HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 60
(By Delegates Spencer, Campbell, Miley, White, Moore,
Morgan, Poore, Caputo and Doyle)
Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance
authorize a study of the potential of state tax incentives to
benefit employers who hire persons with criminal records.
W
HEREAS
, Persons with criminal records who have "served their
time" and "paid their debt to society" have almost no chance at
employment, because of their criminal record, following their
release from incarceration, parole or probation
. Many of these ex-
offenders deserve a second chance and an employment opportunity in
order to become productive citizens
; and
W
HEREAS
, The United States Government offers a federal tax
credit of up to $2,400 for employers who hire ex-offenders,
including those with felony records. States can offer an
additional tax break to businesses who hire persons with criminal
records as one way to support the reentry of those who are
legitimately trying to return to the job market in order to support
their families and rejoin their communities; 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 of the law governing state tax incentives to benefit employers who hire people with criminal
records; 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.