Legislature 2009: Day 37

• The Senate Finance Committee has advanced Gov. Joe Manchin's "double-dipping" bill -- but only while the committee member most opposed to the measure, Majority Leader Truman Chafin, was out of the room, The Associated Press reports.

• But Chafin, D-Mingo, didn't miss an opportunity to liken parking meter readers to "Nazi people" during a Senate discussion of a bill to expand their powers, Public Broadcasting reports (with audio).

• The Register-Herald of Beckley focuses on a component of the gambling regulation bill for The Greenbrier "allowing the state’s racetrack casinos and the historic hotel to give away promotional free play coupons to entice gamblers to their venues."

• MetroNews reports on The Greenbrier bill's endorsement from the Senate Judiciary Committee, and notes the coupon provision.

• In the wake of a legislative audit that questioned its future usefulness, senators have proposed abolishing the state Pharmaceutical Cost Management Council, The Charleston Gazette reports. "Hamstrung by pharmaceutical industry lobbyists, and given less-than-fervent support by the Manchin administration, the council never achieved its goal of being a national pacesetter on the issue," the article said.

• Thursday is Children's Day at the Legislature, and Public Broadcasting and Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia are co-hosting a forum that allows state youth to quiz legislators via YouTube.

• The Charleston Daily Mail asks lawmakers about college basketball.