Parkersburg, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey was joined by Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist to ask the West Virginia legislature to pass a 10 percent across-the-board personal income tax cut, emphasizing that the state is now in a position to afford broad tax relief after making difficult budget decisions and tightening spending.
“West Virginians deserve to keep more of what they earn,” Governor Morrisey said. “We tightened the budget, made tough choices, and put the state on stronger financial footing and will continue to do so. Now we have an opportunity to return money to the people and help with real affordability challenges.”
Since October, West Virginia has seen almost $6.5 billion in new private-sector investment announced, which will help create over 7,000 projected jobs across energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. When combined with federal investments supported by President Donald Trump, including broadband expansion and rural health initiatives, total investment commitments approach $8 billion and more than 8,000 projected jobs.
“With a significant surplus and new projects on the horizon, now is the time for West Virginia to double down on its historic progress in putting the state on the path to zero income tax,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. “The race to zero is heating up across the country. As states like Ohio and Kentucky pull ahead, West Virginia can reaffirm its commitment to protecting families’ futures and the growth of small businesses, making the state an even more competitive option with a 10% rate cut across the board.”
Speaking at the Green’s Supply Depot in Parkersburg, the Governor explained how five percent of the proposed income tax cut was already paid for through spending restraint, restructuring, and cost reductions implemented over the past year. He is now calling on the Legislature to work collaboratively with his administration to identify offsets and additional savings to complete the remaining five percent.
“We’ve already proven we’re willing to make tough decisions,” Governor Morrisey said. “Now it’s time to finish the job and deliver meaningful tax relief to the people of West Virginia.”