CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A plan to eliminate West Virginia's sales tax on groceries could emerge from the ongoing special legislative session.
The tax's rate is scheduled to drop Jan. 1 from three cents per dollar spent to two cents. Acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is asking lawmakers to knock off another half-penny come Jan. 1.
Tomblin and legislative leaders are also discussing phasing out the rest of the tax over time. Potential triggers include the size of budget surpluses or of the state's main emergency reserve.
Phasing out the tax hinges on the House of Delegates. Speaker Rick Thompson pushed for a gradual repeal during this year's regular session. Minority Leader Tim Armstead says GOP delegates favor an immediate repeal, but continue to discuss a trigger approach.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
