WVU's Economic Impact on NCWV Exceeds $3.6 Billion Annually (Charleston, Morgantown: sales, schools)

[CTMountaineer]

In spite of major reductions in state appropriations for higher education, which have done major damage to all schools in the state, WVU continues to provide an incredible investment bargain. The state provides just over $180 million annually in appropriations. Direct repayments to state government for employee state income tax and sales taxes for WVU return $66 million directly to the state. That leaves a state annual investment of $114 million per year. In exchange for that amount, the benefits to the state are innumerable but include tax payments from the more than 26,000 jobs created in our region from University operations, most of which are indirectly created, and the state's most visible positive force nationally.

TheDPost.com - Report: WVU

[abwvu1]

Why aren't the state legislators down in Charleston aware of this? Too much blood money from coal barons and lobbyists to blind them? Any tax revenue is badly needed in this state. This is potentially killing any momentum Morgantown/NCWV is getting. This bullcrap in Charleston has to stop.

[CTMountaineer]

A serious look at priorities needs to take place. When a total of $20 million is being invested in the Lottery Palace, but reductions are being made to our state's higher education system on a regular basis, that literally screams misplaced priorities. There are plenty of other examples too, but if we are ever going to get things turned around everyone needs to be aware of what is happening, not just those in Charleston.

If we ever get around to having the proper emphasis on education here, great things could happen.