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Special session over; lawmakers leave Charleston
By Jeff Jenkins, WV MetroNews
State lawmakers ended their special session on the state budget Tuesday evening after passing several bills including a new funding source to stabilize the Public Employees Insurance Agency.
The bill (HB123) gives authority to the state revenue secretary during the next four budget years to sweep revenue accounts to come up with $15 million for PEIA. Most of the money will be...
WV lawmakers end special session with budget, PEIA bills
Phil Kabler , Staff Writer
Closing out a 17-day special session, West Virginia legislators put the final touches on a $4.187 billion 2016-17 state budget on Tuesday — including amending it to include a new reserve fund to lessen the impact of pending premium increases for retirees and public employees covered by the Public Employees Insurance Agency.
House Democrats, in particular, raised concerns...
Tomblin offers PEIA funding incentive to gain House votes on tobacco tax
By Matt Maccaro, WV MetroNews
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin sweetened the pot Sunday in an effort to persuade House Democrats on a 65-cent tobacco increase as part of his budget plan.
Tomblin promised that proceeds from the cigarette tax—a key part of his revamped budget— would help fund the state’s Public Employee Insurance Agency.
“One would provide $15 million in additional general...
Miley: at least half of House Dems will support 65-cent tobacco increase if money goes to PEIA
By Jeff Jenkins, WV MetroNews
House of Delegates Minority Leader Tim Miley says members of his caucus have made a “significant concession” in hopes of passing a new budget and avoiding a state government shutdown.
During an appearance Friday on MetroNews “Talkline,” Miley (D-Harrison) explained the 51 percent plan. He said he can deliver at least 19 votes from...
Senate could move on revised budget Saturday
By Shauna Johnson, WV MetroNews
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia House of Delegates is not on board with what’s billed as a revised bipartisan budget agreement between Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Senate members, according to House Speaker Tim Armstead.
Tomblin announced the agreement Wednesday, along with his veto of the proposed 2017 budget the Legislature approved in a special session last week.
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