Editor,
Things really changed when President Biden was elected. Immediately, he acknowledged the seriousness of the pandemic, and took steps to control it. The vaccines are being delivered faster than expected. The new pandemic relief bill, the American Rescue Plan, was signed. It will provide a big boost for the economy, and compensate those who have suffered during the pandemic. Perhaps best of all, families with children will receive help. It will cut child poverty in half, and is a very good thing for all the children that you know. Many believe the childcare benefit will become permanent. Let’s hope so.
Meanwhile, in Charleston, Governor Justice seems bent on eliminating the income tax. There was a problem when he couldn’t come up with enough new taxes to replace it, though. Now, he has apparently decided to cut income taxes by 60%. He wants to increase the sales tax to 7.9%. Who stands to benefit from higher taxes on the necessities of family life, but lower taxes on income? I suppose the rich like to keep their money in the bank rather than helping the state improve schools, roads, bridges, etc. Our Governor would probably benefit quite a bit from his new tax proposal.
It would be a good idea to let the lawmakers know how you feel about this big change in tax law. It is interesting that Governor Justice seems annoyed that the new Covid Relief Law forbids states from using the new money to offset tax cuts. Does he want to fund his income tax cut with money meant to help with pandemic relief?
Mimi Kibler
Parsons, WV