June 8th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin today released the following statement after vetoing House Bill 101, the Budget Bill, and announced a budget compromise with the Senate to balance the Fiscal Year 2017 budget:
"Since October, my Administration has worked with legislative leadership and legislative staff to develop a fiscally responsible, structurally sound budget that provides a stable path forward for our state's residents and businesses without relying on one-time monies to cover long-term and recurring budget needs. Over the past several months, I have presented two balanced budgets and repeatedly met with members of both houses and both parties to detail my plan and listen to alternative solutions to address our current and long-term budget challenges. The budget bill passed by the Legislature is irresponsible and leaves significant shortfalls in 2018 and 2019 that would further deplete the reserves we've worked so hard to preserve. That's why I have vetoed House Bill 101 in its entirety.
"Although we have different ideas of how to balance our state's budget long-term, I have worked with my colleagues in the Senate develop a plan, including a 65 cent tobacco tax, that balances the Fiscal Year 2017 budget without draining a quarter of our state's Rainy Day Fund and while maintaining the critical services on which so many West Virginians rely. I applaud senators from both parties for coming together with a willingness to work with my administration to find a reasonable, bipartisan budget solution. At a time when the state is facing such serious budget challenges, I strongly urge the House of Delegates to consider this bipartisan solution without delay to restore the confidence and stability so many of our state employees, residents and businesses deserve."
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