A Look at W.Va.’s Fiscal Situation and Revenue Surplus

Senate Finance Chair Craig Blair and House Finance Minority Chair Mick Bates join Senior Statehouse Reporter Dave Mistich to talk budget issues. We also bring you coverage from the West Virginia Department of Education’s budget hearing in House Finance and the latest on the community and technical college tuition assistance bill, SB 1.

The state Department of Education had their budget hearing Wednesday in House Finance. Superintendent of Schools Steven Paine said his request was $47 million less this year because of declining enrollment and program efficiencies. He explained Gov. Jim Justice’s budget included additional money to address the state substance abuse problem. We bring you a look inside that meeting.

Senior Statehouse Reporter Dave Mistich chats with Senate Finance Chair Sen. Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, and House Finance Minority Chair Del. Chair Mick Bates, D-Raleigh. Here are highlights from the interview:

• Overall fiscal situation in West Virginia
• How to use the budget surplus
• Comments on the proposal to divert $10 million to help President Donald Trump build a wall
• Upcoming state budget

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0w_ALY-Dz8
We also take a closer look at Senate Bill 1 – the community and technical college tuition assistance bill. It passed out of the Senate Education Committee Tuesday and is now in Senate Finance. This is the second attempt to create the scholarship program. Reporter Liz McCormick recently visited a family that remains hopeful for its passage.