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W.Va. stimulus share: $1.8 billion



(This article was in the April 5 Charleston Gazette-Mail)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - At least 1.8 billion economic stimulus dollars will pour into West Virginia from the federal government during the next three years, the National Conference of State Legislatures and Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-WV, estimate.

If we use this money responsibly, we can weather this storm," said Lara Ramsburg, Gov. Joe Manchin's spokesperson. "It will help us ride things out until they turn around, and help us avoid the drastic cuts other states have had to make."

The 1,192-page American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will pay for a dizzying array of school, sewer and transportation projects, health clinics, construction and repair, and human service projects. It will be used to replace bridges, weatherize homes, provide food stamps and keep rural buses and health programs operating.

"This funding will let us build roads, sewers and water lines that we would not have been able to get to for many years," Ramsburg said. "They'll be there for decades to come.

Nationwide, about $300 billion is rolling out to the 50 states.

(Read the full story here)



(For highlights of the plan, see the link above this story)

Perdue nears longevity record as Treasurer




John Perdue assured himself a place in history Jan. 19th when he was sworn in as West Virginia's second longest-tenured State Treasurer during his fourth inauguration.

At the conclusion of this term, Perdue will find himself tied in years of consecutive service with W.S.Johnson (R-Fayette),who served from 1916 to 1932.

"I am once again honored that the people of West Virginia have entrusted me with the responsibility of safehguarding the state treasury," Perdue said. "I will approach this term the same way I have the other three - with humility at being elected and eagerness to serve.'


Perdue Bio



Treasurer Perdue made a stop recently at Elk Elementary Center to teach students the value of savings.

To see the WSAZ-TV video,
click here.

For the WOWK-TV video,
click here

To read a more complete account, click here.

Morgantown grandfather’s photo wins big for son


MORGANTOWN – A Morgantown grandfather and grandson claimed the winning entry in “Grandparents are Great Parents,” a photo contest that put $5,000 in the young boy’s SMART529 college savings account.

William Summers’ wife snapped a photo of the senior Summers and his grandson washing the grandfather’s pick-up truck. It was first picked by judges as the winning regional entry; later it also won a $4,500 random drawing, giving the boy $5,000 with which to start his college education.

The Hartford and State Treasurer John Perdue’s office sponsored the contest. The Hartford supplied the prize money. Participants were asked to upload their photos for voting by a panel. Contestants could participate from across the state.

“What we wanted to show through this contest was that grandparents can play a powerful role in helping to fund their grandchildren’s college educations,” Treasurer Perdue said. “A contribution to a young person’s college fund will last far longer and have more effect than a pile of toys that are soon discarded. Although I have nothing against toys.”

The elder Summers said his wife happened to snap the photo. He said he wanted to impress upon Will that “excellence lies in the details.” His wife just happened to catch him and his son washing the car. “It worked out really good that way.”

Other $500 winners, with grandparents listed first:

  • Betty Buly and grandson Alex of Pocahontas County, for their pictures extolling the virtues of recycling;
  • Dwight Williams and Will of Putnam County, learning about clouds;
  • Sharron Reel and Colton, Berkeley County, learning the art of candy making; and
  • Geni Astorg and granddaughter Haley of Wood County, using shapes and colors to develop better hand-eye skills.



State Treasurer John Perdue’s office and ING have created West Virginia Retirement Plus. The state employees' retirement investment program that is "Building a Bridge to Your Future". (Click here to see the video)