WASHINGTON, D.C. (WOWK) - They area gearing up on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for the arrival of the new Congress.
West Virginia lawmakers are zeroing in on issues of great concern to the Mountain State. They include securing the pensions for retired coal miners, as well as expanding broadband internet service and more high-tech options, especially in the state's rural regions.
"I think that having a workforce, having connectivity is very important. And having an opportunity for start-ups and entrepreneurs," said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, (R) West Virginia.
"My priorities is first of all, get my pensions. Get the pensions for the United Mine Workers. Basically all the mine workers who have worked for and paid for a pension that's going to go away if we don't fix it. I want to get that fixed," said Sen. Joe Manchin, (D) West Virginia.
The two Senators will be joined by veteran Congressmen David McKinley and Alex Mooney, along with newcomer Carol Miller in the House. Many believe another big issue in Congress this year will be securing more Interstate Highway and road construction funding for all states including West Virginia and surrounding states.
WOWK-TV 13 News will have more reports on swearing-in day on Thursday January 3rd live from Washington D.C. with Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis. We will also be taping this coming Sunday's edition of "Inside West Virginia Politics."