Wheeling Chamber Pumped Up

POSTED: 11:23 am EDT October 9, 2006

Ohio County officials are asking the state to re-think a proposed gasoline tax hike.

West Virginia state officials want to raise the gasoline tax, which would result in costs up to an extra 8 cents per gallon.

The state further wants to maintain the statewide food tax at 5 percent.

Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce President Terry Sterling said Ohio County businesses would suffer if the taxes go through.

Starling said the issues are a "major concern" to both consumers and small businesses in Ohio County because the county is located on the state's border.

"(The state's position) really hurts consumers and it hurts our businesses with respect to being competitive," Sterling said. "Our job here at the chamber is to do everything we can to create a favorable business climate."

The chamber has also asked the state to examine its current illegal immigration legislation. Wheeling officials have asked state officials to strengthen existing laws dealing with hiring undocumented workers.

-Renee Cardelli & Jackie Cain, NEWS9

http://www.wtov9.com/news/10034346/detail.html