Crises like the coronavirus outbreak create a double challenge for state governments. Demand for vital public services escalate just as the revenues to support those services take a major downturn. West Virginia is already in a tight budget situation, with resources stretched thin. Before the effects of the crisis were really felt, the state revenues…
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The daily lives of West Virginians have already been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, with schools closing this week and the announcement this week from the governor that bars, restaurants, and casinos will also be closed. The federal government is recommending to avoid groups of more than 10 people, and to practice "social distancing." All…
West Virginia faces unique challenges in the face of the COVID 19 crisis, namely an at-risk population for serious illness and complications. This is due to the state’s aging population and large percentage of residents with chronic health conditions. A Kaiser Family Foundation analysis put West Virginia at the highest percentage in the nation of…
Governor Justice signed the FY 2021 budget last week, after the budget was completed before the end of the session. While there was some back and forth between the House and Senate versions of the budget, the final budget saw only small changes from the Governor's proposal. As noted before, several tax bills passed the legislature…
While the tax bills passed during the 2020 Legislative Session are awaiting the governor's approval, most of the largest tax cut proposals failed to make it across the finish line but will likely return next year. Specifically, the legislature failed to place on the November 2020 ballot a constitutional amendment to repeal part or all…
Editor's Note: This blog post was guest authored by Lida Shepherd, program director for the American Friends Service Committee and all-around wonder woman. With jails and prisons twenty-five percent over capacity and county and state budgets stretched thin, the West Virginia legislature made significant strides this session to reduce the impact the criminal justice system…
The 2020 Legislative Session saw several positive health bills passed with solid bipartisan support. Bad health policy proposals were largely stopped or not considered. The WVCBP thanks partners West Virginians for Affordable Health Care and West Virginia Citizen Action Group. Our three organizations, along with several other individuals and partner groups, advocated for a Health…
Last week, the House swiftly passed an income tax reduction plan (HB 4892) that could lead to large budget deficits while giving most of the tax cuts to high-income West Virginians. While the bill is convoluted and vague, it is apparent it will have large fiscal ramifications for the state on top of eventually eliminating…
As the 2020 Legislative Session heads down the home stretch, attention now turns to the state budget. While budget proposed by the governor at the beginning of the legislative session showed little change from the previous year, there will likely be some adjustments made, as a number of revenue reducing bills are currently working their…
Yesterday, we took a look at the Senate's version of the FY 2021 budget. Now the House has unveiled their version, and as in the Senate, there are a number of changes made from the governor's proposal. The House has three revenue bills that will reduce the General Revenue Fund by $6.1 million in FY…