State Lawmakers Offer Alternative Budget Ideas to Close the Gap

Republican legislative leaders are asking Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin for more options during the ongoing budget session. In a letter to the governor this week, Senate President Bill Cole and House Speaker Tim Armstead named other options to close a $270 million gap. Among them are $10 million from an infrastructure fund; eliminating the secretary of the arts and education, worth $852,000; and $16 million in greyhound subsidies. They want to revive bills introduced by Tomblin this year that would change the school aid formula, worth $15 million, and take $9 million in casino funding. Lawmakers previously killed the bills. Tomblin has proposed tax increases on tobacco and e-cigarettes, cellphone and landline use, and sales. Tomblin’s response letter says he’s willing to discuss new items if lawmakers outline their alternative budget plan.