CHARLESTON – On March 21 Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed House Bill 2971, which relates to the consumer sales tax on food for home consumption.

“I am so pleased to sign into law a $26 million reduction of the food tax. This tax relief will impact every West Virginia household,” Tomblin said in a press release. “Over the past six years, we have responsibly given approximately $100 million dollars of food tax relief to our citizens.

By lowering the food tax from the current 3 percent to 2 percent, the state will return $26 million to the pockets of citizens.

Now signed into law, the food tax cut will become effective on Jan. 1, 2012.

“Food is a life necessity and one, I believe, that should be affordable for every individual,” Gov. Tomblin said. “I am pleased to inform all West Virginia citizens that part this tax burden will be lifted starting next year. I hope this change will assist our seniors and families handle the expense of everyday living more comfortably.”