WVCBP in the News

August 30, 2016 by WVCBP
Is Legalizing Pot the Answer?

This state possibly could reap nearly $200 million in new taxes — and save $17 million currently spent on police prosecutions — if marijuana were legalized, an in-depth study by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy concludes. Read Further, allowing safe pot could reduce the state's terrible opioid death toll, and save many…

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August 28, 2016 by Ted Boettner
Many Similarities, but Some Differences Between Cole, Justice

Charleston Gazette-Mail - Both promise to bring back vanishing coal jobs, despite scant evidence that it's possible. Read Both would fight West Virginia's drug epidemic by cracking down on dealers and pushing for increased treatment options for addicts. Both want a pay raise for teachers but are vague on where the money would come from.…

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August 23, 2016 by Seth DiStefano
Gazette Editorial: A Tax Break for Low-Income Working West Virginians?

Charleston Gazette-Mail - One way West Virginia could put more money in the hands of residents who need it most is a state Earned Income Tax Credit. The West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy has a clever new tool for local communities — and their legislative representatives — to see how such an investment…

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August 22, 2016 by WVCBP
Legal Marijuana Bad Idea in W.Va.

Wheeling Intelligencer - Some crazy ideas have been put forth in politics this year. Among the most absurd and disturbing was a suggestion this week, that the state of West Virginia should, in effect, turn to drug pushing to raise money. Read Center for Budget and Policy officials released a report suggesting all sorts of…

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August 22, 2016 by Ted Boettner
Gazette Editorial: Seriously Dude, WV Should be Growing this Money

Charleston Gazette-Mail - This state possibly could reap nearly $200 million in new taxes — and save $17 million currently spent on police prosecutions — if marijuana were legalized, an in-depth study by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy concludes. ReadFurther, allowing safe pot could reduce the state's terrible opioid death toll, and…

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August 21, 2016 by Ted Boettner
Would Marijuana in West Virginia Work?

WDTV - Days ago, a report put out by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, says legalizing marijuana could have a major positive economic impact in the state. But house of delegates Cindy Frich, says legalizing marijuana in West Virginia is a slippery slope. Read/Watch"We do have the worst drug problem in the…

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August 19, 2016 by Ted Boettner
Could Legalizing Marijuana Help Fix Budget?

WDTV - A new report says says legalizing marijuana here in the Mountain State could help bring in millions to fix our state budget woes. Read/WatchAccording to the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, legalizing marijuana and taxing it at a rate of 25 percent of its wholesale price could bring in nearly $45…

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August 19, 2016 by WVCBP
Don’t Increase Soft Drink Tax

Wheeling Intelligencer - Why is it that many liberals' answer to virtually any challenge in government is higher taxes? ReadRevenue to fund government lagging? Raise taxes. Never mind that budget shortfalls often indicate constituents are having their own financial problems.Some social need, perhaps involving health, on officials' minds? Raise taxes. That will provide money government…

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August 19, 2016 by WVCBP
Report: WV Could Make Millions by Legalizing Marijuana

Charleston Gazette-Mail - A new report suggests that while legalizing marijuana might not eliminate the state's budgetary woes, it could bring in millions in much-needed revenue. ReadThe West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, a nonprofit agency that regularly releases research on progressive causes, released a report Thursday that stated if marijuana was legalized and taxed in…

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August 18, 2016 by WVCBP
Could Legalizing Marijuana be West Virginia’s Pot of Gold?

The State Journal, WBOY-TV - Legalizing marijuana in West Virginia could generate as much as $194 million a year in tax revenue and put people to work, a report released by the West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy suggests. ReadDecriminalizing the drug for those with small amounts of marijuana could also save the state…

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