican primary for U.S. Senate heats up in West Virginia, it is clear that legislative decisions are becoming ammunition for opponents. Governor Jim Justice's veto of House Bill 5014 and his pending decision on House Bill 5105 have drawn criticism from U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney. The battle between these two candidates underscores the contentious nature of politics and the importance of making informed decisions that balance competing interests.
