Justice Revises Budget Proposal; Tobacco, Soft Drink Taxes Part Of Plan

By Phil Kabler After lawmakers pushed back on his original 2017-18 West Virginia budget plan, Gov. Jim Justice on Monday unveiled a second version that reduces proposed increases in sales taxes, gas taxes and business gross receipts taxes, and makes up some of the difference with higher tobacco taxes and a tax on sugary soft drinks. "Here's what it has to be for me: Balance the budget, but don't cripple us," Justice said at a Monday afternoon news conference, noting that he had worked overnight to come up with the alternate budget options. "I'm working like blooming crazy to come up with pathways that will get us there," he said of options to close a $500 million budget shortfall and help grow the state's economy. Justice criticized legislators who denounced his original budget plan, pointing out that they have yet to offer alternatives, with the regular legislative session one-third over, as of Monday. "I've surely heard some criticism to the plan, but I haven't heard back alternatives that we can do," he said. The governor said it would be "pitiful" if the Legislature required an extended special session to pass the budget, as occurred last year. Later Monday, House Speaker Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha, and Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, issued a joint statement in support of Justice's willingness to consider budget alternatives. "We're glad the Governor has heard the concerns of our constituents with his initial proposals and are heartened to know he is open to alternatives," the leaders said.