House, Senate Pass Dueling Budget Bills

The House and Senate each passed versions of a new state budget Wednesday, a day earlier that expected, The Associated Press and others report.

"Both versions include $4.2 billion worth of spending backed by general tax and lottery revenues," the AP article said. "The House's is $197 million smaller than what Manchin first proposed in February. The Senate cuts total around $200 million."

The Senate voted unanimously both to suspend the rules for an early vote, and to pass the bill. Delegates passed their version 82-13, after just enough of them voted to suspend the rules.