SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 9
(By Senators Kimble, Bowman, Deem,
McKenzie, Buckalew, Dugan and Kessler)
Urging the Governor's Tax Fairness Commission to study the
removal of the personal property tax on automobiles.
Whereas, West Virginia taxpayers continue to pay high taxes
and are continually seeking relief in order to meet everyday
needs such as shelter, food, transportation, medical, college
tuition costs and more; and
Whereas, West Virginia consumers already pay a six percent
sales tax on most items, including food, and a five percent tax
on vehicles at the time of purchase; and
Whereas, West Virginia motorists already pay state gasoline
taxes and tolls that pay for road maintenance, repair and
construction; and
Whereas, West Virginia car owners must annually pay personal
property taxes on their vehicles in order to exercise their right
to drive that vehicle in this state without penalty or fine; and
Whereas, The personal property tax on automobiles rises as
individual consumers purchase new or more expensive cars;
therefore, this tax punishes residents for trying to better their
quality of life; and
Whereas, West Virginia's fifty-five counties rely on the
income produced from the personal property tax on automobiles to
fund basic needs within the counties; and
Whereas, West Virginia's sister state, the Commonwealth of
Virginia, elected a Governor whose mandate to eliminate personal
property taxes on automobiles would create yet another
disadvantage for West Virginia; and
Whereas, His Excellency, the Governor, Cecil H. Underwood,
has appointed a Tax Fairness Commission to study West Virginia's
tax system and recommend needed changes to the Legislature;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate encourages the Governor's Tax Fairness
Commission to study the removal of the personal property tax on
automobiles and, at the same time, recommend a fairer way to
assess taxes so that local county governments are not asked to
incur an unfunded mandate from the state of West Virginia; and,
be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to
forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor and the
Chairman of the Tax Fairness Commission, Robin Capehart.