Perhaps an immutable fact these days: it’s always about the politics. The state’s upcoming annual sales tax holiday this weekend appears to be no exception.
A debate over credit and context unfolded on social media Wednesday and, in the process, offered a quick lesson in legislative history.
Delegate John Williams, a Democrat from Monongalia County, weighed in after Governor Morrisey held a promotional press conference at a Bridgeport mall.
“The sales tax holiday is in state code,” Williams said. “This sales tax-free weekend would have occurred no matter what. Trying to act as if he (Morrisey) strolled from the mansion to the Capitol and with a stroke of a pen put money in your pocket is wrong.”
Williams noted the idea was originally championed by House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle (D-Cabell), who introduced the concept multiple times before it was eventually included in HB 206 back in 2019.
Fair point.
Former Republican Delegate Paul Espinosa then offered his take:
“Delegate Hornbuckle may have offered the amendment, but he and his Democrat colleagues ultimately voted against the bill that provided the sales tax holiday,” Espinosa said.
Also a fair point.
Governor Morrisey acknowledged Wednesday that the holiday is not new.
“This is in law. This (sales tax holiday) is the second or third year we’re doing it,” Morrisey said. “I’d like the impact to be broad. If more people go out and shop and take advantage of the opportunity, there’s going to be more savings for the people — and that’s good… But this has been in place for a number of years, and I don’t see that changing.”
Multiple things can be true at the same time, and that’s the case here. But Morrisey missed an opportunity to rise above the political fray. What would have been the harm in acknowledging Hornbuckle’s contributions with him standing alongside the Governor, while also praising the Legislature collectively for codifying a popular, bipartisan idea? Nothing at all. In fact, doing so would have likely blunted any political shots from Democrats before they were even fired. What Dem lawmaker would attack the Governor on this if Hornbuckle was by his side? Likely none.
More broadly – why the theatrics?
As the Governor noted, this is nothing new. Aside from the dates, the public understands the concept. Do we really need a press tour with multiple stops across the state? A video message on social media, a TV or radio interview, or even a simple promotional campaign would do the job. Retailers are likely more than happy to advertise the holiday – it benefits them.
Bluntly, West Virginians don’t care who gets the credit – they care about saving money. Business owners don’t care about political grandstanding – they care about driving foot traffic and making payroll, which is harder than ever.
There’s plenty of room for partisan debate – that has its place and often serves a purpose – but not here. Not on this.
The sales tax holiday runs today (Friday) through Monday night concluding just before midnight. Happy shopping!