From the Well | December 11, 2020

December 11, 2020

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.

West Virginia Legislative staff is trying to figure out how to keep 134 lawmakers a safe distance apart at the state Capitol when they come together for the 2021 regular session in February.

Senate and House of Delegates leaders and staff have taken meetings with public health and security officials to determine if and how they can pull off a legislative session during the coronavirus pandemic while upholding the constitutional and procedural obligations each lawmaker must follow.

So far, there aren’t any plans to delay the session, but the option hasn’t been ruled out, said House Clerk Steve Harrison and Senate Clerk Lee Cassis, both of whom are in charge of coordinating whatever technical, physical or other changes need to happen to accommodate lawmakers.

“We’re ready to go on a number of different levels and a variety of scenarios,” Cassis said. “That’s about all I can say right now.” (full story here)