The State Journal - A recent guest column from Bryan Hoylman of the Associated Builders and Contractors of West Virginia and Jason Huffman of the West Virginia chapter of Americans for Prosperity made the claim that the repeal of the state’s prevailing wage law has saved the state $20 million in just two months. This claim…
OpEds
Weelunk - When you look around Wheeling, the signs of a collapsed steel industry and a community trying to rebound are all around. The stress and frustration of working families who struggle to make ends meet throughout the Ohio Valley is palpable. ReadIn fact, Wheeling has become the most economically divided places in West Virginia with…
As the Legislature discusses the West Virginia budget, I hope that they will bring a smart business approach to our budget dilemmas. Nobody like taxes but everybody wants good roads, good schools, health care, police protection and other services that require investments by our state. Read West Virginia legislators should understand that upfront investments are…
Huntington Herald-Dispatch - The Working Families Coalition extends an enthusiastic thank you to West Virginia Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell, for his efforts to establish a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which would give a much-deserved break to people who work but struggle to get by on low wages. ReadEarlier this year, Del. Rohrbach took the…
As you mail that tax payment today – or if you have and are reflecting on the meaning of “tax day” -- think of all the important investments you are making.It can be easy to take for granted all the necessities we invest in with our tax dollars. Roads, bridges, schools, safety inspectors, firefighters, police…
Charleston Gazette - When lawmakers reconvene this spring to address the state’s looming budget crisis, it is clear that a balanced approach that includes revenue is needed to get our fiscal house in order and help our state’s struggling economy. A cuts-only approach could not only lead to mass layoffs and pain for thousands of…
Martinsburg Journal, the State Journal - The U.S. Constitution has served us well for over two centuries, through many periods of great strain and discord. It is appropriate to consider amendments to the Constitution only with deep respect and deliberate care, as has been done over the years. Unfortunately, the West Virginia Legislature is considering…
Beckley Register-Herald -For over 40 years, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has helped working families who work for low wages. ReadSupported by both Republicans and Democrats, the EITC is an anti-poverty, pro-work tax credit which puts more money into the pockets of hard-working families. In fact, Congress recently improved the federal EITC, with…
Charleston Gazette - An effort to alter the U.S. Constitution through a constitutional convention being considered by the West Virginia Legislature could bring about unintended, damaging consequences. ReadThat’s why many scholars, economists, lawmakers, policy experts — and leading conservative organizations — rightly oppose such a move.A constitutional convention could unravel our nation’s fundamental rights and…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - It’s not too late for West Virginia policy makers to help hard-working families build a solid future. ReadLawmakers could accomplish this by joining the 26 states (plus the District of Columbia) that have adopted a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITCs are a proven way to help move families toward the…