Tomblin: Festivals, Fairs Won't Suffer Next Budget

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin says festivals and fairs likely won’t suffer in next year’s budget.

Tomblin tells the Parkersburg News and Sentinel that his upcoming budget proposal would maintain the $1.9 million set aside for fairs and festivals this year.

Tomblin has said he wants to use $100 million from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to cover a projected funding gap in the 2016 budget year.

Unlike the last two years, Tomblin says across-the-board cuts, except for some protected programs, will not be part of his 2016 suggestions.

Tomblin will propose his budget in January at the start of the state’s 60-day legislative session. Then lawmakers will craft the state budget during session. Tomblin has the ability to veto spending items afterward.