FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, August 17, 2024
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice announces Revenue Secretary and State Auditor certify 4% income tax reduction, file with state tax office
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Gov. Justice announced that Revenue Secretary Larry Pack and State Auditor JB McCuskey inked a letter certifying a 4% reduction in West Virginia’s personal income tax. The certification has been filed with the State Tax Division and will take effect January 1, 2025.
The Department of Revenue and State Auditor's Office collaborated to verify the accuracy of Fiscal Year 2024 tax collections, culminating in today’s formal agreement.
Gov. Justice announced the reduction in July after state revenue collections exceeded inflation, as stipulated in House Bill 2526, which he signed in 2023. This marks the second consecutive year West Virginia has reduced its personal income tax rate, moving closer to eliminating it entirely.
"It only makes sense that as West Virginia thrives, our people thrive and deserve a share of that prosperity,” Gov. Justice said. “We have so much to be proud of, but there's more work ahead. While it won’t happen during my time as your Governor, our state is on a pathway to eliminating its personal income tax—so, let’s keep the ball rolling in the same direction. We all know, at the end of the day, getting rid of the personal income tax will bring more goodness and more people to our beautiful state. Keep it up, West Virginia.”
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Gov. Justice announces launch of the inaugural West Virginia Healthy Habits School Contest
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Gov. Justice, the West Virginia Department of Health, the West Virginia Department of Education, and Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, announced the launch of the inaugural West Virginia Healthy Habits School Contest.
The initiative aims to recognize and celebrate elementary schools across the state that are leading efforts to improve health outcomes for students and communities.
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“Our schools around West Virginia are filled with unbelievable creativity, so I know everybody will have incredible ideas for this contest,” Gov. Justice said. “We all have a role in helping our kids stay healthy, and this contest makes learning about wellness fun and engaging. It’s a great chance for students to show how they’re making a difference and getting excited about their health.”
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First Lady Justice welcomes newest Friends With Paws therapy dogs at Spencer Middle School and Point Pleasant High School
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First Lady Cathy Justice announced the newest therapy dogs through the Friends With Paws program are officially placed in two West Virginia schools. The first, Flora, a female Golden Retriever, was placed at Spencer Middle School. The second, Farley, a male Golden Retriever and brother to Flora was placed at Point Pleasant High School.
The day felt like a true family affair after Gov. Jim Justice and Babydog visited Point Pleasant High School, catching the First Lady by complete surprise.
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"I truly believe that everyone should experience the incredible presence of a therapy dog," First Lady Cathy Justice said. "Today, Flora and Farley demonstrated their remarkable ability to provide comfort and support from the moment they arrived. There is no doubt in my mind that these wonderful dogs will become invaluable assets to Spencer Middle and Point Pleasant High School. Both Roane and Mason counties are fortunate to welcome these loving companions into their communities."
“The Friends With Paws program is truly one of the most successful initiatives we have in West Virginia,” Gov. Justice said. “These two dogs will make wonderful additions to their new schools. Babydog and I are so proud to have participated in today’s celebration at Point Pleasant High School, and anytime we can catch the First Lady by surprise, it makes the day even better.”
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Gov. Justice appoints Adam Wolfe as judge for the 12th Family Circuit Court serving Mercer and McDowell Counties
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Gov. Justice announced the appointment of Adam Wolfe to the 12th Family Circuit Court, serving Mercer and McDowell Counties. Wolfe won the election for the same seat and will begin his full term in 2025.
A resident of Princeton, Wolfe earned his Bachelor’s of Social Work from Concord University in 2003, and following his undergraduate studies, he pursued legal education at the Appalachian School of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 2013.
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Gov. Justice announces STOP Violence Against Women grant awards
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Gov. Justice announced that he has awarded $1,124,446.00 in STOP Violence Against Women program grant funds to 21 projects across West Virginia.
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The purpose of these funds is to establish or enhance teams whose core members include victim service providers, law enforcement, and prosecution to improve the criminal justice system’s response to violence against women.
The grants provide personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance, and information systems for the establishment or enhancement of these teams. Additionally, statewide projects are funded to provide training and educational opportunities for all victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecution, and court personnel throughout the state.
These funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, and are administered by the Justice and Community Services Section of the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services.
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