To: Members of the West Virginia Legislature

From: West Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Date: March 17, 2025

RE: Important Issues From The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce 

As the West Virginia Legislature passes the half-way mark of this year’s first regular session, we at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce thank you for your service to our state. We know that you share our love for West Virginia. This is our home, by choice or by birth, and we want it to be its best, always.

As we head into the final weeks of this session we would like to share our thoughts about three important issues:

Tax and Economic Development remains a concern for employers. According to the “Council on State Taxation State and Local Business Taxes Report” West Virginia is number eight (8) in the nation for the percentage of tax paid to the state by businesses. High business taxes do not help make us the best state for business, and being the best state for business is a goal of the West Virginia Chamber. We believe economic development and job creation are of paramount importance. Lower business costs can help us add to West Virginia’s employment opportunities.

Bills of note to the Chamber:

SB 124 – Statute of Limitations

HB 2711 – Repeal common law of perpetuities and extend it to 1,000 years

HB 3293 – Reduce the Corporate Net Income Tax

SJR 6 - Elimination of Business Inventory Tax Amendment

Education improvement must be a priority for all. The most recent “National Assessment of Education Progress” report places West Virginia students as 48th and 49th for reading and math achievement. This should be a clarion call to make changes to help our students be better prepared for the challenges they are sure to face as the 21st Century progresses. States that establish rigorous statewide standards geared toward students’ achievement experience success. In our state we must overcome the bigotry of low expectations. Accountability and additional transparency must be baked into West Virginia’s education culture.

Bills of note to the Chamber:

HB 2897 – Permitting the Legislative Auditor to conduct periodic performance and financial audits of the West Virginia Department of Education

HB 3446 – Requiring public high school students submit FAFSA prior to graduation

Childcare. The lack of affordable and available childcare is one of the most pressing issues facing West Virginia. On average, the cost of childcare is approximately $800 per month per child. This cost, coupled with the lack of available childcare in several areas, causes many families to face the difficult decision of whether or not to withdraw a parent from the workforce in order to care for young children. Over three-quarters of the West Virginia Chamber’s members have stated that inadequate childcare is a prime reason that they struggle with attracting and retaining workforce. Tackling childcare in a meaningful way is pro-family, pro-jobs, and will help set West Virginia up for future success and growth.

Bills of note to the Chamber:

HB 3239 / HB 2730 – Tri-Share

HB 2780 – Provide 20+ hour employees of licensed childcare centers access to state subsidy regardless of income level.

HB 2605 – Increase tax credit for employers starting childcare facilities

HB 2641 – Provide a tax credit for the continued operation by employers of childcare facilities



Thank you for your consideration and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.