Establishing a tax credit for businesses who hire, promote and develop women and minorities into executive, professional or administrative roles
Impact
The bill is expected to influence both personal and corporate tax laws within West Virginia by providing tax incentives to support inclusivity in higher-level positions. Effective from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2028, eligible businesses must demonstrate that newly hired or promoted employees belong to underrepresented groups. The proposed tax credits could stimulate economic growth by fostering a more inclusive business environment and addressing workplace disparities that persist in various industries.
Summary
House Bill 2351, introduced by Delegate Hornbuckle, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing tax credits for businesses that hire, promote, and develop women and minorities into executive, professional, or administrative positions. The bill recognizes the value of diversity in the workplace, emphasizing that individuals from varied backgrounds bring necessary skills and innovative solutions to business challenges. The proposed legislation is set to provide a $200 tax credit for eligible businesses for a limited period to encourage them to enhance gender and racial representation in leadership roles.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding HB 2351 seems to be positive, reflecting a broad agreement on the need for increased representation of women and minorities in leadership. Supporters argue that promoting diversity in the workforce not only strengthens businesses but also enhances the state’s economy. However, concerns may arise regarding the practical implementation of the program and whether it will effectively reach its intended goals without significant complications.
Contention
Points of contention may include the adequacy of the financial credits and the mechanisms for certifying eligibility, which will require oversight by the Commissioner of Labor. Critics could argue about the short duration of the credits and whether they would incentivize lasting changes in hiring practices or if they would simply be a temporary measure. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the extent to which such tax credits might benefit larger corporations disproportionately over smaller, local businesses.
Promoting Kansas workforce development by enacting the Kansas apprenticeship act to expand apprenticeships with businesses, healthcare organizations and nonprofit organizations through tax credits and grants and to develop teaching apprenticeships with public schools through scholarships for professional teaching degrees and by establishing a program to provide matching grants to public and private professional engineering schools for engineering scholarships and program development costs.