SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 87

(By Senator Caldwell and Edgell)


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the economic feasibility of establishing a one-dollar contribution from taxpayers' income tax refunds for the purpose of providing free phone cards to West Virginia military personnel serving in combat zones.

Whereas, One of the most psychologically damaging effects upon a military person serving in a combat zone is a lack of contact with families and loved ones; and
Whereas, Most telephone calls between military personnel and their families must necessarily originate with the military personnel; and
Whereas, It is believed that West Virginians would willingly aid in lending support to our service men and women by contributing to the expense of providing free phone cards for military personnel serving in combat zones; and
Whereas, The simplest and most economical manner of collecting donations for that purpose would be to provide a voluntary check- off on West Virginia income tax returns designating one dollar or more to be transferred from the taxpayer's income tax refund; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the economic feasibility of establishing a one- dollar contribution from taxpayers' income tax refunds for the purpose of providing free phone cards to West Virginia military personnel serving in combat zones; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance work with the Senate Committee on Military and the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security in conducting this study; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2005, 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, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.