Southern West Virginia News

Washington D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) emphasized the advantages of the GOP's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) during a recent Ways and Means Committee Hearing, highlighting the positive impact on families and businesses in West Virginia and across the nation.

During the hearing, Congresswoman Miller welcomed Michael Ervin, founder of the Coal River Coffee Company, stating, "I especially want to welcome fellow West Virginian Mr. Ervin, of Coal River Coffee Company in St. Albans, which is in my district, for making the trip to Washington and getting an earful of how we do business here. It's entirely different. It's just so good to hear the voices of businesses owners from my home state to discuss the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and our Committee's work to extend key benefits for hardworking Americans like Mr. Ervin and his employees. You are all what make this country great."

Reflecting on the significance of the TCJA, Congresswoman Miller emphasized its positive effects on both corporations and individuals. She remarked, "The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was one of the most important policies passed into law in generations, thanks to the work of President Trump and the united Republican governance in the House and Senate. To this day, the positive impacts of a simpler tax code are still being felt."

Regarding the potential impact of altering the corporate tax rate, Congresswoman Miller expressed her support for maintaining the current rate, stating, "Lowering our corporate tax rate to a globally competitive 21 percent has been a key driver in drawing investment to our country and allowing our businesses to reinvest in their employees and communities. Any increase to pay for any industry specific handouts undermines the core tenant of the TCJA, and broadening our tax base and simplifying the tax code."

During the hearing, Mr. Ervin shared insights on the importance of the 199(A) small business deduction, expressing concerns about the potential consequences if the deduction were not extended. He stated, "If we lose that deduction, in particular, it will squelch, it will kill that environment. Hopefully, for my children who are sitting in the back of this right now watching this, they can inherit my business someday. If deduction is not extended, were made permanent, which is what I hope, then me and the other entrepreneurs, business owners in 98% of the business in my state, might have to close and that's why I'm here today."

Congresswoman Miller also inquired about Mr. Ervin's community investments post-TCJA, to which he responded, "We help start organizations. We give money towards title league programs in particular. are these bigger corporations doing that? No, they're not. We give to almost every