By Brian Skinner, Esq. As states began the process of reopening their economies, they took different paths to put in place COVID-19 mitigation rules for businesses. Some have implemented mandatory standards for businesses that are intended to protect employees. Other states have simply issued guidelines. …Read More
By Brian Skinner, Esq. COVID-19 has prevented countless West Virginia companies from operating normally. For example, in March 16, 2020, Governor Justice initiated efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 by declaring a State of Emergency in West Virginia. Subsequent containment measures were announced and are continuing to be announced, including the closure of all …Read More
By Brian Skinner, Esq. One of the major pre-requisites for states desiring to relax COVID-19 mitigation measures is the ability to identify those who are infected with and exposed to COVID-19 through contact tracing. Contact tracing is a time-honored public health tool used by state and local governments …Read More
By Brian Skinner, Esq. Many Americans are financially unprepared for life after work. A report from the U.S. Federal Reserve found that nearly a quarter of all American adults have no retirement savings or pension at all. The data shows that 42% of people aged 18-29 have no retirement savings, along with 26% of Americans …Read More
By Brian Skinner, Esq. In a little reported development that is likely to have a big impact on consumer lending, in July, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rescinded its 2017 payday loan rule. The move could leave millions of Americans at high risk of becoming trapped in a cycle of debt. The final rule …Read More
By Brian Skinner, Esq. During his press conference on Monday, Governor Justice announced he will use funds from the federal CARES Act to provide the state’s portion of the additional unemployment benefits included in the executive memorandum signed by President Trump on Saturday. Last Friday I wrote about governor’s authority to use funds allocated to …Read More
By Brian Skinner, Esq. Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that it is wrapping up its collection of data on September 30, 2020, rather than the planned date of October 31. The census has been slowed by the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges of outreach and retaining workers. In order to be counted in …Read More
By Brian J. Skinner, Esq. Recently, questions have arisen about whether Governor Jim Justice may spend money the state received from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (“Fund”) that was made available in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), without a specific appropriation by the State Legislature.1 Earlier this year West Virginia received …Read More
By Brian J. Skinner, Esq. As West Virginia’s Office of Medical Cannabis begins the process of awarding permits to medical cannabis organizations, businesses operating in the state’s nascent medical cannabis industry will be facing immense challenges, both operationally and financially. This is especially true in a state that just a few years ago did not …Read More
By Brian J. Skinner, Esq. The West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act was signed into law by Governor Jim Justice on April 19, 2017. The Act allows individuals with a “serious medical condition” to receive a certification to use medical cannabis obtained from a permitted dispensary in the state. Currently, 15 medical conditions are covered by …Read More