W.Va. Budget Update: April Revenues Top Estimate

West Virginia lawmakers and Gov. Joe Manchin wanted to wait until after April's tax collections came in before proceeding with a new state budget. The Associated Press reports that "the month's general tax revenues should exceed estimates by $15 million to $20 million."

"That would put state government back on track to end the current budget year June 30 balanced or with a minor surplus," the article said. "A key month for annual tax collections, April's numbers suggest the Legislature won't have to cut spending in the next budget beyond the $200 million Gov. Joe Manchin has already announced."

The House and Senate finished that 60-day session on April 11, and plan to complete a new state budget between May 26 and June 6, AP notes.

AP also reports that at least one other state, Mississippi, has delayed completing its next budget because of the troubled economy. "West Virginia is among at least 42 states that have projected gaps in their upcoming budgets," the article said. "These threatened deficits totaled $121 million at one point, though the latest tally shows states have since reduced them to a combined $67.4 million."

The Charleston Daily Mail also reports on April's figures, while The Intelligencer of Wheeling checks in with local lawmakers regarding the upcoming session work.