EKB News

Although West Virginia revenue figures indicate a $16 million shortfall which is expected to widen to around $100 million by June 30th., Governor Joe Manchin says he does not yet plan to lay off public workers, cut programs or raise taxes. Earlier this week, revenue officials announced the administration has a "cushion" of $168 million in revenues left from the two previous years. They say that surplus, with the state's emergency reserves, which exceed $537 million, and a bulk of federal stimulus funding left, the state can avoid harsh steps.