West Virginia officials discuss tax credits, COVID, projects at briefing

West Virginia Revenue Secretary David Hardy makes a point about personal property tax credits on income taxes starting 2024 during a briefing Wednesday by Gov. Jim Justice. (Photo Provided)

CHARLESTON — Infections are rising across the nation as the latest mutation of a COVID-19 variant has become dominant, the West Virginia state coronavirus adviser said Wednesday.
EG.5 appears to be more evasive and tricks the immune system despite previous vaccinations or being infected with COVID in the past, Dr. Clay Marsh said in a taped segment during Gov. Jim Justice’s weekly press briefing.
“We are seeing an upswing in the number of people who are being infected,” Marsh said.
Most cases are now the EG.5 strain, a descendant of the XBB COVID family and therefore not more severe, Marsh said. A new vaccine to be available in September should be effective against EG.5, he said.
The vaccine “targets the family of COVID variants that the EG.5 is a member of,” Marsh said.
National media has reported increases in COVID-related hospitalizations, more than 14% in the week prior to Aug. 5. The number, a little more than 10,000 before Aug. 5, is far less than the peak of the omicron wave of more than 150,000 in January 2022.
State numbers were unavailable Wednesday, but Justice said state health officer Matthew Christiansen will have the information next week.
“I can tell you, you’re splitting the bullseye,” Justice said in a response to a question about numbers in West Virginia. “We’re beginning to see the COVID cases nationally without any question rise.”
Justice reiterated past comments that people are going to find ways to live with COVID. People shouldn’t be alarmed, but should be educated, Justice said.
“It’s probably going to be here forever,” he said.
Justice was joined at the briefing by Revenue Secretary David Hardy, who discussed tax changes starting next year including the motor vehicle personal property tax credit effective on 2024 state income taxes.
Motor vehicle personal property taxes paid by Oct. 1 or by April 1 will be credited 50% on 2024 income tax returns, Hardy said. For the second and subsequent years, the credit will be 100%, he said.
“That will put $140 million a year back into West Virginians’ pockets immediately,” Hardy said.
Those who don’t owe income taxes can apply to receive a rebate of the motor vehicle personal property taxes paid, he said.
Other credits are for disabled veterans on real estate taxes paid on their homes and the small business personal property tax credit. A small business is defined as having less than $1 million in appraised personal property, Hardy said.
Justice also talked about the Fidelis New Energy hydrogen production facility in Mason County, a $2 billion project. About 800 full time jobs will be created, the governor said.
“There’s lots and lots of great stuff happening in Mason County, W.Va,” Justice said.
Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.