2024-03-11 21:06:58
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — West Virginia’s 60-day Legislative Session came to an end Saturday night, with two seemingly unrelated bills at the forefront.
For weeks, the House of Delegates pushed a bill on behalf of senior citizens and the AARP that would phase out the income tax on Social Security checks.
West Virginia lawmakers pass budget, several key bills as legislative session ends
At the same time, the Senate wanted the House to pass a reduction in unemployment benefits, for people who lose their jobs in West Virginia.
It was a standoff that prompted an hours-long caucus between House and Senate Republicans. While Democrats were often frustrated, the deals finally got done.
“I’m going to advocate today, that we find a way to eliminate the tax on Social Security period. We’ll see if I get anywhere with that,” said State Sen. Mike Woelfel, (D) Cabell – Minority Leader on Saturday night.
“A lot of last-minute moving around and horse-trading is going on. And between both bodies of the legislature so, you just got to get ready for anything when you come up here on Day-60,” said Del. Dana Ferrell, (R) Kanawha.
There were compromises. The Social Security tax is phased out over three years, instead of all at once. People who get unemployment can stay on for the current maximum of 26 weeks, but the maximum benefit is now $662 per week. They also must be actively applying for jobs every week.
The legislature passed a nearly $5 billion budget but might return for a special session in May to deal with some other financial issues.
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