Braxton Citizens' News, Opinion

The Special Session…

Our State Lawmakers are in the middle of a Special Session. I have very mixed emotions about the venture and a lot of concerns. First it costs the taxpayers a substantial amount of money. I think the number is $35,000 a day. Second, is it really necessary or just politically advantageous?

I read a very interesting column by Phil Kebler, semi-retired Statehouse Reporter for the Charleston Gazette, this week. He feels much like I do when it comes to wondering why.

Phil says at the very beginning of his column “This week’s special session should never have happened…” He justifies his opinion by elaborating on what special sessions have traditionally been called for. This one certainly does measure up to past standards. He too wonders how much political timing and motivation played in the event.

Of course, the main objective of the Governor is to get an additional personal income tax cut passed. We would all like to pay less in taxes, but at what cost?

Kebler points out that while Justice touts the surplus budget revenue, it is only on paper since the Governor’s office underestimated the annual revenue. Phil makes his point by siting the revenue this year compared to the same period last year. In fact, September had fallen 15.6% and is currently running 8% under what was collected in 2023 for the whole year. Those numbers clearly show that not only do we not have a surplus, but revenue is substantially short of what it has been.

Of course, most accounting professionals quickly point the finger at the Governor’s previously approved tax cut. I guess the good news is… one way or the other, Jim Justice will not be the one that will have to fix this problem.

Another real sore point with me is asking the legislature to take taxpayer money and set up a fund to subsidize school buildings for Charter Schools. Has everyone forgot that these are for profit ventures. Its just one more way to undermine public education. This is simply unacceptable, and I certainly hope legislators will put politics aside and do what is best for our children!

If people want to use charter or private schools to educate their children that is certainly their prerogative. However, we, the vast majority of West Virginians, who use and support public schools, should not have to foot the bill!

I tend to agree with Phil Kebler. The more you look at this special session, the greater the argument that there should never have been one in the first place.