HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 135
(By Mr. Speaker and Delegate Lane)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance authorize
a study on the Homestead Exemption for seniors and people with
disabilities.
Whereas, The current Homestead Exemption of $20,000 has not
been increased since 1982 when the average home value in West
Virginia was $40,000; and
Whereas, The Homestead Exemption in 1982 was equal to fifty
percent of the average home value in West Virginia; and
Whereas, The present average home value in West Virginia is
$110,000; and
Whereas, The Homestead Exemption is only equal to eighteen
percent of the average home value in West Virginia; and
Whereas, 256,000 seniors and people with disabilities who
claim the homestead exemption live within 200% of the federal
poverty level; and
Whereas, An increase in the Homestead Exemption and
corresponding reduction in the tax liability for seniors and people
with disabilities will provide them with additional funds to meet
their daily needs; and
Whereas, The Legislature is committed to assisting seniors and
people with disabilities; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to authorize a study on the Homestead Exemption for
seniors and people with disabilities
; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2011, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislative 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.