LEWISBURG, W.Va. (Hinton News) – Senate Minority Leader Stephen Baldwin joined Gov. Jim Justice at a public forum in downtown Lewisburg on Monday to share his opposition to Amendment 2. If enacted, the amendment would empower the state’s legislature with the authority to grant certain tax exemptions for businesses they deem eligible, and eliminate funding sources for public schools, police, fire departments, and other necessary services.
“The idea of Amendment 2 is troubling,” Sen. Baldwin said at the conclusion of the forum. “I agree with Governor Justice – do you trust the legislature to fund your county? I know that I do not. They are taking away local control.”
Lewisburg was the latest stop on the governor’s “Vote NO on Amendment 2” West Virginia tour. Also on hand to express their opposition were Lewisburg Mayor Beverly White, City Manager Misty Hill, and former Rainelle Mayor Andrea “Andy” Pendleton.
“Amendment 2 may have been spawned with a decent idea behind it,” Gov. Justice told those gathered at Lewisburg City Hall. “And a lot of legislators probably went along with it because it sounded okay. But when we really get out into the weeds, I’d bet my life that they’re having second thoughts.”
“If we pass Amendment 2, what’s going to happen?” Justice asked. “We’re going to immediately get rid of the machinery and inventory tax in West Virginia. We have put with it ‘we’re going to get rid of your car tax.’ And why is that with it?”
“It’s buying your vote,” Gov. Justice added. “That’s the only reason the car tax is with it.”
According to the West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy, the passage of Amendment 2 would, “Take power away from local communities, parents, small businesses and families.” Furthermore, it would, “Eliminate protections for local services in the state constitution to make way for tax giveaways for out-of-state corporations.”
Susan Honaker, treasurer for the City of Lewisburg, noted that “For me personally, (eliminating) the tax on my car would save me $65 a year. But taking away those taxes would put our police department in danger, our fire department in danger – that’s what we use to fund those departments.”
“What is so bizarre, is how can Republicans not be for local control?” Gov. Justice noted. Sen. Baldwin, who has opposed the proposed Amendment for several years, concurred.
“I think the Governor put it well,” Baldwin said, “Like he said, the legislature is asking you to give them your wallet on the promise that they will give it back. But not only that, they’re saying, ‘You give us your wallet, we’ll give it back to you – and we’ll put an extra $100 bill in there. I’ve been around long enough to know when I’m hearing a story.”
“Do I support eliminating some of those specific taxes that Amendment 2 deals with?” Baldwin asked. “Yes, I do. But there is no agreed-to plan to do that, and I can’t support it on a hope and a prayer.”
“We have to vote no on Amendment 2,” Baldwin concluded.
