WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce applauds conscientious legislators and a diligent and watchful Manufacturer’s Association for providing specific and precise data that convinced legislators to take a step back from the unknown consequences of Senate Bill 163.

As we look ahead, we can’t think too long about the needs and challenges we face in West Virginia without turning our attention to jobs and the economy. Both are critical components to a vibrant state and a prosperous future for our residents.

CHARLESTON – As we think about job creation in the new year, we note that private sector employment in West Virginia increased during 2017. Increases in employment can be attributed to growth in mining and logging, construction, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality. Combined, these important sectors provided 8,100 new jobs for West Virginia workers.

CHARLESTON – West Virginia’s business tax climate ranking was the third worst in the nation just a dozen years ago. Our state bore the dubious rank of 47th in the nation when ranked among the 50 states for business tax competitiveness.

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Legislature has signaled that it will take up a right-to-work (RTW) bill in the 2016 session, which begins Jan. 13.

CHARLESTON – We now know that just over two weeks ago, thousands of West Virginians went to the polls and strongly indicated a desire for state government to be operated differently than in past decades.