CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — The House Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced a bill that would cut the state’s personal income tax by 5%, half of the 10% reduction previously approved by the state Senate.
The bill comes at the request of Gov. Jim Justice, who has been vocal about supporting the full 10% cut. However, not all lawmakers agree that a tax cut is the right move.
“I think it’s very troubling where we’re headed,” said Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell. “And the proof is in the pudding of the trigger law.”
For many households in West Virginia, the proposed 5% cut would amount to less than $100 per year.
Hornbuckle introduced an amendment that would have adjusted tax brackets to provide more relief to lower-income residents. He argued that his proposal would ensure those struggling most would see greater benefits.
But Del. Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer, opposed the amendment, saying it would unfairly shift the tax burden.
“It’s simply an item of class warfare,” Gearheart said. “I don’t think that’s what we need to be engaging here.”
Hornbuckle pushed back, arguing that all taxpayers still would have received a reduction under his amendment.
“That tells you there is a class warfare going on — is that they want the rich to get richer,” Hornbuckle said. “In such a hard time right now for West Virginians, we want to make sure that everybody can see the relief.”
He added that even with his proposed changes, “everybody still would have had a reduction.”
Lawmakers ultimately rejected Hornbuckle’s amendment, leaving the bill unchanged and advancing the 5% cut.
Hornbuckle said he remains concerned about residents struggling to afford basic necessities.
“We have people that can’t make the rent right now. They’re having trouble buying groceries right now,” he said. “Those are the majority of West Virginians that we need to look at first. Not that we don’t look at anybody else, but those are the people that need relief, and they need it right now.”
The bill will head to the House floor for their vote.