January 12th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
The West Virginia Legislature held the last interim meetings of the 86th Legislature and started the 87th Legislature on Wednesday. Due to winter storm Blair, nearly all the final interim meetings were cancelled as snow and ice blanketed the state, preventing many from traveling to the capitol. Ironically as Senate President Blair chaired his final meeting, winter storm Blair dumped snow on the capitol.
The only meeting of the 86th Legislature that was not canceled for me was the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, which serves as the leadership committee for the entire legislature. During this meeting, we received an update on the state’s finances, noting that revenue projections remain slightly above expectations and the state’s overall financial position continues to be strong.
However, as we transition into the new fiscal year, it is highly unlikely we will experience the significant surpluses of prior years, which were primarily driven by over-taxation. The recent across-the-board tax cuts have returned what would have been surplus revenues directly to the people of West Virginia, prioritizing taxpayers ahead of government over-collection.
Wednesday at noon, the 87th Legislature of the state of West Virginia gaveled in. Delegate Roger Hanshaw was re-elected as Speaker of the House. The Republican majority party puts up their nominee for Speaker of the House, and the Democrat minority party put up theirs, which was Delegate Sean Hornbuckle. During voting, which is done by voice, Delegate Hanshaw voted for Delegate Hornbuckle and vice versa. This is done as part of tradition of the House. Delegate Hornbuckle becomes the minority leader.
Steve Harrison, who served as Clerk of the House for 10 years, has decided to retire. A former state Delegate and Senator, Steve brought exceptional leadership and dedication to the role, earning widespread respect for his work. To fill the position, former Delegate Jeff Pack was elected as the new Clerk of the House.
Something occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the 87th Legislature that had not previously occurred during my tenure in the House. As many of you have likely read Delegate Elect Joe DeSoto was arrested on accusations of making terroristic threats against members of the House of Delegates. As a result of his confinement pending trial, he is unable to fulfill one of the requirements of being seated as a Delegate. The Constitution requires each member to be sworn in, in the chamber to serve. He is unable to do that and cannot be seated as a Delegate for failure to meet all the requirements. The seat is now considered vacant. Three names will be presented to the Governor by the county party of which the last Delegate to serve was a member. The Governor may select from those names to appoint someone to fill the vacancy.
As this is a gubernatorial installation year, the legislature recessed for 30 days to allow the incoming Governor time to assemble their cabinet and prepare the state budget. Patrick Morrisey will be sworn in as West Virginia’s next Governor on January 13th.
As we start the 87th Legislature I am honored to serve as your representative in Charleston so, if you have any questions, need help with a state agency, or just have an idea that you think would make the state better, please let me know. My contact is Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov, and my phone is (304) 340-3191
October 11th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
The West Virginia Legislature reconvened on Sunday to continue the Governor's special session, aligning it with the regularly scheduled interim meetings to save taxpayer money. During the session, 37 bills were passed and sent to the Governor. Here are some key highlights.
One bill that sparked significant debate due to misunderstanding was HB 208. The bill allows West Virginia to join an agreement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, granting the state authority to regulate low-level nuclear materials. These materials are mostly found in medical equipment, and inspections will be conducted by the Department of Health.
The confusion arose when many believed the bill dealt with high-level nuclear items, such as nuclear power plants, which are solely regulated by the federal government. Once it was clarified that HB 208 only applies to low-level items, the bill passed.
Under the agreement, state workers will receive extensive training from the federal government at no cost to taxpayers. After the training, West Virginia will take over the inspection process, and fees currently paid to the federal government will instead go to the state.
A bill dealing with placing a limited moratorium on new municipal fire fees imposed on non-municipal residents was another bill that received much debate before passing. HB 244 was crafted to deal with cities imposing a fire fee on residents outside their jurisdiction, those residents are unable to vote in those municipal elections if they don’t like what was done. Taxation without representation is how it is described. The is a moratorium that will last until next year giving the legislature time to come up with a compromise position that allows for some funding for municipal fire departments that serve outside their area municipal borders.
SB 2032 focuses on providing drought relief for West Virginia farmers. The state is allocating $10 million from its surplus to the Department of Agriculture to establish a program aimed at helping farmers repair drought-related damage. One of the primary issues is invasive weeds overtaking feed grasses, so the program will provide funding for herbicides and reseeding efforts.
To qualify for the program, farmers must be enrolled in federal drought relief programs. The Department of Agriculture aims to have the initiative in place by the beginning of the new year, ensuring timely support for farmers affected by the drought.
Probably one of the more high-profile bills was SB 2033, which will cut personal income taxes by an additional 2% in calendar year 2025. Originally the Governor requested a 5% cut, but with the state finances on target this was not a reasonable request. To get the 2% cut, a bond that was is ending will not be renewed. This will provide about half of the needed monies. The other half will come from efficiency savings realized by the changes made with the breakup of DHHR. This 2% will be combined with the automatic 4% cut from triggers for a total cut of 6%. As revenues increase in other sectors of the state’s tax structure from the improving economy more personal income taxes will automatically happen
The next interim meetings will be held November 10th-12th. During these interims we will continue to hold hearings as we prepare legislation for the 2025 session. In the meantime, if you have any questions, need help with a state agency, or just have an idea that you think would make the state better, please let me know. My contact is Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov, and my phone is (304) 340-3191
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