Associated Press Published

GOP-Led West Virginia Panel Starts Tax Reform Discussion

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  A Republican-led legislative panel has started discussing possible changes to West Virginia’s tax code.

The Joint Select Committee on Tax Reform gathered for the first time during interim meetings Monday.

Senate President Bill Cole and House Speaker Tim Armstead want more study and tweaks to state taxes.

Lawmakers haven’t discussed many specifics yet.

Sen. Mike Hall, the committee’s co-chairman, says other states attract residents by eliminating personal income taxes. However, he acknowledged that would leave West Virginia with a revenue hole.

Additional meetings on May 4 and May 18 will feature presentations by various groups.

Cole has suggested a tax reform special session. Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s office has expressed concerns about the possible length and costs of a special session.

Otherwise, the Legislature returns for session in January.