Charleston Gazette-Mail - Reflecting on the legislative session that ended last month, one topic was never directly addressed even though it underlies many of the issues that became key topics of the session, from foster care to raises for school employees: West Virginia’s growing economic inequality. Link to article. In West Virginia, the top 1 percent…
OpEds
Charleston Gazette - Imagine if filling out one form could determine where schools, roads and hospitals are built, how many federal dollars are sent to your community, and your amount of political representation. That form exists — it’s the census, and the opportunity to be counted only comes around every 10 years. Read online. In fiscal…
Charleston Gazette - On Wednesday, the West Virginia House of Delegates passed two bills intended to boost coal production and put coal miners back to work. Unfortunately, delegates chose to do so in a very ineffective and expensive way, through cuts and rebates to the severance tax. Read op-ed. With little debate, the House passed…
In his State of the State address, Gov. Jim Justice proposed cutting taxes for West Virginians by repealing a state tax on Social Security income. While the governor’s proposal is being touted as a “middle class” tax cut, it mostly benefits wealthy retirees while doing little for those who struggle to make ends meet. A…
Beckley Register-Herald - While education reform is the big topic at the legislature this year, the governor and GOP leadership are moving forward with more big tax cuts that will mostly benefit wealthy out-of-state corporations. This would make it harder for the state to invest in the important public services that provide a foundation for our…
Beckley Register-Herald - Last month, in a major victory for West Virginians, Congress passed a farm bill that protects the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps thousands in our state, and millions across the country, put food on their tables. Read article. The final, overwhelmingly bipartisan bill rejected harmful cuts and changes to SNAP…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - The story of the proposed Rockwool manufacturing plant in Ranson, West Virginia, has not only ignited community concerns over toxic air pollution and sustainable development, but has also brought to light the large business tax subsidies given to corporations with little transparency, accountability or evaluation. Story link. After Rockwool already chose to…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - The United States has enjoyed over eight years of one the longest economic recoveries on record, but a closer look shows two very different economies in West Virginia. Story link. While the state’s urban areas have been characterized by moderate growth, more educated workers and higher incomes, the state’s rural areas have seen…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Food for all. It’s a simple concept most of us among West Virginia’s hills agree with. No one should go hungry. That’s why the West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy, the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition and other partners are holding a one-day food summit — “Food For All” — to gather those…
Beckley Register-Herald - Low wages and low-labor force participation are two of the biggest economic challenges facing West Virginia. Not enough West Virginians are working, and too many of those working are paid low wages and have trouble staying above water. Story link. Those who do find work not only face low wages, but also deal with an…