In the wake of the recent flooding that did much damage to several communities in our state, we have seen firsthand the resilience and solidarity of West Virginia’s people. These floods reminded us of the need to better prepare and support our communities for the challenges ahead.

From infrastructure to workforce readiness, we saw gaps in parts of our state. But beyond the visible damage, there’s an underlying truth: this crisis has underscored the pressing need to address some of the foundational issues facing our state. From economic development to education and childcare — the success of our future hinges on tackling these concerns today. We have more work to do to ensure West Virginia thrives in the future.

Many in our state will be surprised to learn we lost jobs in important sectors of the economy during the last year. To make matters worse, West Virginia has fewer jobs now than in 2019. This is especially important to keep in mind as the West Virginia Legislature passes the halfway mark of this year’s regular session.

We at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce want to express our gratitude for legislators’ service and commitment to our state. Whether one was born here or has chosen to make it home, we share a common goal: to make West Virginia the best it can be. This session provides an important opportunity to make meaningful progress on issues that will help secure a brighter future for generations of West Virginians.

Education:

Support Students

In education, the numbers paint a stark picture. West Virginia ranks 48th and 49th in the nation for reading and math achievement, according to the National Assessment of Education Progress. These rankings are a wake-up call for all of us. Our students deserve better, and we must demand more from our educational system. The status quo is no longer acceptable, and we must raise the bar for educating our children.

To do so, we must prioritize accountability, transparency and a culture of high expectations in our schools. We also need to ensure that the curriculum and teaching methods align with the demands of the 21st-century economy. Bills such as HB 2897, which would allow the Legislative Auditor to conduct periodic audits of the Department of Education, and HB 3446, requiring guidance counselors to help students submit their FAFSA before graduation, are steps in the right direction.

Investing in education is an investment in the future of our state. A well-educated workforce is essential for attracting new industries and providing our young people with the tools they need to succeed.

Childcare:

Supporting Families

Perhaps no issue is more urgent than the lack of affordable and accessible childcare. The average cost of childcare in West Virginia is approximately $800 per month per child, a financial strain that many families simply cannot afford. This, coupled with the lack of available childcare in many areas, leaves many parents with an impossible choice: continue working and sacrifice time with their children or leave the workforce altogether.

For employers, this issue is just as critical. More than three-quarters of West Virginia Chamber members have stated that the lack of childcare is a key obstacle in attracting and retaining talent. By investing in childcare, we not only help families but also strengthen our workforce and set West Virginia up for long-term success.

The West Virginia Chamber supports legislative efforts like HB 3239 and HB 2730, which expand access to affordable childcare, and HB 2780, which would extend state subsidies to employees of licensed childcare centers, regardless of income. Additionally, initiatives like HB 2605, which enhances tax credits to employers who start childcare facilities, and HB 2641, which provides tax credits for employers who continue to operate childcare facilities, are crucial for creating a sustainable, family-friendly workforce.

Tax and Economic

Development: Lowering Barriers to Growth

One of the most important issues facing employers in West Virginia is the burden of high business taxes. According to the Council on State Taxation State and Local Business Taxes Report, West Virginia ranks eighth in the nation for the percentage of tax paid by businesses to the state. This is not only a challenge for businesses but also a barrier to our state’s economic growth. To create more jobs, attract new industries, and support existing businesses, we must lower business costs, which will foster an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive.

This is not just about making West Virginia a more attractive place to do business; it’s about setting our state up for long-term prosperity. States that surround us have lower business tax rates. The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce supports initiatives that will make us more competitive, including business tax reductions found in HB3293 and the elimination of the Business Inventory Tax and tangible property tax (SJR 6). These measures would help ease the financial burden on businesses, allowing them to reinvest in their employees, operations and communities. To create jobs, we must make our state more attractive to job creators. The competition is real. And business migrates to where it finds the most success.

A Call for Action

The issues facing West Virginia are challenging, but they are not insurmountable. By addressing tax policy, education and childcare, we will create an environment where businesses can thrive, families grow and our children achieve their full potential.

As the legislature moves into the final weeks of this session, we must consider the long-term implications of the decisions being made. After all, we share the same goal: a stronger, brighter future for our state and the opportunity to overcome heartaches and loss, like those of the recent floods.

Steve Roberts is the President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.