Charleston, WV, February 25 – Members of the West Virginia Freedom Caucus have analyzed Senate Bill 250, the Senate’s proposed budget, and have agreed to oppose it.

“Let me begin by stating clearly: I absolutely support our first responders, EMS personnel, teachers, and every public servant who works hard for our communities. They deserve certainty and long-term stability — not a budget built on shaky math and short-term political calculations.” Said Freedom Caucus Chairman S. Chris Anders.

Anders and other members point out that while this budget includes an income tax reduction, it attempts to pair tax cuts with nearly $300 million in increased spending when factored with supplemental appropriations already passed this session.

“That is not tax reform. That is a fiscal contradiction.” Anders continued.

“You cannot responsibly reduce income taxes while simultaneously expanding government and draining the surplus. That creates an unsustainable path that will either lead to future tax increases, budget shortfalls, or cuts to core services.” Anders explained.

The Freedom Caucus members call on the Senate, the House and the Governor to get serious about eliminating the income tax, and do it the right way.

According to the members, the four point path to responsible action would be to:

* Reduce income and property tax in a meaningful way

* Pair those reductions with real spending discipline

* Preserve West Virginia surplus as a safeguard against economic downturns

* Protect stable funding for programs, like the Hope Scholarship

“That is how you phase out an income tax responsibly — not by growing government first and hoping revenue projections hold.” Anders pointed out.

“West Virginians are already stretched thin by inflation, energy costs, groceries, and insurance premiums. Government should not be growing by hundreds of millions of dollars while families are tightening their belts.” Freedom Caucus Secretary Henry Dillon said.

“While school teachers are being laid off, programs cut, and small schools closed, the budget bill gives away hundreds of millions to universities and highly paid administrators who are political pals with many legislators.” Dillon added.

“Draining reserves and increasing spending while claiming fiscal conservatism sends the wrong message and puts our state at risk.” Anders said.

“We can cut taxes. We can protect school choice. We can support first responders and teachers. But we must do so within a sustainable, disciplined framework.” Anders emphasized.

The Caucus stressed the fact that West Virginians live within their means, and their government should as well.