June 12th, 2017 by WCBC Radio
West Virginia lawmakers are trying to agree on tax and budget bills for the 16th day of a special session costing the state about $500,000 so far. The extra days each cost roughly $35,000. The law authorizes paying the 134 legislators $150 daily, plus travel expenses, as well as per diems of $55 if they commute and $131 for overnight stays. However, 37 were absent Monday. The regular two-month session ended in early April with the Republican-controlled Legislature passing a $4.1 billion general revenue budget that Democratic Gov. Jim Justice vetoed, saying the cuts were too deep for higher education, Medicaid and other programs. The House later rejected Justice-backed bills passed by the Senate to cut income taxes while raising sales taxes. Negotiations have narrowed some differences. Talks continue
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