CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Senate has created a select committee for the 83rd Legislature to address legislation related to making changes to West Virginia’s tax system.

Senator Robert Karnes, R-Upshur, will serve as the committee’s chairman. Senate Majority Whip Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, will serve as vice chairman. Other committee members are Senate Majority Leader Ryan Ferns, R-Ohio; Senator Greg Boso, R-Nicholas; Senator Ed Gaunch, R-Kanawha; Senator Glenn Jeffries, D-Putnam; and Senator Robert Plymale, D-Wayne.

“We have made great strides in the last two sessions with major legal reform and regulatory reform,” Senator Karnes said. “I am excited to be part of tackling what may be the last major obstacle to a strong-growing economy for West Virginia.”

“Comprehensive tax reform will revamp our antiquated, anti-growth tax system and replace it with a proven, pro-growth tax code that can draw job creators from a broad range of industries, and will guarantee West Virginia its rightful place as a national leader in the American comeback story,” Senator Karnes said.

Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, said he is eager to see the legislation that will be reported out of this committee.

“We must examine every method to improve the West Virginia economy, and that certainly will include comprehensive tax reform. Our focus is to create private sector jobs and opportunities for our citizens,” Senate President Carmichael said. “Other states have achieved significant growth as a result of fundamentally overhauling their tax code. Why wouldn’t the West Virginia Senate pursue tax strategies that have a proven record of success in other states?”