Budget Session Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Governor Extends Legislative Session

Gov. Jim Justice has extended the legislative session to address the state’s budget.

The governor issued a proclamation Thursday extending the Legislature’s regular session by one day to Sunday, March 10. The proclamation states that “no matters other than the Budget Bill shall be considered during this extension of the regular session.”

An extension is required by the state Constitution if a budget bill hasn’t been completed three days before the end of the session. The budget bill is the only legislation that the state constitution requires the Legislature to pass each year.

A potential clawback of federal money due to education spending was announced last week that required changes to appropriations as recently as Tuesday.

Extending session to address the budget was the norm for many years, but recently legislative leadership has prided itself on completing the budget within the 60 day session.

West Virginia Lawmakers Resume Work on Long-Delayed Budget

West Virginia lawmakers have returned to negotiate a long-delayed 2017 budget hampered by the coal industry’s downfall and low natural gas prices.

The Republican-led Legislature reconvened Monday, per Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s call.

Tomblin has proposed options of tax increases on sales, tobacco, e-cigarettes and cellphone and landline use.

Tomblin suggested using $29 million from the Rainy Day Fund and millions from other funds to backfill the 2016 budget. He requested authority to furlough state employees in fiscal emergencies.

The 2017 fiscal year starts July 1. A $270 million budget gap remains.

The Senate previously passed tobacco and sales tax hikes. The House didn’t. The cellphone and landline tax went unconsidered.

The sales tax increase could be at most 1 percent.

House Speaker Tim Armstead says it’s disappointing Tomblin placed the burden on taxpayers.

Cole: Budget Session Likely to Include Cigarette Tax Hike

West Virginia’s Senate President says legislative leaders and the governor are inching closer to a budget deal, predicting West Virginia could see a special session as early as next week.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s staff said once again Wednesday that he is committed to calling a special session once he and legislative leaders have reached an agreement on how to balance the 2017 budget.

After day-long meetings Tuesday, Senate President Bill Cole said Wednesday lawmakers are close to reaching that deal.

Cole said the deal will likely include a vote on a 45 cent per pack cigarette tax increase to help bring in new revenues, but will also include cuts and pulling money from the Rainy Day Fund or agency accounts, something Tomblin has expressed concern over.

Cole said a special session could come next week, but if not, it will wait until after the May 10 primary election.

“To me it’s not a political decision, the sooner we get it done the better,” he said. “So, if we can get it done pre-primary we’ll do it and if not, we’ll get it done as quickly after the primary as we can.”

A budget must be approved by state lawmakers by June 30.