Finding Revenue in West Virginia

With the Legislature in Charleston for its monthly interim meetings, talk is expected to turn to a final tally of "surplus" revenue from the budget year that ended June 30.

"High demand for coal and natural gas has helped the state stay in the black while others around the country are facing budget cuts and red ink," The Associated Press reports. "Fiscal conservatives in the Legislature want to use the surplus to pay down some of the state's debts."

Senate Finance Chairman Walt Helmick, D-Pocahontas, spoke to MetroNews on the topic. "He says the Legislature would be foolish to create any new state programs," it reported. Audio here.

Lawmakers are also expected to discuss funding for the state's many volunteer fire departments. The Register-Herald of Beckley reports on one emerging suggestion on the topic: legalizing fireworks.

AP also has coverage of another proposed revenue raising measure for the state: charging up to $400 for the placement of roadside memorials, to cover the cost of the Division of Highways maintaining them.