FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, January 28, 2023
CONTACT: Jordan Damron, [email protected]
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice hits the road to discuss 50% personal income tax cut proposal
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Gov. Justice hosted Tax Cut Town Halls in several locations to spread the word about his ambitious proposal to reduce the state's personal income tax by 50%. He made stops in Charleston, Parkersburg, Beckley, and Wheeling.
At each location, he engaged with residents and business owners, answering questions and explaining the potential benefits of this significant tax cut.
Gov. Justice emphasized that this proposal is a big step towards securing a brighter future for West Virginia.
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The Governor’s proposal includes a 50% personal income tax reduction over three years while setting aside $700 million to establish a Personal Income Tax Reserve Fund that almost equals our current Rainy Day Fund. This insurance policy protects against any shortfalls as we go forward.
The phase-out begins with a 30% reduction in 2023, and another 10% reduction in the following two years. On Jan. 18, the West Virginia House of Delegates voted bipartisanly to pass the proposal 95-2.
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Gov. Justice celebrates completion of I-70 bridge project in Wheeling
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On Friday, Governor Justice and West Virginia Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston celebrated the completion of a major portion of the Interstate-70 bridge project in Wheeling.
The project, which was the largest undertaken under Governor Justice's Roads to Prosperity program, repaired or replaced 26 bridges and ramps along a seven-mile stretch of I-70. The project cost $221,034,932.55
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Gov. Justice awards Betty Woods "Snookie" Nutting Distinguished West Virginian award
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On Friday, Governor Justice honored Betty Woods "Snookie" Nutting with the title of Distinguished West Virginian, the highest honor that a Governor in West Virginia can present.
Nutting, a Wheeling native, was recognized for her instrumental role in the rehabilitation of Independence Hall and her oversight of the restoration and rehabilitation of 22 Victorian-era buildings in Wheeling over 46 years.
Nutting also served as the President of the Victorian Landmarks Foundation in Wheeling, was a founding member of "Friends of Wheeling," and was named a "Friend of Heritage" by the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation.
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Gov. Justice unveils major new initiative to strengthen DHHR, protective services
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Earlier this week, Governor Justice announced a series of actions aimed at improving Child Protective Services (CPS), Adult Protective Services (APS), and Youth Services (YS) in the state.
The actions, among other things, include a 20% pay increase for CPS, APS, and Youth Services Workers, and a special hiring rate of $50,000 for CPS workers in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties to make the positions more competitive with other states.
The Governor previously announced a $5,000 hiring bonus for CPS and Youth Services workers in certain counties.
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Gov. Justice celebrates Tourism Day, debuts new 2023 West Virginia Vacation Guide
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Gov. Justice and Babydog celebrated Tourism Day by showing their pride at the West Virginia State Capitol on Monday.
Additionally, the Governor unveiled the new West Virginia Vacation Guide, a free travel inspiration magazine dedicated to promoting Almost Heaven, West Virginia. The Department has received close to 8,000 pre-orders since November 2022.
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West Virginia is the first state to have a cover with a lenticular design––by simply picking up the printed guide and shifting it back and forth, the prospective traveler will be met with an image, shot from within a tent at Watoga State Park.
The cover image shifts from a gorgeous daytime view of a campsite at the International Dark Sky park to a starry night sky.
Make sure to request your FREE 2023 West Virginia Vacation Guide.
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Gov. Justice announces new innovative websites to help distribute grants and infrastructure funds in West Virginia
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Earlier this week, Gov. Justice announced the launch of two new websites to improve the state's distribution of grants and infrastructure funding.
The first, Grants.wv.gov, is a one-stop-shop for personal and business-based grant funding opportunities in West Virginia, making it easier for residents to find and apply for grants. This is a first-of-its-kind resource to help connect people with West Virginia grants in one location.
The second website, the West Virginia Infrastructure Hub, is a platform designed to efficiently distribute funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act throughout the state. The State of West Virginia is expected to receive $7 billion over the next five years in federal funding from the IIJA.
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