photo by: Photo by Joselyn King

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey

WHEELING – West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey endorses all four proposed constitutional amendments on the state’s Nov. 8 election ballot.

“I think that they’re positive things for West Virginia, and I support them,” Morrisey said during a recent stop in Wheeling

His approval begins with Amendment 1 – “Clarification of the Judiciary’s Role in Impeachment Proceedings Amendment.” The amendment would clarify that courts have no authority or jurisdiction to intercede or intervene in or interfere with impeachment proceedings of the House of Delegates or the Senate. In short, if an elected official is impeached by the Legislature, they would not be able to appeal that impeachment in court.

“I think Amendment 1 qualifies language that most people thought was already in place with respect to the Legislature and impeachment,” Morrisey said.

He also thinks Amendment 2 would permit the Legislature to carefully consider how it is going to lower taxes and change the state’s tax system in the future.

The “Property Tax Modernization Amendment” would give the Legislature permission to make changes in the tax system. This could include exempting machinery, equipment, and inventory taxes for businesses, and eliminating personal property tax on motor vehicles for all individuals in the state.

“West Virginia badly needs comprehensive tax reform,” Morrisey said. “I love the concept of getting rid of the income tax. I understand why (Gov. Jim Justice) is focusing on that. You have to do (all those things) things, and that is going to make a difference.

“I do support Amendment 2 because we need to have comprehensive tax reform and put everything on the table.”

Amendment 3 would permit the Incorporation of Churches or Religious Denominations. Most other states allow churches to incorporate.

“Amendment 3 is common sense – the incorporation of churches,” Morrisey said. “West Virginia has been an outlier in that regard, and it makes it easier for churches to transfer assets and titles and liability protection.”

He was asked whether it also makes it harder to sue a church where someone has been the victim of sexual abuse.

“As someone who has been out there trying to protect people from abuse, I don’t view it that way,” Morrisey said. “It’s just a positive thing to give them the ability to function. It’s just an antiquated system. Most churches support it, and I support it.”

Morrisey called Amendment 4 the most important of all amendments.

“The Legislature should absolutely have the right to approve or disapprove of the rules coming out of the State School Board,” he explained. “This Legislature is eager to initiate changes to help our public schools get better.”

Morrisey noted that a look at low current standardized test scores in West Virginia shows the state needs to “double down” on its efforts regarding education.

“The voters should support Amendment 4 to bring more accountability to the system,” he continued. “You can’t be so low in the rankings for so long and not expect change.

“Every student deserves the best education possible. And to me, that means the best public schools in America, and great public sector options,” Morrisey said.