A state version of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit would bolster the economic security of working families, according to a new report released February 17 by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and the Alliance for Sustainable Families. The state credit would impact an estimated 90,000 working families who struggle to make…
Reports & Briefs
When year-to-date budget revenues declined by $13.7 million in November, the governor reacted by ordering state agencies to cut 3.4 percent of their budgets. Read
Federal Recovery Act funding will prevent deep cuts in the state budget next year, as it has done this year. However, future budget shortfalls are on the horizon for West Virginia. This brief by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy takes a close look at the governor's proposed budget for FY 2011 and…
While the Recovery Act continues to bolster Medicaid funding, other health programs fared less well in the Governor's budget. According to a new brief by the Center on Budget and Policy, several small programs (including the WV Center for End of Life) were zeroed out, while others (including the Tobacco Education Program) received substantial cuts. …
After dodging the early months of the national recession, West Virginia workers experienced its full force during 2009, according to a new report by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. In addition to information on how workers are faring in the Mountain State, the report outlines policy options that would further economic recovery.…
When Congress reauthorized the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in February, it provided increased funding and more flexibility to states to insure additional children. A new policy brief outlines how West Virginia can take advantage of the new provisions. Read
One in four West Virginians is expected to fall into poverty during the current recession, according to a new report by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. The number of state children living in poverty is predicted to increase by more than a third. Read
“Paying for Priorities” examines how this year’s state budget was developed, where the revenues are expected to come from, and how the funds will be allocated among state agencies and programs. Read
Working West Virginians with modest incomes lost nearly $13 million of their 2006 federal income tax refunds to tax preparers who promised them “fast cash." Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) provide high-interest credit or cash advances to tax filers based on their expected refunds and are marketed to those who need money quickly during tax season.…
More than 6,100 jobless workers in West Virginia will run out of unemployment benefits by the end of 2009. West Virginia could provide additional help to these workers under provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. States with high unemployment rates may provide up to 20 more weeks of Extended Benefits, fully paid by…