Under the Gold Dome

State and Local Updates

This week has been incredibly busy at the WV Legislature as we approach Crossover Day on March 4, 2026. Bills addressing vaping and e-cigarettes are popping up left and right. Many are well intended but *just* miss the mark. We are meeting, calling, texting, and walking the Rotunda from Senate to House trying to keep up and offer research and evidence.  In an unexpected move, the Senate and House took up the Budget bill MUCH earlier than any year in recent history thus throwing bills with fiscal impact into limbo. They have not reached an agreement on it yet as negotiations between the two chambers and the Governor are ongoing.

*Action Alert* Please take a moment to reach out to your Senator and ask them to hold a vote on SB 649 providing critical at home blood pressure monitoring devices to pregnant and post-partum moms. Link here (feel free to share): American Heart Association Heart Powered | Help protect West Virginia moms and babies

Important Dates:

• Crossover Day March 4, 2026
• Prevention Day March 4, 2026
• Final AHA Blood Pressure Screening Day of 2026 March 13, 2026
• Sine Die (end of session) March 14, 2026

Volunteer Updates

Shoutout to Wendy Bradley (WV School Engagement) for connecting us with the George Washington High School Heart Club. We held an introductory call with the Club President Manvitha Sanjaya and they will be joining us at the Capitol on March 13. They are passionate about advocacy and we are excited to have Heart Club so close to the Capitol.

Gryffin Cavender and his family were recognized by Delegate Sara Drennan in the House of Delegates for his incredible story of resilience and dedication to improving heart health in WV. We love the Cavender family and their commitment to advocacy.