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Alabama woman works to help returning citizens rebuild their lives; Marist polls: Harris leads Trump in Michigan, Wisconsin; they're tied in Pennsylvania; UAW contract negotiations at VW focus on healthcare, safety, wages; NC dentists warn of crisis due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

WV Bid to Abolish Income Tax Called “Devastating” to Children

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Tuesday, February 9, 2021   

CHARLESTON, WV - Some of West Virginia's lawmakers are proposing abolishing the state's personal income tax during this year's legislative session, and social-services advocates say the move would be devastating for children and families.

Jim McKay, state coordinator for Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia, said the lost income would total more than $2 billion, forcing major cuts to state agencies, including the Bureau for Children and Families.

The state's child protective services division is still struggling to catch up from budget cuts during the Great Recession, he added.

He pointed out Mingo County currently has only one CPS worker for the entire area, who handles cases for more than 70 children.

"That's just heartbreaking," McKay remarked. "We know there are vacancies across the state in child protection services. And if there's budget cuts of the manner of the nature of those being proposed, many of those positions will remain unfilled with devastating consequences."

Lawmakers contended eliminating personal income tax would attract more people to live and work in West Virginia.

The state's population has dropped by about 61,000 between 2010 and 2019, according to the U.S. Census.

Estimates show without state income tax, West Virginia's child-welfare system, including Child Protective Services, and its foster-care system would each face a 20% cut.

McKay noted federal data shows West Virginia has curtailed child abuse, and reducing funding would be a major step backward.

"If these cuts are enacted to the level that they've been discussed, then we're going to lose that progress and return to increasing rates of child abuse and neglect instead of decreasing that we've accomplished in the last 24 months," McKay argued.

Ending personal income tax would benefit West Virginia's wealthiest residents without helping low- to middle-income families, according to data from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.

Kansas reduced its income tax in 2012 but repealed it in 2017 after revenues plunged.

The 2021 legislative session begins Wednesday.


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