FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, January 20, 2024
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice unveils 2024 West Virginia Vacation Guide
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Gov. Justice unveiled the 2024 West Virginia Vacation Guide, the state’s official travel magazine. Travelers can view the 112-page guide online or get a free copy mailed to them directly. Last year, the West Virginia Department of Tourism distributed over a quarter of a million printed guides to travelers across the nation and around the world.
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“I could not be more excited about this year’s vacation guide because it showcases our state’s incredible beauty,” Gov. Justice said. “From the breathtaking views to charming mountain towns, this guide truly brings West Virginia to life, and we continue to prove that we’re the diamond in the rough. We have people from all over the world wanting to explore our state, and this guide serves as a big reason why interest is still on the rise.”
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Gov. Justice proposes major tax relief for West Virginians
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In his State of the State address, Gov. Justice unveiled a tax cut package designed to put more money back into the pockets of West Virginians of all ages. The plan includes significant reforms to the state’s Social Security income tax, child and dependent care credit, and senior citizen property tax credit.
"These tax cuts are about putting West Virginians first,” Gov. Justice said. “We're continuing to make West Virginia a more affordable place to live, raise a family, and retire, and these proposals demonstrate my commitment to putting real money back in people's wallets, helping families raise their kids, seniors stay in their homes, and everyone breathe a little easier. I encourage the Legislature to strongly consider these proposals.”
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The highlights of Gov. Justice’s proposed tax cuts include social security benefit exemption, child and dependent care tax credit, and senior citizen property tax cuts. The West Virginia Legislature is now considering Gov. Justice’s proposed tax cuts.
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Gov. Justice announces $373 million investment from seven new and existing companies in West Virginia
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Gov. Justice announced during his State of the State address that seven companies will generate more than 570 new, high-paying jobs and a total investment of over $373 million.
“The economic development momentum and investment we’re seeing is another indicator of the prosperity we are creating here in our great state,” Gov. Justice said. “I want to thank these companies for believing in West Virginia as much as I do, and I’m excited to help them be successful in their business any way we can.
“How does it feel every time you go to the plate, you hit a home run. That’s exactly how it feels right now in West Virginia. We’ve got more and more businesses calling over and over wanting to bring opportunities and jobs to our state. What is happening in West Virginia is absolutely unbelievable.”
The specifics of the investments may be found on the West Virginia Economic Development Authority’s website.
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Gov. Justice announces approval of nearly $2 million in recycling assistance grants
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Gov. Justice announced the approval of grants worth $1.99 million for 22 recipients through the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s REAP Recycling Assistance Grants Program.
Grants were awarded to state solid waste authorities, county commissions, municipalities, private industries, and nonprofit organizations. Funding for the Recycling Assistance Grant Program is generated through the $1 assessment fee per ton of solid waste disposed at in-state landfills.
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Gov. Justice announces $5.7 million in grant awards for major water projects in three counties
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Gov. Justice announced the approval of two non-federal matching grants worth $5,707,500.00 million impacting Nicholas, Brooke, and Hancock counties.
“I could not be more proud to see funds delivered to such important projects,” Gov. Justice said. “Making sure West Virginians have access to clean water is a top priority of my administration, and I want to thank everyone making this possible, especially my Deputy Chief of Staff, Ann Urling, who led the way for this great work.” |
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Gov. Justice proposes $50 million for affordable housing in growing West Virginia
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In a move to address the growing need for housing in areas experiencing economic expansion, Gov. Jim Justice proposed in his budget an allocation of $50 million in surplus funds to support the construction of new single- and multi-family housing units across West Virginia.
Gov. Justice discussed the budget proposal and the need for additional housing during his regularly scheduled Administration Update Briefing.
"West Virginia is booming, and with new companies and a thriving tourism industry, we need homes for our growing workforce," Gov Justice said. "This proposed investment is a strategic step towards ensuring our communities have the capacity to welcome and retain talented individuals who are discovering what we’ve known all along: that West Virginia is the best place to live, work, and raise a family."
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