West Virginia Senate Bill SB73

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Providing new graduates of in-state or out-of-state higher educational institution or trade school certain tax credits

Impact

The potential impact of SB73 on state laws includes an amendment to the existing tax code to introduce the new graduate tax credit provisions under section 11-21-8 of the Code of West Virginia. By providing substantial tax relief to recent graduates, the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens that often accompany educational accomplishments, thereby promoting long-term economic stability and growth within the state. This incentive could both encourage further education and retention of skilled individuals in West Virginia, which could enhance the job market and stimulate local economies.

Summary

Senate Bill 73 aims to provide a financial incentive for recent graduates by offering a $1,000 tax credit on personal property tax for a total of five taxable years. This bill is intended to support individuals graduating from both in-state and out-of-state higher educational institutions, including community colleges and trade schools. The inclusion of these institutions widens the outreach of the initiative, aiming to motivate graduates to stay in West Virginia and contribute to the local economy. The measure also bestows rule-making authority to the Tax Commissioner to ensure proper implementation and compliance related to the tax credits.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB73 appears to be generally positive among proponents who view it as a valuable step towards supporting young professionals and investing in the future workforce of West Virginia. Supporters argue that the bill will provide much-needed assistance to graduates as they transition into the workforce. However, if there are concerns from critics about the sustainability of such tax credits or potential implications for state revenues, those perspectives were not extensively highlighted in the available discussion snippets.

Contention

While the bill seeks to deliver economic benefits to graduates, it may face scrutiny regarding its long-term fiscal impacts on the state's budget. Skeptics may raise questions about the effectiveness of tax credits in genuinely incentivizing graduates to remain in the state and could argue that similar measures have shown varying degrees of success elsewhere. As the bill discusses the removal of expired language, it will be essential to ensure that the introduced provisions do not interfere with other existing tax mechanisms.