06 February 2009

Looking Ahead to the Legislative Session

Reporters and editors from around the state got a hint at some of the issues on tap for the upcoming 60-day session, at a Thursday forum held by The Associated Press:

  • Gov. Joe Manchin hinted at both tax relief and possible premium increases for the unemployment compensation fund, AP reports.;
  • But after Manchin re-issued his pledge against raising taxes, at least for general revenue, a pair of legislative leaders touted a hefty cigarette tax hike as a way to further health care coverage, AP also reports;
  • AP reports as well on the expected roles coal and natural gas will play in the state's revenue picture for the short-term, with Thursday's discussion also turning to the environmental concerns from each.
Others reporting from the Legislative Lookahead include The Charleston Gazette and the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington (additional article here).

No comments: