Associated Press Published

Spokesman: West Virginia Governor Will Veto Entire Budget

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin

A spokesman says Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin will veto the Republican-led Legislature’s entire budget.

Spokesman Chris Stadelman said Friday that Tomblin will work with lawmakers on a plan that doesn’t mortgage West Virginia’s future.

Without a budget, the government shuts down July 1.

Tomblin has said he wouldn’t approve a plan dependent on one-time patches not addressing long-term problems. He offered several tax increase ideas.

GOP lawmakers passed a plan Thursday to cover a $270 million gap without raising taxes. It sweeps $245 million in one-time cash, including $183 million from reserves.

Both political parties traded expected election-year blame.

Tomblin called lawmakers into session May 16. It lasted 13 days and cost taxpayers $455,000. Lawmakers didn’t pass a budget in the allotted 60-plus-days starting in January.

Lawmakers return June 12.