As a fiscal conservative, I strongly believe government should strive to keep budgets in check, find efficiencies and use taxpayers’ dollars wisely in our efforts to keep tax burdens low. When governments act in good faith, markets can flourish, and the citizenry can be lifted into prosperity. At the same time, as a former business owner and current agency head, …
West Virginia Constitutional Officers Support Proposed Term Limits Amendment
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s statewide constitutional officers today joined legislators to announce their collective support for a proposed constitutional amendment to establish term limits for their offices. Senate Joint Resolution 11, introduced this week, would propose amending the state Constitution to limit any person from serving in the office of Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Commissioner of Agriculture, or …
WVDA Encourages Farmers to Apply for PPP Loans
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt are hoping West Virginia Farmers affected by COVID-19 will apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. On Wednesday, February 24, President Joe Biden ordered the Small Business Administration to establish a 14-day, exclusive PPP Loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than …
The Case for an Agriculture Business Development Fund
Within the first days of the Biden Administration, Vice-President Kamala Harris held a roundtable discussion with West Virginia media outlets on the administration’s plans for rural states. Part of this maneuver was to put pressure on lone West Virginia Democrat, Senator Joe Manchin, to support President Biden’s stimulus package. The new administration is also hopeful to make in-roads with a …
Commissioner Leonhardt Calls on Farmers to Utilize Farm-to-Food Bank Tax Credit
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt is encouraging farmers to consider donating agricultural products under the West Virginia’s Farm-to-Food Bank Tax Credit. Passed in 2017, producers who wish to donate fresh, healthy agricultural products to local food banks can earn a tax credit up to $2,500. The credit can be used against personal income tax or …
WV Agencies Host Statewide Agritourism Roundtable
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) held a statewide virtual agritourism roundtable Tuesday, February 9, 2021 with key government officials and agritourism producers. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt, Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby and Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch discussed key issues facing the agritourism industry and how to further develop the industry. State Senator Patricia Rucker (R-16) also …