Tax and Budget

March 25, 2021 by Kelly Allen
Despite Opposition, House Poised to Pass Its Income Tax Cut Plan

Charleston Gazette-Mail - A House of Delegates plan to phase out the state’s personal income tax, the state’s largest source of general revenue at about $2.1 billion a year, will be on passage stage in the House Friday. Read the full article. A counterpoint to Gov. Jim Justice’s proposal to initially cut income tax rates…

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March 24, 2021 by Sean O'Leary
Competing Tax Plans Get a Public Airing Out in West Virginia

West Virginia MetroNews - If one income tax proposal wasn’t enough to figure out, now West Virginians have two. Read the full article. Gov. Jim Justice introduced a 60 percent cut in the personal income tax a few weeks ago, offsetting the reduction by increasing and expanding sales taxes. The House Finance Committee this week…

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March 23, 2021 by Sean O'Leary
House Income Tax Cut Plan Would Devastate the State Budget

This week, the House Finance Committee originated and quickly passed their own income tax cut bill (HB 3300) as an alternative to Governor Justice's proposal. Unlike the governor's proposal, the House plan contains no offsetting revenues and would instead lead to massive budget deficits while giving most of the tax cuts to high-income West Virginians.…

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March 23, 2021 by Kelly Allen
House Finance Chairman Says New Tax Plan has ‘Wow Factor,’ but There are Complications Too

West Virginia MetroNews - The House Finance chairman says an income tax proposal that rolled out of committee this week has “wow factor.” Read the full article. “Real money, real dollars, citizens getting tax relief every year, that’s the wow factor,” House Finance Chairman Eric Householder, R-Berkeley, said today on MetroNews’ “Talkline.” The bill passed…

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March 23, 2021 by Sean O'Leary
Two Income Tax Reduction Bills Offer Differing Approaches for West Virginia Finances

WCHS - Two bills have been introduced to address West Virginia’s income tax debate. Both eventually eliminate the state's income tax, which counts for $2.1 billion of the state’s budget, but do it in very different ways. Read the full article. First, Governor Jim Justice's plan: Lower the state income tax but 60% the first year,…

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March 18, 2021 by Kelly Allen
Senate Considers Resolution that Could Result in Personal Property Tax Cuts

West Virginia MetroNews - The state Senate is considering a resolution that could allow lawmakers to lower personal property taxes, particularly on vehicles. Read the full article. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the resolution Thursday after about an hour of discussion, and it will now be considered by the Senate Finance Committee. If both houses of the…

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March 17, 2021 by Kelly Allen, Sean O'Leary
Phase-ins and “Triggers” for Tax Cuts Only Extend Pain, Provide False Illusion of Fiscal Responsibility

Ten states, including West Virginia, have enacted proposals that cut personal or corporate income taxes at various points in the future, contingent on revenues reaching a certain level or growth rate. While using triggers is often portrayed as fiscally responsible, it is far from it. Lawmakers enacting these drawn out tax cuts typically do not…

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March 17, 2021 by Kelly Allen
Senate Passes ESAs Bill, Governor Lets Teacher Strike Bill Be Law Without Signature

West Virginia MetroNews - Both houses of the Legislature have passed a bill that would divert dollars for students leaving public schools for private school or homeschooling. Read the full article. And the governor let go into law without his signature a bill clarifying that strikes against the state by public employees including educators are unlawful. The…

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