CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Senate President Craig Blair is highlighting good news about the state’s revenue outlook as well as funds for retirees. As usual, he is tempering the good news with caution that he and the other members of the state’s majority want to spend cautiously so as not to run out funding for future endeavors should the revenue picture tighten up.
He said on Monday’s edition of Panhandle Live.
Senator Blair’s office provided multiple documents related to the state’s budget, which you can access here:
From Senator Blair – January FY24
Blair-unemployment/budget bills
Audio below
CHARLESTON, W.Va. —
State Senate President Craig Blair says the last 10 days of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session will be busy as his chamber works to pass bills dealing with the state budget and unemployment. He spoke about this issue on Metronews…
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Blair said the Senate plans to run the budget bill out of the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday afternoon while suspending rules to pass it on the floor by the end of the day.
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Exactly how the Senate will treat state employee pay raises is up in the air, but Blair said he’s hopeful there will be some sort of increase
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The House of Delegates has already passed some pay raise bills, but Blair said those bills will remain separate from the Senate’s budget bill.
Blair hinted at possible adjustments to triggers in the state personal income tax cut.
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Blair said the Senate is also working on ways to have WorkForce West Virginia better address unemployment needs in the state.
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The final day of the 60-day session is March 9.
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***Audio with state Senate President Craig Blair from Wednesday’s MetroNews “Talkline”
Blair 1
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…says one bill they’re focused on has to do with unemployment taxes and benefits.
Blair 2
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…says he’d like to make changes to an umemployment bill in the Senate.
Blair 3
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…says the Senate is working on ways to have WorkForce West Virginia better address unemployment needs in the state.
Blair 4
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…says he’s there’s no clear decision how much of a pay increase state workers could get.
Blair 5
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…hints at possible adjustments to triggers in the state personal income tax cut.
