Morgantown, WV: The League of Women Voters believes that government budgets reflect government values. We strongly disagree with the values expressed by the West Virginia Legislature in the various versions of this year’s budget.
We oppose choices to not adequately fund programs essential for the livelihood of the majority of West Virginians, while giving tax breaks to benefit the richest among us. We disagree with our Governor who says “taxes punish work.” We believe taxes are essential to support public services.
The League’s legislative priorities include Protecting Children and Families and Creating a Sustainable Future. Both have budget implications: to fund Medicaid, child care, public schools, SNAP, and infrastructure to provide clean water to the southern coalfields. “Flat” budgets and more tax cuts serve none of these.
“Our Legislature is once again failing to address many of the critical challenges facing West Virginia families,” said Judy Ball, Co-President of LWVWV. “Issues like the ongoing childcare crisis, adequate Medicaid funding, strengthening public education, and protecting our environment — all these remain unresolved.”
