GOP Leaders Say They'll 'Hold the Line' on Justice's Increased Spending

On The Legislature Today, House Speaker Tim Armstead and Senate President Mitch Carmichael say their chambers are still diligently working on plans to balance the 2018 budget, but the $497 million gap estimated by the Governor’s Office for the coming fiscal year, Carmichael calls it a number inflated by Gov. Jim Justice’s want to increase spending. 

Carmichael discusses the Senate’s push to “hold the line” on spending while still providing vital government services. 

Armstead says while he would like approve a budget in a bi-partisan fashion, he believes Republican members of his chamber are ready to make the tough decisions when it comes to downsizing government, which likely means laying off state workers. 

Delegates approved two bills today including one to correct the definition of telehealth in state code. Senators voted on four pieces of legislation. One of those bills allows doctors who specialize in emergency medicine to also be eligible for scholarships and loan reimbursements if they choose to work in underserved areas.

In the Senate’s Workforce Committee, members advanced a bill to limit the powers of cities and towns.

First Lady Cathy Justice spoke at her first solo event today since her husband’s inauguration. Liz McCormick reports the First Lady helped recognize International Women’s Day at the Capitol, kicking off Women’s History Month.