12 February 2009

Manchin's State of the State

Gov. Joe Manchin outlined a dozen or so proposals Wednesday during a State of the State address that invoked West Virginia's recent economic successes in the face of a deepening recession, The Associated Press and others report.

The state's current footing allows it to avoid drastic cuts to services and other harsh steps pursued by harder hit peers, Manchin said. But while dampening the prospects for any tax hikes, he ruled out pay raises and warned lawmakers against upping spending. He also made no mention of the sort of tax cuts and breaks advocated by the Legislature's minority Republicans.

AP reports separately on Manchin's proposed 2009-2010 state budget, which slightly increases spending over the current year but balances without major cuts or tax increases. But the real news may be that "Manchin's budget team is forecasting a $244 million deficit for the 2011 fiscal year" under current revenue and spending projections.

The governor's web site offers the webcast of the speech as well as text and his administration's budget presentation to lawmakers.

Others on hand to cover the 45-minute address include:

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