From looming PEIA and Medicaid shortfalls to crisis-level vacancies at state agencies, years of so-called "flat" state budgets are leading to real reductions in public services for West Virginians all across the state. HB 2526, the governor’s proposed personal income tax cut plan, would worsen these issues, leading to near-immediate budget shortfalls and eliminating the…
Tax and Budget
WTAP - Governor Jim Justice hosted a town hall Monday in Charleston to discuss legislation to cut the West Virginia state income tax by 50% over the next three years. Watch the full segment. The legislation, House Bill 2526, is currently under consideration by the Senate Finance Committee. During his town hall, Justice said he…
Daily Beast - For the last two years, whenever Sen. Joe Manchin opened his mouth, many Democrats got ready to wince—it usually meant he was about to dismiss or pump the brakes on one of the party’s agenda items. Read the full article. But now, Democrats are anxious for the word from Manchin on something…
West Virginia MetroNews - West Virginia officials continue to discuss a major income tax cut, even as they’re also balancing additional expenses for state government. Read the full article. House Speaker Roger Hanshaw described recent discussions about a possible income tax cut as “transformative.” “We don’t want to do something that’s not truly impactful,” Hanshaw,…
Inside Higher Ed - State budget season is here, and with a few notable exceptions—California and New York among them—many states are entering it with a significant surplus. Read the full article. Thanks to a number of factors—including increased tax revenue, lingering pandemic stimulus funds and, at least in oil- and gas-rich states, boom times for the energy…
West Virginia Public Radio - On this West Virginia Morning, reporter Chris Schulz sat down with budget policy expert Sean O’Leary from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy to discuss the proposed state budget and the potential possibilities. Listen to the full segment. The budget is the only piece of legislation that must be…
West Virginia MetroNews - Delegates sent an income tax cut bill rocketing out on a 95-2 vote toward the Senate, where the Finance Committee chairman says it has no chance of survival. Read the full article. House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss said the dominant passage vote in that chamber should send a message. “It’s once in a…
Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia Daily News - As West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice stood in the House of Delegates chamber last week delivering the annual State of the State address, he jumped from topic to topic, highlighting his greatest hits. When he came to the state’s abortion ban, the assembled lawmakers rose in a…
Logan Banner - Gov. Jim Justice’s proposed 50% income tax cut is advancing through the West Virginia House of Delegates and could be introduced Wednesday in the Senate. Read the full article. During Monday’s floor session, the House advanced the bill to second reading, which will take place Tuesday, paving the way for a third…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - An in-depth discussion about the income tax bill working its way through the House, with Delegates who offer up very different proposals. Plus, hear from the Governor’s Revenue Secretary and the Executive Director of the WV Center on Budget and Policy on this episode of Outside the Echo Chamber. Listen to the…