The Senate Select Committee on Tax Reform is considering a joint resolution that would enact a Fair and Simple Tax Reform (or FASTR) amendment to the state constitution.
The resolution, SJR 8, would enact measures such as repealing the personal property tax, providing limitations on the personal income tax, creating a state infrastructure and equalization fund, providing for block grants to local schools and governments for education and infrastructure and establishing several tax exemptions.
Two-thirds of the members of each house would have to approve the resolution for the constitution to be amended.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Robert Karnes, R-Upshur, said he had not intended for the resolution to be approved in the meeting and only wished to hear discussion on the bill first.
Since no members of the minority party were present at the meeting, Senator Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, Vice Chair, moved that the meeting adjourn to give minority members a chance to contribute to the discussion.
