It looks increasingly unlikely that there will be major post-election special session on state tax reform, particularly since any recommendations from the Manchin administration are not expected until late this month.
No less an authority than House Finance Chairman Harold Michael, D-Hardy, told me, "That's just not going to happen."
He said lawmakers will need months — not days — to analyze any administration proposals, and consult with tax experts.
Michael said that in order to undertake a massive overhaul of the state's tax system in November, the administration should have submitted its proposals by July, not late October.
"There's no way you can do that in a short period of time," he said.
"The bottom line is, we're not going to be handed a bill and vote on it," Michael added.
Likewise, Delegate Cindy Frich, R-Monongalia, sent a letter to Manchin last week asking for at least an outline of any tax reform proposals to be addressed in special session.
Manchin administration officials, meanwhile, seemed to be tempering down expectations for a November special session last week, suggesting that certain perfunctory recommendations could be dealt with this fall, with key reform measures to be left to the regular session.
To contact staff writer Phil Kabler, e-mail philk@wvgazette.com or call 348-1220.