December 10th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
The West Virginia Legislature has wrapped up its final Interim meetings for 2025, closing out a productive and fast-paced schedule. My work began several days earlier than the formal agenda, as I met with multiple companies evaluating new U.S. operations. These conversations focused on why West Virginia stands out as the best state for business expansion, and I always highlight Mineral County as a prime location. Thanks to legislative reforms and the foundation built by former Governor and now U.S. Senator Jim Justice, interest in West Virginia continues to rise. The more companies looking our way, the more opportunities we have to convert that interest into real economic wins.
During the Joint Committee on Finance, we received another strong financial report. The numbers show clear momentum: consumer sales tax collections are outperforming projections, reflecting a healthy retail sector and confident consumer spending. Personal income tax collections remain well above estimates, signaling higher wages and more West Virginians working. Even areas once considered weaknesses, like severance tax revenue, pose far less concern today. The broader economy is strong enough to offset fluctuations in energy markets. The state is now more than 130 million dollars above revenue estimates for the fiscal year, and our Rainy Day Funds continue to rank among the strongest in the nation.
In the Joint Committee on Energy and Public Works, Ken Rosenfeld of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Energy Modernization Project provided an important update on national electricity trends. Demand is projected to grow 25 percent by 2030 and 78 percent by 2050. Yet the nation’s transmission grid is outdated and insufficient, with about 2,300 gigawatts of planned generation projects waiting in interconnection queues because new power lines are needed to bring that energy to customers. Without new transmission, grid congestion will intensify, pushing electric rates higher. The estimated cost to consumers is 12 billion dollars per year as utilities turn to more expensive power when cheaper electricity cannot reach the marketplace.
The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Tourism reviewed a rural job-growth model used successfully in other states. Advantage Capital presented how targeted insurance premium tax credits are leveraged to attract private capital that is then invested directly into small businesses lacking access to traditional financing. Results in other states have been significant, including more than 77,000 supported jobs and investments of 11.9 million dollars and 2.9 million dollars in individual manufacturing companies that expanded operations and increased wages. West Virginia is now evaluating whether adopting a similar structure could help small businesses scale up, hire more workers, and strengthen local economies.
At an Interim Press Conference, House leadership outlined the economic development priorities for the upcoming regular session. The focus remains squarely on expanding the workforce, creating jobs, and improving the business climate. Legislative proposals will include updates to workforce-ready education, targeted support for employers who upskill workers, streamlined permitting processes, and tools to advance site development and infrastructure across the state.
As Chair of the House Committee on Economic Development, I continue to emphasize that our state’s responsible fiscal management, pro-growth tax structure, and business-friendly approach have created a competitive advantage. With a 6.5 percent corporate tax rate, no franchise tax, no sales tax on manufacturing equipment, one of the nation’s strongest Rainy Day Funds, and pension systems projected to be fully funded by 2032, West Virginia offers the long-term fiscal stability companies value when deciding where to expand.
Mineral County remains one of the region’s strongest performers. Our county already surpasses neighboring Allegany County, Maryland, in median income and maintains lower unemployment. That advantage is expected to grow as Maryland continues to face fiscal strain. With a committed workforce, increasing job totals, and sites ready for expansion along major transmission and transportation corridors, Mineral County is positioned to serve as a growth anchor for the Upper Potomac Valley.
As the regular session approaches, we have an opportunity to continue building on this progress. The House Committee on Economic Development will remain focused on advancing policies that drive job creation, strengthen communities, and keep West Virginia moving forward as a top destination for business investment.
If you need assistance with a state agency, would like to discuss future legislation, or want to share ideas for improving life in our state, please reach out to me at (304) 340-3191 or Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov
October 9th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
The West Virginia Legislature wrapped up its October Interim meetings this week, taking up issues that ranged from economic development and state finances to the future of energy in the Mountain State.
Sessions opened for many Sunday with a training on economic outreach. Delegates focused on how to present West Virginia as a destination for business investment. Financial stability remains one of the strongest selling points. With a healthy Rainy Day Fund, well funded pension plans, and no major tax increase since the 1990s, the state offers a steady tax environment that companies value. Lawmakers also noted the largest tax cut in state history passed in 2023. Training is being offered to members of the House of Delegates to better equip them for conversations with industry leaders.
The Joint Committee on Finance met twice. Revenues for the month ran 43 million dollars above estimates, supported by stronger personal income tax and sales tax collections. Severance tax receipts, historically the most volatile revenue source, are rebounding. Presentations from Cynthia Beane of the Bureau for Medical Services, Jeremy C. Wolfe of the Board of Risk and Insurance Management, and Jeffrey Fleck of the Consolidated Public Retirement Board highlighted both challenges and strengths. BRIM is rebuilding reserves following a large payout in a civil case involving a non state entity that was insured through the program, prompting discussion about why previous legislatures allowed non state entities to be covered and thereby exposed state taxpayers to risk. CPRB reported that West Virginia’s pension plans are among the strongest in the nation, with several already fully funded and all projected to be fully funded around 2032, which would allow dollars to be redirected to other state services.
Economic development also received extended attention. The Joint Committee on Economic Development heard from leaders representing Hardy County, Mineral County, Region 7, Region 9, and Putnam County. They outlined what is working well at the local level, where state programs fall short, and how better coordination could help attract employers. Their message was consistent. Targeted improvements can bring more jobs and stronger communities.
Energy production anchored another day of meetings. Charlie Burd, president of the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia, reported that the state is now the fifth largest natural gas producer in the United States, with production in 53 of 55 counties. Natural gas revenue has surpassed coal in state tax contributions. On coal, Chris Hamilton of the West Virginia Coal Association noted that the state ranks second in thermal coal and leads the nation in metallurgical coal, which is essential for steelmaking. Coal from West Virginia continues to fuel power plants nationwide, producing 84,327 megawatts of baseload electricity at 36 facilities.
Other interim meetings focused on making West Virginia more competitive by streamlining permitting, responding to industry needs, and adapting to new technologies. Lawmakers emphasized staying responsive to business and industry so the state can continue to grow.
Residents who need assistance with a state agency, have an idea for future legislation, or want to share thoughts on how to make West Virginia an even better place to live, work, and raise a family can contact Delegate Gary Howell at (304) 340-3191 or Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov
Fatal error: Cannot redeclare theme_comment() (previously declared in /var/www/wcbcradio.com/web/content/wp-content/themes/WCBC/comments.php:12) in /var/www/wcbcradio.com/web/content/wp-content/themes/WCBC/comments.php on line 12