HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 23

(By Delegates Walters, Harrison, Nesbitt and Henderson)


Urging the support and passage of H. B. 4663, providing for income tax relief for low income individuals, small businesses and all West Virginians.

Whereas, The State ranks forty-ninth among all states in per capita income and the level of poverty and mere subsistence living among individuals and families of this State are among the highest in this country; and

 Whereas, Persons who receive no more than ten thousand dollars per year in income should not be required to pay state income tax, not only in consideration of the cost to obtain minimal food, clothing and shelter, but also taking into consideration the relative high administrative cost of collecting the tax from these individuals and families; and
 Whereas, Tax policy is a legitimate instrument for state government to utilize as a tool to stimulate the growth and prosperity of small business and that in many instances tax policies can "make or break" fledgling businesses and businesses which by their very nature and competitiveness operate on a thin profit margin, especially when competing with similar businesses in other states which have a more favorable tax structure; and
 Whereas, An across the board business income tax cut of five percent to both businesses and individuals would significantly stimulate the growth of small business, induce the creation of new jobs, create more disposable income for individuals and provide much needed relief to those citizens who are in the greatest need of financial relief; and
 Whereas, H. B. 4663 would provide the tax relief to citizens and small business in this State as set forth herein; therefore, be it
 Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the Legislature is hereby urged to support and pass H. B. 4663 in order to afford all West Virginia citizens and small businesses who are most in need some measure of tax relief to aid those citizens in maintaining an adequate standard of living and to stimulate the growth of small business in this State; and, be it
 Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Delegates.