Mine safety earns tax cut

By Erica Peterson

The bill is a reincarnation of one that was introduced soon after the disaster at Sago. By law, coal companies are required to purchase certain safety equipment, but lead sponsor Senator Don Caruth says he hopes the tax credit will encourage companies to buy the best and most effective equipment available.

“The governor said at that time, and I think still believes, that West Virginia should be the leader in technology or mining safety technology,” he said. “I think one way to encourage that we be the best in mine safety technology is for the state to invest itself in that technology giving a tax credit to companies that will go out and seek the best technology available.”

Two bills passed the Senate today. The first, Senate Bill 344, authorizes mental hygiene commissioners to sign readmission orders. The second, Senate Bill 445 removes an unnecessary certification requirement for the election of conservation supervisors.

Senator Jeffrey Kessler is the lead sponsor of the bill.

“This bill just merely eliminates some language in the bill that was either cumbersome or no longer necessary,” he said. “One of which an example, that when someone got on the ballot they had to sign a cert that they were qualified. Lord forbid, we don’t want someone to swear they’re qualified to hold an off ice, Mr. President.”

Both bills passed unanimously and elicited no discussion.

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