Fact checking WSAZ Republican Gubernatorial Forum candidate Chris Miller [Video]

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – On Tuesday at the WSAZ Republican Gubernatorial Forum, candidate Chris Miller touted his business experience. When it comes to running the state of West Virginia, Miller said he will run it as a businessman and not as a politician.

“We’re going to run state government like a business and here’s my plan on day one … on day one, we’re going to get rid of the income tax,” Miller said.

That is a goal that would require support from the state legislature. In 2021, Gov. Jim Justice’s attempt to eliminate the income tax while raising the state’s sales tax was unanimously voted down by the House of Delegates. Another attempt to slash the income tax passed in 2023 but it is a gradual reduction over time.

“On day two, we’re going to drug test for welfare benefits,” Miller said.

The state of West Virginia started drug testing applicants for it’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families three-year pilot program in 2017. Lawmakers later extended …