From The Well


At the center of the West Virginia state capitol is an area known as “The Well.” It is the informal gathering place for lobbyists, reporters, constituents and lawmakers. Centrally located between the chambers of the House of Delegates and Senate, The Well is often where information is shared, alliances are formed and deals are made.

From The Well

Companies Postpone Returning Employees to the Office


Brian Skinner Business, COVID-19

  By Brian Skinner, Esq. An August survey by the Pacific Business Group on Health, found that 57% of major U.S. employers said they will postpone return-to-work plans because of recent increases in coronavirus infections. About 43% say they are planning to bring employees back to the worksite, but with multiple, enhanced safety measures in place. Part …Read More

Voting by Mail in Ohio and West Virginia


Brian Skinner Elections, Vote by Mail

By Brian Skinner, Esq. In July of this year, Democracy Docket published a report that includes a state-by-state assessment of voters’ ability to vote by mail in the 2020 General Election. As the report notes, the U.S. Constitution makes the 50 states primarily responsible for regulating elections. Consequently, voters across the country face a patchwork of …Read More

Force Majeure and Medical Cannabis Related Real Estate Options in a COVID-19 World


Brian Skinner Medical Cannabis

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

Can the State Use CARES Act Funds for New Unemployment Benefits?


Brian Skinner COVID-19, Government & Policy, Unemployment Benefits

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

What an Incomplete Census Means to West Virginia


Brian Skinner Census

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

Spending Coronavirus Relief Fund Money Without a Legislative Appropriation


Brian Skinner CARES Act, Government & Policy

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