HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 142

(By Delegates D. Poling, Morgan, Guthrie, Caputo,

                    Walker White and Marcum)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to authorize a study of the state personal income tax.

    Whereas, The personal income tax was created to be progressive, with tax rates increasing as taxable income increases; and

    Whereas, The personal income brackets and rates have endured for twenty-six years without revision; and

    Whereas, Inflation has changed the way that West Virginians share the burden of financing state programs and services; and

    Whereas, A taxable income of $1,000 in 1987 is equal to $2,059 in 2014 when accounting for inflation, but dollar increments defining the tax brackets remain unchanged; and

    Whereas, The income demographics have changed considerably within this same time period; and

    Whereas, It is primarily the responsibility of the Legislature and no other person or agency, to keep its tax systems up-to-date; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the state personal income tax; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study and to prepare and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.