BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The West Virginia legislature is set to convene in a special session next Monday. While final details for the governor’s call are still being decided there are a number of bills the governor said he’s hoping to address including a 5% state income tax cut, support for childcare and the appropriation of supplemental funds.
“There’s so many things that absolutely are still right in front of us and I have told you over and over. I’ll promise you I’m going to run through the finish line and work every day as hard as I can for the voters. For the Toby and Ediths out there,” said Gov. Jim Justice.
Mercer County Delegate and House Majority whip, Marty Gearheart says he would like to see the state continue to push towards zero income tax but says it needs to be done in a measured way.
“The 5% tax cut I favor, however I favor it only within a specific plan that balances our spending against that tax cut. I haven’t seen the plan so it would be hard for me to jump completely off the boat but I am of the mode to reduce our income tax to zero,” said Gearheart. “As far as we can progress in doing that I hope we’ll move forward.”
Gearheart says the state has about $600 million of excess revenue left over from last year that is available for appropriations. He says he wouldn’t be surprised if some of the funds are given for infrastructure improvements. Gearheart also expects child care to be a hot topic.
“There is a child care tax credit that has been mentioned and considered and was taken up in the last legislative session but ultimately didn’t pass before the end of the session that I expect to be there,” said Gearheart. “Until we see them definitively I can’t say for certain.”
The governor’s official call for bills during the upcoming special session is expected to be released by this Friday.
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