CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A pair of Monongalia County delegates from opposing sides of the aisle gave their reactions to the state of the state address.
On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Republican Joe Statler, Monongalia, questioned what the governor referred to as a “flat budget.” He said while the governor talks about fiscal restraint, he has proposed major investments in PEIA, raises for public employees, and higher education.
“If you followed along last night, your head is probably spinning like mine is,” Statler said. “Wait a second here, we’re going to keep a relatively flat budget, but we have all this additional spending—$400 million here, and $500,000 there.”
Statler said the session is very early, and all of these proposals must navigate both chambers before they become reality. All those proposals will have to get the approval of 100 House of Delegates and 34 West Virginia State Senate members.
“That’s the governor’s budget,” Statler said. “It still has two houses to go through, and we’ll see what changes we’ll make.”
Democrat Evan Hansen, of Monongalia, said the state is at a pivotal point fiscally, with record surpluses. Hansen questioned the wisdom of recognizing such a large surplus when investments are needed in many areas of state government.
“So much of what we’re going to have to deal with this session is how we can be responsible with the surplus and make sure we use that money to invest in West Virginia, and I think we have some overlapping priorities on that,” Hansen said.
For Hansen, tax reform is important but more important is making the right decision for people and the economy of the state with these record state surplus figures.
“We want to return money to taxpayers if we can, but also make sure we invest in West Virginians and West Virginia businesses,” Hansen said. “Invest in ways that will bring long-term prosperity to the state.”