The 2018 legislative session just completed its 9th day

The 2018 legislative session just completed its 9th day.

There are plenty more meetings left, and plenty topics to be discussed.

News9 spoke with delegate Erikka Storch to find out what she and her colleagues are working on, and how it affects the Northern Panhandle.

Just more than a week into the 2018 legislative session and dozens have topics have already been discussed.

What can we expect to affect us here in the Northern Panhandle?

Greyhound racing is a key economic staple to our region, and delegate Erikka Storch is trying to separate it from the state.

"I just feel like the state needs to get out of the collection and the remittance of those funds, and let the tracks and the breeders negotiate on their own," said Erikka Storch, West Virginia House of Delegates member (R) Ohio County.

Another bill Delegate Storch is introducing is one that would bring severance tax money from the oil and gas industry back to the originating county.

"I feel like it's very important because obviously any inconvenience or disruption that is occurring at the local level. So to send 3% back, which is how my bill is drafted isn't overly burdensome, I don't believe the state should find it overly burdensome,” Storch said.

Speaking of oil and gas, that is one of the many industries law makers hope to prepare the workforce for,

by making education more affordable.

"To increase access to community colleges, for the community and technical colleges around the state to help us get our work force ready for the jobs that are likely to be occurring in our near future," Storch said.

There is more than two months left in the 2018 session. Storch encourages anyone to come to her with any ideas or concerns.

"They're more than welcome to give me a call, give me their thoughts, give me their inputs. Open communication is a wonderful thing," Storch said.

Contact information for Storch and other delegates and representatives from our area can be found at the link below.

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/House/roster.cfm