Reactions Roll in to Manchin's '09 Agenda

Groups representing teachers tell The Associated Press that they don't see the need to reschedule the state's 180-day school calendar as Gov. Joe Manchin has proposed.

"State law fixes the start and end of the school year — no earlier than Aug. 26, no later than June 8 — which means there’s very little wiggle room in a year with, for example, lots of weather-related cancellations," AP's Tom Breen explains. "Manchin said he wants to change all that, starting the year earlier and allowing the possibility of extending the year later in June."

Teachers also say they are disappointed but not surprised by the governor all but ruling out pay increases, the News and Sentinel of Parkersburg reports. (They appear more upset with a recommendation regarding hiring made by a administration advisory board, The Charleston Gazette observes.)

But legislative leaders tell MetroNews it's their call whether next year's budget includes salary hikes.

Lawmakers are also bemoaning the state's revenue picture as outlined by Manchin officials. The Gazette and The Register-Herald of Beckley have items.

MetroNews also reports on the budget picture, while the Charleston Daily Mail focuses on the desire by House Republicans desire to cut taxes with the state's emergency reserves.