HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 62
(By Delegates Williams, Ennis, Butcher, Hatfield, Longstreth,
Manchin, Manypenny, Marshall, Moye, Pethtel, D. Poling, Ross,
Spencer, Stephens, Susman, Rowans, Evans, Duke, Hamilton, Shott
and Sumner)
[Originating in the Committee on Senior Citizen Issues
on February 17, 2010]
Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance
authorize the study of the costs and benefits of the creation
of an exemption for social security benefits regarding
personal income taxes.
Whereas, Twenty-seven of the forty-one states that impose
income taxes provide a full exemption for Social Security benefits;
and
Whereas, All of West Virginia's surrounding states provide a
full exemption for Social Security benefits; and
Whereas, Senior citizens most often fall victim to the
Underpayment of Estimated Income Tax Penalty because of income tax
due as a result of Social Security income; and
Whereas, Senior citizens are consistently faced with increasing costs, be it food, gas or healthcare, and never see an increase in
benefits; and
Whereas, It is in our State's best interest to exhaust all
avenues to ensure that our seniors receive all possible financial
relief so that they can experience a moral and financial victory
and continue to lead a high quality of life; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the costs and benefits of the creation of an
exemption for social security benefits regarding personal income
taxes; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2011, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislative expenses necessary to
conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary
legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint
Committee on Government and Finance.