Associated Press Published

W.Va. Bishop Calls for Restoration of Program Cuts

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The spiritual leader of West Virginia’s Roman Catholic Church is urging state officials to restore funding the governor cut from some social services programs.

Bishop Michael J. Bransfield said the cuts will place children and families in poverty at further risk.
 
Gov.Tomblin cut several social service programs in a line-item veto in March. Last week, he restored about $150,000 for an in-home family education program, $80,000 for child abuse prevention and $30,000 for a domestic violence legal services fund.
 
Bransfield said in a statement issued Friday that cuts totaling $800,000 remain.
 
He said the cuts jeopardize programs that make a difference in children’s daily lives.
 
Bransfield said an upcoming special legislative session provides an opportunity to restore the funding.

Stephen Smith of the West Virginia Healthy Kids and Families Coalition said Friday advocates and Del. Nancy Guthrie were meeting with the governor’s staff to discuss the adding the issues to next week’s special session, but added they were not optimistic.