Phase out personal income tax responsibly
Recent political discussion topics have encompassed the policy proposal from state legislators to abolish the personal income tax in West Virginia. Gov. Jim Justice announced that it is his number one priority in his second term.
So, what does this mean? As it stands, the personal income tax represents 43% of West Virginia’s yearly budget. Opponents of abolishing the tax proclaim that elimination would hit health care, public education, infrastructure and other social service funding. However, in reality, opponents are highlighting the importance of constructing comprehensive public policy.
To exterminate the personal income tax from West Virginia, policy proposals must be incremental. As seen in states across the country that have had success in this policy creation, the key is to decrease the tax while simultaneously reducing spending slowly.
North Carolina is one of the states that has successfully reformed its tax code. While they have adjusted their code to welcome a flat tax rather than a progressive tax, as seen in West Virginia, they highlight the importance of conservative fiscal spending. Before tax cuts, the state had a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit. After decreasing the personal income tax, revenue rose by 16%, and rainy-day funds hit a record-breaking $1.9 billion. After the devastation of Hurricane Florence in 2018, North Carolina addressed the needs of residents during a critical time.
We must look towards the future and reshape the landscape of West Virginia’s economy. With guidance from other states, West Virginia can successfully abolish the tax.
Jessica Dobrinsky
Morgantown
Making the most of the 2020 holidays
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times (From Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities).
During the Christmas holidays, we don’t want the times to be bad, let alone the worst. We want good times, the best! No one can guarantee good times, but here are suggestions.
Give and receive trifling gifts. Even to those who loathe commercialization at Christmas, it’s amazing how much human connection results from a chocolate orange or a can of nuts.
Read a book. Maybe you’ll find it in one of the ubiquitous “Little Libraries” in the area or buy it at a local bookstore or from an online store. Leave calculating the numbers for January. Sink yourself into a story. In a year education suffered, this is a bit of remediation.
Take a walk in the leafless woods. Compare the sizes of the different trees. The Arboretum, White Park, Marilla and Krepps parks all have large trees to identify.
Major traditions tell us to slow down during the holidays. It’s dark, with the shortest daytime of the year the week prior. Bears hibernate and people retreat to tell stories with their families. Gather around the fire this holiday season and have the best of times, whether in person or virtual. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Steven Knudsen
Morgantown
