W.Va. DHHR seeks dismissal of whistleblower suits - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

W.Va. DHHR seeks dismissal of whistleblower suits

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources says two agency attorneys don't have the grounds to sue it.

Media outlets report that the DHHR asked the Kanawha County Circuit Court on Tuesday to dismiss whistleblower lawsuits filed by agency attorneys Susan Perry and Jennifer Taylor.

Private attorneys representing the DHHR argue in a motion to dismiss that Perry and Taylor haven't been fired or suspended without pay.

Perry, Taylor and DHHR Assistant Secretary John Law were placed on administrative leave with pay in July. Law isn't taking part in the court action.

The lawsuits claim the DHHR and Secretary Rocco Fucillo retaliated against Tayor and Perry after they raised questions about the scoring of bids for a six-figure advertising contract.

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