CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice’s tax package got a vote in the Legislature today, maybe just not the way he had imagined.
During an afternoon Senate session, Majority Leader Ryan Ferns introduced an amendment to a tax bill. It would have inserted Justice’s tax proposals — at least the second bunch of his tax proposals — into Senate Bill 484.
The reason, Ferns said, was an opportunity to get everyone on the record about the governor’s proposed tax increases.
“This is just an opportunity for everyone in this body to weigh in,” said Ferns, R-Ohio and the object of Justice’s poodle metaphor.
Over in the House, Delegate Jim Butler and some other members of the Republican majority had done this exact same maneuver on Monday.
Democrats in the Senate called the move disingenuous and said what was in the amendment didn’t even accurately reflect the governor’s current position.
On Monday, Justice and Republican leaders in the House jumpstarted conversations over the budget. Democrats from both houses also caucused with the governor to discuss their positions.
“That’s old news,” Senate Minority Leader Roman Prezioso said. “This is not the governor’s tax proposal.
Prezioso, D-Marion, added “We’re in negotiations with the governor right now. He’s willing to negotiate. It’s obvious the Senate Republicans are not.”
Prezioso said the Democrats shouldn’t bother voting for the amendment.
“I would suggest to my caucus not to vote for this. This is not the governor’s proposal. This is the majority leader’s proposal,” he said.
Ferns said it was the most recent official version of the governor’s tax desires — and the only official version he had seen.
— Brad McElhinny (@BradMcElhinny) March 28, 2017
Prezioso asked, “When are we going to get serious about working on the budget?”
Senator John Unger, D-Berkeley, asked Ferns why the Senate Republicans have not been involved so far in the latest round of budget talks with the governor.
“House Republican leadership and Democrats from both chambers caucused with the governor. Where’s the Senate Republican leadership?” Unger asked.
Ferns responded, “We are fully willing to continue to discuss with the governor and any compromise he might be willing to do.”
Unger followed up by criticizing the amendment.
“All due respect, this looks like a political stunt and it’s kind of cheap,” he said. “This is serious matters, and we need to be serious about this.”
Sen. Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, said he took offense at the insinuation that the amendment was a ploy or a waste of time.
“This amendment needs to be voted on,” Blair said, his voice rising.
He added, “If you’re in favor of increased revenue measures as the governor has proposed time and time again, now is the opportunity to vote.”
Ferns himself wrapped up debate.
“This will be an opportunity for everyone in the room to let the governor know what your feelings are,” he said.
There were 32 nays and 0 yeas. The amendment was rejected. The bill itself goes to third reading.
By 6 p.m., the Senate majority had sent a statement to reporters: “Senate Rejects Governor Justice’s Proposed Tax Increases.”