Invoice exhibits significance of tourism

From Del. Ruth Rowan

March 1, 2021 was the 20th day of the 85th legislative period. We are now one third of the way through the session.

As of February 26, 2021, 787 house bills had been introduced. 25 of these bills have passed the house. Two more of these bills have gone through both houses and go to the governor.

One of the bills that has passed both houses is HB2019. This bill raises the West Virginia Economic Development Office and West Virginia Tourism Department to Cabinet level offices. This step has no negative tax effects on the state, but it shows the importance of economic development and tourism in our state.

Last year, curator Randall Reid-Smith of the Department of Arts, Culture and History in West Virginia traveled to see all the great happenings in this historic part of the state. We rode the Potomac Eagle, listened to the ukulele club at the co-op, and had lunch at the River House. Then we drove over the newly named section of the Cold Stream Road – Gun Smith Trace – over the North River Mills Historic Trace. We started at Fort Edwards on Capon Bridge and ended our day at Ashby’s Fort in Fort Ashby. We have so much to offer here to be proud of and show to the rest of the state and the rest of the world. Increasing the economic development and tourism departments will help us achieve this goal and shine.

Another bill that the House passed was HB2001, the Jumpstart Savings Act. This invoice is used to create a program that individuals can use to contribute to a savings account to invest in a child’s future career. The beneficiary of that account can later access these tax-free state savings to pay for tools, equipment, certifications, training costs, or supplies necessary to start a trade, occupation, or start a new business.

Our young people have different goals when they graduate from high school. Some are planning to go to college. Others may plan on attending beautician or auto mechanic school where they will need specialized equipment and training instead of books and professors. HB2001 helps these students prepare for a career and start their own business.

I will be in Charleston until April 16, 2021. While I’m here at the Capitol, best to reach me by phone: 304-340-3157 or by email: ruth.rowan@wvhouse.gov.