FAIRMONT —
Every once in a while, our state Legislature creates new legislation that leaves many of us in the general public scratching our heads.
Such is the case of The Second Amendment Appreciation Act which reserves the second weekend in October as an amnesty period during which there would be no 6 percent state sales tax on the purchase of pistols and rifles.
Don’t get us wrong. We fully believe in the right to bear arms.
But the reasoning behind the whole concept of offering a day free from state sales tax was to enable those on a tight budget to be able to purchase necessities such as clothing and school supplies for back-to-school. It’s a win-win situation for the kids. Who can argue with that?
The next year, the concept was expanded to include energy-efficient appliances, the thinking being that if families could replace worn-out models that use more energy at a time of ever-increasing utility bills then they would benefit from monthly savings. Plus, appliances represent a major purchase that can put a bite on the household budget. Money saved and it’s good for the environment — another win.
Now comes the 2010 legislative session. You know, the one that senators and delegates alike referred to as a slow session because the tough economy limits any new programs due to a tight state budget.
Yet, in the 11th hour along comes The Second Amendment Appreciation Act, flying low under the radar. The Senate passes it 25-9. In the House only four members had the courage to vote against the bill. It heads off to Gov. Joe Manchin’s desk, and the governor is left scratching his head.
Where did this bill come from? Who is going to benefit from its passage? How does it relate to the whole concept of a tax holiday for necessities that families need to live day-to-day?
Make no mistake about it. Gov. Manchin is an avid outdoorsman who loves to hunt and fish. We’re certain that he owns his share of guns for hunting. He may even be a card-carrying member of the NRA. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that.
But, he now is faced with a dilemma — sign the bill and allow the tax holiday on guns to become law or veto it and be labeled as anti-gun by the supporters who worked the bill through the Legislature, a negative label for any politician seeking votes in a state whose motto is “Mountaineers are always free.”
Luckily, Gov. Manchin seems inclined to veto this gun tax holiday. He told reporters the bill gives him “pure heartburn” because it helps gun-lovers, not people in need.
A sales tax holiday on guns sends the wrong message to our children and the nation about what we as West Virginians value as important to our society. Feed the hungry, clothe the needy and make sure kids get a good education — just don’t send them the wrong message by promoting a sales tax holiday on guns.
Veto the sales tax holiday on gun sales.
