There was a time when she could only look up at the ceilings and the doctors and the nurses because something rendered her silent and unable express the fear she was feeling.
Erikka Storch was working out, and while she was in the ladies’ restroom, she suffered a stroke, fell to the floor, and was at the mercy of the first responders who whisked her away to the medical miracle that extended her life as she knows it today. She’s a mother of a son and two daughters, and Erikka is a wife, the president of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, and for the past 10 years, she’s represented District 3 as a Republican in the state House of Delegates.
And life is hectic, especially now with the many mysteries connected to the COVID-19 coronavirus, a disease that is threatening a local economy Storch has been fighting for as a professional and as a state lawmaker.
But, hey, at least she was able to depart the state capital before social distancing was a thing.
In your opinion, was the most recent regular session a good one for the people of West Virginia? Why or why not?
Yes, I think it was a good session for the people of the state. We finished with a budget that was completed within the regular 60-day session and were able to present a budget $120 million less than the current year’s budget. It also includes $500,000 new money for equipment for State Troopers, $3.3 million for a second Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy at the former WVU Institute of Technology in Montgomery, $125,000 new money for sexual assault intervention and prevention programs, $1 million for the Governor’s Food Program, and $2 million additional in contingency funds for needs arising from the coronavirus. There are no cuts to higher ed, fairs and festivals, and K-12 education.
If successful with being re-elected once again, what goals will take into your term for the people of the 3rd District?
I have been able to participate in several meetings where I was made aware of the childcare crisis in West Virginia. I am lucky to have a good network with whom I can gather information and brainstorm ways to solve issues. During a pre-session panel on which I was a participant, it hit me; every other legislator was talking about trying to keep our young people in the state. My comments all dealt with finding a solution to our childcare issues. How can we expect young families to return to West Virginia if they are going to have issues finding reliable childcare for their children? It has been a while since I needed childcare, so I didn’t even realize centers were closing in the Valley. Without a solution to this issue, we have no hope of our children returning to our state. I spent a good deal of time this past session meeting with people and gathering information on this topic. It is bigger than one person can fix, but if I am returned to Charleston, it will be my focus.
Is it true that the citizens are ignored by the majority of the Legislature? If it is true, how do you combat it? If it is not true, then why do you think we feel as if it is?
I don’t think so, and I certainly hope none of those in District 3 feel that they are ignored. Del. Fluharty and I work very well trying to address the needs of our constituents. We also both work very well with our friends across the building representing us in the Senate. I often take calls from all over the state, and if it is someone who is familiar with someone I share a connection. I am cautious, though, to make sure to share this information with their representatives.
You considered running for mayor of Wheeling? For what reasons did you decide to run for another term in the House instead?
I had thought about it briefly but dismissed it because I have work I still want to accomplish for District 3 and West Virginia.
It has been nearly three years since you suffered a stroke. What lingering effects still hinder you in some way?
The only lingering effect deals with fine motor movements of my right hand — my handwriting and other small movements that my husband swears only I can notice. I am very lucky for the expedient treatment I received and never miss an opportunity to make the most of every day.
