The Legislature’s Other Tax Proposal

Most of the attention on taxes this legislative session has focused on the Governor’s proposal to rapidly phase out the state’s personal income tax and the competing House Republican plan.   However, there is another tax plan that is moving this session that is getting far less notice. Both the Senate and House of Delegates are

Does Gayle Manchin’s Nomination Undermine Her Husband’s Independence?

President Joe Biden is nominating Gayle Manchin of West Virginia to become Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission.  The ARC is a federal agency that invests tax dollars and promotes economic growth over the 13-state Appalachian area. Manchin is qualified for the job. She is a life-long professional educator, former president of the state Board

Federal Elections Bill is a Serious Overreach

Democracy is a participatory exercise. The term comes from the Greek words “demos” (for the people) and “kratia” (power or authority).  In a democracy, the power rests with the people. That power is immense, and it requires a responsibility on the part of the participants.  The preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with the words,

Joe Manchin and the Filibuster

Progressive Senate Democrats are pushing for the elimination of the filibuster, and Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia once again finds himself at an inflection point in the debate. The filibuster is the procedural mechanism that allows one Senator to stop a bill, and the process can only continue if at least 60 Senators approve

Justice Needs More ‘Strange Bedfellows’

It is said that politics makes strange bedfellows. Consider, then, Governor Jim Justice’s roundtable Monday to push for his tax plan.  Among the participants were Mitch Carmichael, Bill Cole and Woody Thrasher. Justice hired Thrasher as his Commerce Secretary, but then later fired him. Thrasher ran unsuccessfully against Justice in the Republican Gubernatorial Primary Election

Marking a Milestone for Young Voters

Fifty years ago today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 26th Amendment, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.  The House approved the amendment 401 to 19.  Just two weeks earlier, the U.S. Senate passed the amendment unanimously. One of the Senators casting a “yea” vote was Jennings Randolph from West Virginia, who

The Civil War: Part Two

West Virginia was forged from the fires of the Civil War.  It sided with President Abraham Lincoln and the Union cause but, practically, the state was divided among northern and southern sympathizers. Incredibly, 158 years later, the West Virginia Legislature is still debating the Civil War. The reason is HB 2174, the Monument Protection Act.

Justice Should Use a Golf Strategy to Advance an Income Tax Cut

Governor Jim Justice remains committed to his tax bill. He believes in, and has lobbied for, an initial 60 percent reduction in the state income tax, followed by its eventual elimination.  That would save taxpayers over $2 billion. But to offset the revenue loss, Justice wants a series of tax increases, including a rise in

WV Political Party Executive Committee Members Lobby For Autonomy

If you want to hear from West Virginians who are passionate about their politics, talk with members of a party’s executive committee. These are the folks—Republicans and Democrats—who are the foot soldiers of their party. They make phone calls, raise money, man campaign headquarters, put up signs.  They are elected by people in their communities,

The Biden-Trump PSA Fantasy

I have this fantasy. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump appear in a public service announcement (PSA) where they encourage Americans to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Biden starts by repeating his promise for a traditional celebration of Independence Day with family and friends if we all do our part by getting vaccinated. Then

Governor, House Republicans Not on the Same Page

The most common question heard under the State Capitol dome when discussing a particular bill is, “Do you have the votes?” The merits of legislation, or the lack thereof, are clearly important.  However, the hard truth of the legislative process is that only bills with a majority of votes—51 in the House and 18 in

Follow The Money… Closely

The federal Covid-19 relief bill is going to pour an unprecedented amount of money into West Virginia counties, cities and small communities.  Senator Joe Manchin, who voted for the bill has released a fact sheet detailing how $677 million will be divided. All 55 counties will receive money, with amounts ranging from $1.13 million to

Business Group Raises Red Flags About Justice’s Tax Plan

There is trouble on the horizon for Governor Jim Justice’s proposed 60 percent cut, and eventual elimination, of the state income tax. Justice believes that without a state income tax, West Virginia will become a destination for individuals and businesses. Justice is a Republican, and Republicans have supermajorities in the House of Delegates and the

Send a Message: Pass the Fairness Act

West Virginia is always searching for ways to attract more people here and encourage our young people to stay, in hopes of growing our economy.  So here is an easy one: Adopt the Fairness Act. Again this year, the West Virginia Legislature is being asked to pass a bill that outlaws discrimination in employment, housing

Lawmakers Take Aim at Needle Exchanges

The West Virginia Senate has advanced a bill that renews the debate over needle exchange programs for intravenous drug users. Tuesday, the Senate approved SB 334 on a vote of 22-11.  The bill now goes to the House. As our Brad McElhinny reported, “The bill would establish a licensing requirement for syringe exchange programs, require

Manchin-Justice Feud Heats Up

The political feud between Senator Joe Manchin and Governor Jim Justice has escalated, with Justice accusing Manchin of corruption. “Literally, Joe Manchin is selling his influence and making money,” Justice said at his Monday media briefing. “Joe Manchin has been a politician forever, yet he is a rich man. How could that possibly be?” Justice

If You Cut It (WV Income Tax), Will They Come?

As I mentioned last week, we will be spending a lot of time over the next few weeks drilling down into Governor Jim Justice’s proposed phase-out of the state income tax, beginning with an initial 60 percent reduction. A big part of the pitch by Justice and others backing this plan is that more people

Justice Rolls Out His Big Tax Plan. It’s On!

Governor Jim Justice has launched the biggest economic initiative of his tenure—legislation to eliminate the state income tax, beginning with a 60 percent reduction that will cut over $1 billion from the tax burden of West Virginians. It is an audacious plan that Justice boldly predicts will be historic for the future of the state.

WV Nursing Homes Need Protection From Pandemic Lawsuits, But How Much?

The pandemic has impacted West Virginia’s nursing homes harder than any other sector.  West Virginia AARP reports that nearly 700 of the over 2,300 deaths were long-term care residents and staff. The West Virginia Legislature is now considering whether those nursing homes, as well as every other health care provider and business in the state,

Gov. Justice Open to Recreational Marijuana Legalization

Governor Jim Justice’s opposition to legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes appears to be softening. Justice opened the door just a crack during a virtual town hall meeting Tuesday, where the Governor was again pitching his proposed elimination of the state income tax. A questioner—Dylan from Ripley—asked, “Do you support legalizing marijuana fully to bring in