By RUSTY MARKS
The State Journal
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Democrats in the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate say they’re on board with a proposal from Gov. Jim Justice that lawmakers not be paid if they’re forced to go into special session to pass a state budget.
Justice, who has been pushing the Republican-led Legislature to come up with a budget plan, recently said lawmakers should not get paid if they don’t pass a budget before the end of the 60-day regular legislative session in April. The Legislature traditionally meets in special session immediately after the end of the regular session to finalize its budget, which usually occurs within a few days. Failure of the Senate and House to agree on a budget last year forced a lengthy special session.
“West Virginia residents deserve better than the uncertainty that comes with delayed action on a budget, especially when they are footing the bill,” Miley said. “That is why we are supportive of Gov. Justice’s proposal to limit the pay of legislators to only five days of a special session to get a budget passed.”
“We are facing a fiscal crisis and 60 days should be plenty of time to find a solution if we work together and focus on finding solutions we can all support,” said Senate Minority Leader Roman Prezioso, D-Marion. “If we use our time during session wisely, then we shouldn’t have to be here in June still working on the budget like we were last year. And the last thing we need is any incentive to be here in June, which is why I support the Governor’s proposal to limit pay for legislators to only 5 days of a special session.”
On Monday, House and Senate Republicans unveiled a “budget framework” that would limit state spending to no more than $4.055 billion, and promised to pass a budget before the end of the legislative session.
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