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Justice, West Virginia Lawmakers Reach Deal on 2% Income Tax Cut Proposal

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Justice, West Virginia Lawmakers Reach Deal on 2% Income Tax Cut Proposal


photo by: W.Va. Legislative Photography

State Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, asks questions Monday about a compromise between Republican legislative leaders and Gov. Jim Justice for a personal income tax cut.

CHARLESTON — Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Legislature appear to be moving toward a reduced version of the governor’s proposed personal income tax cut.

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The House Finance Committee recommended House Bill 237, relating to the personal income tax, for passage to the full House Monday afternoon. The state Senate passed its version, Senate Bill 2033, in a 31-0 vote Monday afternoon, setting up a possible final vote today.

“Regardless of what the percentage is, we recognize that we have got funds available to give back to the citizens of West Virginia,” said House Finance Committee Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, following Monday’s House floor session.

“I thank the governor’s staff for working with us to make sure we had room in future budgets to be able to offset where these tax cuts come from in a responsible manner,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Eric Tarr, R-Putnam.

Justice issued an amended proclamation earlier Monday with eight new bills, a concurrent resolution, and a change his proposal for a 5% personal income tax cut to a 2% cut.

Justice first called for a 5% personal income tax cut in July following the end of fiscal year 2024.However, some lawmakers expressed concerns over the last several weeks about the state general revenue budget being able to afford the loss of tax revenue beginning in fiscal year 2026 next July 2025.

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During his weekly administration briefing last week, Justice signaled that he would be willing to accept less than the 5% personal income tax cut he proposed.

A 2% cut in personal income tax rates would return approximately $46 million to taxpayers when fully implemented. The tax cut would go into effect in January at the start of the 2025 tax year along with a 4% personal income tax cut due to the state meeting the requirements of a trigger mechanism and formula allowing for personal income tax cuts up to 10% every year. The 4% personal income tax will return approximately $92 million to taxpayers when fully implemented.

“I think our taxpayers are hurting,” said Department of Revenue Secretary Larry Pack to the House Finance Committee during testimony when asked why the tax cut is needed now. “Inflation has been absolutely crushing people, so we’re doing everything we can to help people and our taxpayers as quick as we can as long as we can do it in a prudent fashion.”

With the passage of House Bill 225, that will take the total percentage of personal income tax cuts since 2023 during Justice’s administration to 27.25% and return more than $626 million to taxpayers by fiscal year 2026. Personal income tax collections of more than $2.2 billion made up nearly 40% of the state’s $5.7 billion in general revenue collections in fiscal year 2024.

HB 237 would also delay the effective date of the next personal income tax trigger put in place by the 2023 tax reform package. When the Department of Revenue determines the next personal income tax cut in August based on the trigger and formula, instead of that tax cut going into effect in tax year 2026, it would go into effect in tax year 2027.

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In order to pay for the $46 million loss in personal income tax revenue from the 2% cut, $19 million will come when a revenue bond is paid off soon. The remaining $27 million will come from cost savings ongoing from the reorganization of the Department of Health and Human Resources into the departments of Health, Human Services, and Health Facilities.

While the three-member Senate Democratic caucus voted for the bill, Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, raised concerns about passing a tax cut in an election year when a new governor and new legislature will take their seats next year. Justice is the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, facing Democratic former Wheeling mayor Glenn Elliott.

“At the 11th hour, we’re going to find this money, we’re going to cut a tax, and we’re going to hamstring, it seems to me, the new governor…(Justice) won’t even be here,” Woelfel said. “There are a fair number of people in this room who are not going to be here in January…Why are we making the decision in October when we will reconvene in January?”

Other items on Justice’s second amended special session proclamation included: allowing funding for certain federally funded broadband expansion programs to come from the state Economic Development Authority; providing supplemental appropriations for West Virginia University, Marshall University, Concord University, Shepherd University, and New River Community and Technical College; providing $5 million for the Department of Health for statewide EMS program support; and providing $175,000 for the West Virginia State Police for repairs and refurbishment of helicopters.

Other added bills included: legislation transferring the powers and duties of the state Municipal Bond Commission to the State Treasurer’s Office; rules dealing with the issuing of refunding bonds and general obligation bonds; relating to fees and charges for municipality provided fire services; and a bill transferring funds from the State Treasurer’s Office to the Governor’s Civil Contingency Fund for additional funding for deferred maintenance at state colleges and universities.

