Special session of West Virginia Legislature looking more likely

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) says he is getting closer to calling a special session of the legislature that is aimed at cutting more taxes. But some critics want other issues addressed.

Over the past two years, the legislature and governor have cut the personal income tax in West Virginia by 25%. Now, Gov. Justice wants another 5% cut to help attract out-of-state workers to move here.

But there are concerns on both sides of the aisle that more needs to be done to help families, especially with the escalating cost of childcare.

The one thing in common about tax cuts and childcare is that both are linked to economic development.

“Really and truly there is nothing, zero, nothing that will drive economic development to this state, like absolutely the reduction and the elimination of our state income tax,” said Gov. Jim Justice, (R) West Virginia.

“We have very limited access to childcare. Young couples do not have a place to take their children while they go to work. And that’s a huge problem and that’s what we need to address in the special session,” said Del. Mike Pushkin, (D) Kanawha & State Party Chair.

The governor agrees that childcare help is needed too, but critics say he has not laid out a specific plan. While some want both the tax cuts and childcare, no one has laid out a plan on how to pay for both.

As for when the special session might take place? Much of the legislature will be in Charleston from Aug. 25 to 27 for monthly interim committee meetings, and it would cut down on costs to do a full session then.

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