Gov. Justice: Special Session Not Needed To Fix Budget Hole

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice says the state’s budget will be in good shape despite a significant hole in revenue due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

Despite earlier saying he would call the Legislature into a special session to handle an anticipated $300 million deficit for the current fiscal year, Justice said Monday the state has enough cash on hand to make it to the end of the month. 

Justice has remained hopeful that federal aid will be made available to cover a shortfall, although congressional rules prevent funds already allocated from being used to cover state budgets. 

The governor says he has created a committee that will meet later this week to address revenues.

The state’s fiscal year turns over on July 1. 

With coronavirus cases on the rise in the state, Justice has urged residents to wear a mask in public to prevent spread. However, he says he won’t mandate people wear masks because it would be a divisive issue.