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
September 11th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
The West Virginia Legislature gathered for interim meetings from Sunday through Tuesday. There had been speculation that a special session might be called beforehand, but the Governor chose not to issue such a call.
I began the week with the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, which is made up of leadership from both the House and the Senate. One of the first topics we addressed was the formation of two new joint committees. The first is the Joint Legislative Committee on Flooding. After a series of floods earlier this year it became clear that improvements are needed in how we respond and clean up following such events. The second is the Legislative Oversight Committee on Corrections and Public Safety.
The committee also reviewed a presentation on state revenues. This is something I have now seen twice since I also serve on the Joint Committee on Finance where the information is presented in even greater detail. Deputy Secretary of Revenue Mark Muchow delivered the reports, and at one meeting he was joined by Revenue Secretary Eric Nelson who provided additional background.
The financial picture for the state remains encouraging. Personal income tax receipts came in higher than projected even with recent tax cuts. This reflects higher wages and more West Virginians working. Sales tax collections were also above expectations, showing that consumer confidence is strong. Severance tax receipts did fall short, but the decline was tied to lower metallurgical coal prices rather than reduced production. Projections suggest those revenues will climb again soon. For the month, estimates were only off by four million dollars, and overall the state remains more than seventeen million dollars ahead for the year.
We also looked at how nearby states are performing and Maryland’s situation is troubling. Maryland recently increased its top personal income tax rate from 5.75 percent to 6.5 percent. In Allegany County the combined state and local rate is now 9.53 percent, and in Garrett County the total is 9.15 percent. By comparison, West Virginia reduced its top rate from 6.5 percent to 4.82 percent in that same period and does not allow local income taxes. That means Mineral County residents pay roughly half what their Maryland neighbors do.
The Joint Committee on Energy and Public Works heard several reports, including one on the Only Pay for What You Get Act. This proposal is designed to promote reliable and affordable electricity by encouraging utilities to build facilities that deliver the greatest value to the grid. The United States Department of Energy has already declared emergency conditions within PJM because of higher demand and faster than expected retirements of older plants. Under this policy, the amount utilities can pass on to ratepayers would be tied to the reliability of the generation source. Coal and nuclear plants, which operate around the clock, would qualify for faster cost recovery than sources like solar that are limited to daylight hours. Advocates believe this would lead to new baseload power plants, although some could be built outside our borders. Lawmakers will need to review this carefully to decide whether it is right for West Virginia.
Another important discussion was led by Todd Tetrick, Senior Vice President of Upstream Operations for Diversified Energy Company. He reviewed the Aboveground Storage Tank Act. This law was written quickly after the 2014 Freedom Industries chemical spill and has required repeated changes to address problems. The energy industry is now asking for additional adjustments that would ease compliance but still protect public safety. The Legislature will be examining these proposals before the next session.
We also heard from John Litynski, Head of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage at EQT. He described how injecting carbon dioxide underground could provide new income for landowners. At the same time he raised concerns that stored carbon dioxide might interfere with future natural gas development if it is located above reserves. It will be up to lawmakers to weigh the potential financial gains against possible long term risks.
The Joint Committee on Economic Development also met. Christine H. Davies, who was recently hired as Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Workforce Participation, gave an overview of changes underway in the Department of Commerce. She explained how the Division of Economic Development is being restructured to better meet today’s challenges. We were also introduced to Chris Morris, who has been named Data Economy Liaison and Director of the Data Economy Office. Many will know Chris as a Keyser native and graduate of Keyser High School. These changes are promising and in the months ahead we will see how they work in practice.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and ideas. Whether you need help with a state agency, would like to suggest legislation, or simply want to share your vision for West Virginia’s future, please reach out to me at (304) 340 3191 or by email at Gary.Howell@WVHouse.gov
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