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One concurrent resolution added to the amended special session calls for honoring the late U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Gold Star Family advocate Hershel “Woody” Williams as one of two West Virginia statues in the National Statuary Hall collection at the U.S. Capitol Building.

Three bills completed legislative action Monday: appropriating $15.7 million to the Adjutant General’s office of the West Virginia National Guard for capital outlay, repairs, and equipment, the state Military Authority, and the Recruit WV employment program; appropriating $87 million to the Public Employees insurance Agency for its reserve fund to abide by State Code that requires PEIA to maintain a reserve of 10% of the projected plan expenses; and appropriating $13.7 million to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine for building renovations.



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West Virginia

2025 West Virginia hunting, trapping, fishing licenses now on sale

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2025 West Virginia hunting, trapping, fishing licenses now on sale


The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced that annual hunting, trapping and fishing licenses and stamps for the 2025 seasons are now available for purchase online at WVhunt.com.

“A West Virginia hunting and fishing license is your ticket to unforgettable adventures in the Mountain State,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Whether you’re renewing your annual license and stamps or purchasing a lifetime license for your kids or grandkids, buying your hunting, trapping and fishing licenses and stamps has never been more convenient.”

Annual hunting, trapping and fishing licenses and stamps are valid for the calendar year and may be purchased online at WVhunt.com. To learn more about the WVDNR’s 2025 license products, visit WVdnr.gov/2025-license-guide.

WVDNR Promotes Gift the Outdoors Holiday Guide

In addition to encouraging hunters, trappers and anglers to renew their 2025 licenses and stamps early, the WVDNR is promoting digital gift certificates, online lifetime licenses and collectible license cards as part of its annual Gift the Outdoors holiday campaign.

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The gift guide includes the following hunting, fishing and outdoors-related gift ideas:

  • WVDNR Gift Certificates: Can be used to purchase licenses stamps and other hunting and fishing privileges.
  • West Virginia Lifetime Licenses: A timeless gift for children and grandchildren providing a lifetime of hunting and fishing adventures.
  • Wonderful West Virginia Magazine Subscriptions: This flagship publication of the WVDNR features immersive storytelling and breathtaking photos that celebrate the natural beauty of West Virginia.

To learn more about these holiday gift options, visit WVdnr.gov/gift-2024.



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Transfer WR Singleton commits to West Virginia

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Transfer WR Singleton commits to West Virginia


West Virginia has added a commitment from Eastern Michigan wide receiver transfer Oran Singleton.

Singleton is coming off a season where he hauled in 64 catches for 639 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also had 23 rushing yards on 6 carries.

The Florida native started his career at Akron but transferred to Hutchinson C.C.

He has one year of eligibility remaining in his career.

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WVSports.com will have more with Singleton in the near future.



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West Virginia Wraps up Nonconference Slate with a Win Over Mercyhurst

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West Virginia Wraps up Nonconference Slate with a Win Over Mercyhurst


Morgantown, WV – West Virginia senior guard Javon Small scored a game-high 19 points while senior center Eduardo Andre put in a Mountaineer career-best 14 points and senior guard Tobi Okani recorded a double double with 13 points and 12 rebounds as the Mountaineers (9-2) extended their winning streak to five with a 67-4 win over the Mercyhurst Lakers (6-9) Sunday afternoon.

Mercyhurst took the early lead, but West Virginia responded with a 7-0 run, ignited with a three from freshman guard Jonathan Powell, and forced Lakers head coach Gary Manchel to take a timeout.

Lakers senior forward Jeff Planutis buried a three out of the break to get back within two. The Mountaineers answered with another 7-0 run with Javon Small opening the run with a midrange jumper and Toby Okani finishing with a backdoor to cut to the rim to cap it off for the 16-7 lead at the 12:27 mark of the first half.

West Virginia struggled to pull away from a Mercyhurst program that jumped up to the Division I level over the summer and did not grab a double-digit lead until 5:50 left in the half after a jumper from senior guard Joseph Yesufu.

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Eduardo Andre gave the Mountaineers their largest first half lead of 14, and the final field goal of the half, for his nine first half points with 3:32 remaining until halftime as the Mountaineers took a 35-22 lead into the break.

After West Virginia went up 16 to begin the second half, Mercyhurst dwindled the Mountaineers lead to nine with a 7-0 run, led by Aidan Reichert putting in the final five consecutive points.

West Virginia broke the game open with a 15-0 run midway through the second half with Toby Okani lead the way with six points as the Mountaineers took a 54-32 lead and coasted to a 67-46 victory.



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