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As balloons drop, Gov. Justice celebrates by signing tax cut bill

CHARLESTON — Gov. Jim Justice celebrated a broad-based tax cut Tuesday, signing the bill at the state culture center while surrounded by supporters. State officials have estimated the overall financial impact of the tax bill is $695 million in fiscal 2024 and $817.8 million upon full implementation. “Great day. That’s all there is to it,” Justice said Tuesday morning on MetroNews’ “Talkline.” Early in the regular legislative session, the governor and the House majority advocated for a straight 50% income tax reduction over three years. Senators advocated for a ...

Delegates address ‘In God We Trust’

CHARLESTON — Delegates are advancing bills for public schools to display “In God We Trust” signs, allowing more leeway for student athletes to transfer and providing more support in early grade classrooms. The House Education Committee considered and moved each of those bills on Monday afternoon at the start of the final week of the regular legislative session. Each has already passed the state Senate. Senate Bill 251 would have public schools display “In God We Trust” somewhere prominent in the main building. That’s been the official motto of the United States since ...

Senators concur with PEIA bill

CHARLESTON — Senators accepted some changes that delegates made to a broad-ranging bill affecting insurance for public employees, and then they moved ahead with final passage of the bill. So the controversial bill now goes to the governor, who has publicly indicated he supports the legislation. Senate Bill 268, the insurance bill, passed the Senate in a 26-6 final vote. Senators also concurred with some minor, technical changes to a $2,300 pay raise bill for educators and State Police and voted for that bill’s final passage. Those employment categories need their own bill ...

Governor signs DHHR bill

Gov. Jim Justice signed a bill Monday dividing the Department of Health and Human Resources into three separate agencies, and agency leaders say they’re ready to start working on the changes. “With the governor’s signature on House Bill 2006, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is ready to implement and uphold the intent of the West Virginia Legislature,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Coben, interim secretary for DHHR. “Under the direction of Gov. Justice, we will work to ensure a seamless transition to a new organizational structure over the course of this ...

Delegates embrace broad tax cut with week remaining in session

CHARLESTON — Delegates passed a multi-faceted tax cut bill late in a Saturday session. “This is lowering the tax burden for the people of West Virginia,” said Delegate Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer. Delegates passed the bill 89-4. The House majority and Gov. Jim Justice early in ...

Sen. credits teamwork for battery plant

CHARLESTON — U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin credits teamwork — along with incentives in the federal Inflation Reduction Act — for encouraging a cutting-edge battery manufacturer to develop the site of the historic Weirton Steel mill. “We’re just starting to see the benefits of my Inflation Reduction Act for West Virginia, and there will be many more opportunities in the Mountain State in the coming months and years as a result of this monumental legislation,” said Manchin, chair of the U.S. Senate Energy Committee. “I will continue working in a bipartisan way to bring new and ...