On July 1, 2008 the Food Tax was reduced from 4% to 3% and apparently the Governor has little interest in reducing it any further.  It should have been totally eliminated from the beginning thus allowing border county businesses a better opportunity to compete with out of state merchants.

On July 1, 2008 the Automotive Privilege Tax became a Sales Tax.  Now West Virginia motorists can potentially claim the Sales Tax amount on their federal income tax just like 47 other states.  And, it has effectively encouraged new residents to register their vehicles when locating to our state.

On July 1, 2008 business owners can purchase Workers’ Compensation Insurance from sources other than the state/BrickStreet.  This competitive environment will begin to drive down the overall premium cost, which will allow West Virginia businesses better opportunities to compete.

Last week the Governor called a Special Session of the Legislature.  Here’s what happened and more importantly what didn’t…

The big news item was HB219 which pertained to election financial disclosures.  During a special session in 2005 the Legislature addressed this very issue with similar legislation.  All but four delegates voted for the legislation because we all believe in fair and honest campaign finance disclosures. 

This time was different because Federal Judge Faber ruled that many parts of that legislation were unconstitutional.   It’s difficult to get into every detail of either piece of legislation, but I’m willing to predict that the Federal Courts will find this incarnation unconstitutional as well.  In fact the U.S. Supreme Court issued a similar ruling during the final debate, yet leadership hammered on.

Why?  It is my belief that there is great concern for this year’s Supreme Court races and the Attorney General’s race.  In other words, this effort was nothing less than a political maneuver to maintain dominance.  Did I forget to mention that no other state has similar legislation?

Here’s what didn’t happen…

At this point, there will be no legislative investigation of the WVU/Mike Garrison/ Heather Bresch fraudulently awarded degree scandal. 

At this point, there will be no opportunity for our citizens to amend our constitution to ensure that the sanctity of marriage is between just one man and one woman, even though 27 other states have already modified their constitutions. 

Again, did I forget to mention that most West Virginians hold traditional family values near and dear to their heart, yet state leaders fail to act?  If we don’t do something soon, churches are about two steps away from losing their tax exemption status if they refuse to marry same sex couples. 

So you don’t think something like this can happen?  Go ask the Boy Scouts.