Tax Reform

The WVMA believes that it is important to invest in the economic health of our state and supports efforts to eliminate the property tax on inventory, machinery and equipment. As one of only a few states that applies this tax it puts West Virginia at a disadvantage for significant business investment and job growth. This tax must be repealed, albeit in a responsible way which could be a phase-in approach that broadens relief to all West Virginia businesses and leads to full repeal of tangible personal property tax for all West Virginians.

Workforce Pipeline Development

West Virginia’s greatest asset is our people and a long history of work ethic and commitment to quality. Recently a changing economy has left manufacturers struggling to find the workforce to meet the demands of a technology driven manufacturing environment. The WVMA supports breaking down barriers to community and technical college and improving access to post-secondary education.

Energy Diversity

West Virginia consumers should benefit from the abundant natural resources found in West Virginia. The WVMA supports strategies to lower consumer energy costs for both residential and industrial rate payers because middle-of-the pack is just not good enough for an energy producing state. Building on our rich history of coal, it is time to incorporate natural gas fired power generation and renewable development into an all-of-the above energy portfolio.