West Virginia Chamber of Commerce supports Manchin’s rejection of Build Back Better
December 20, 2021
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WV News) The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce on Monday announced its support of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., in saying he will vote against the Build Back Better bill.
A majority of West Virginians have been shown both in recent polling and at a recent tele-town hall hosted by the chamber to be against the bill’s passage, according to a release from the chamber.
During the town hall, thousands of West Virginians had the opportunity to speak and ask questions. No one who spoke wanted Build Back Better to pass, according to the release.
“Sen. Manchin has made the best possible decision for our state and nation,” said Steve Roberts, chamber president. “The bill specifically hurts our West Virginia energy production and pointedly raises taxes on natural gas which is vital to our well-being and is an important ingredient in many manufacturing processes.
“The bill favored out-of-state auto and truck manufacturers and hurt our own in state producers. It seriously undermined our childcare services and specifically negatively targeted the church-based providers who give us 53% of our nation’s childcare services.”
The chamber also noted Manchin’s concerns on the bill’s economic impact. He has said he cannot support the bill amid heightened inflation and the ongoing COVID-19 uncertainty.
Story by Staff Reports of WV News