Leading lawmakers expressed concern
Wednesday night after learning Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin proposed using nearly $84
million from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help balance the budget next fiscal
year.
The governor didn’t specifically mention
the plan during his State of the State Address but it has been revealed in
budget briefings. This will mark the first time money has been taken from the
reserve fund to meet regular budget needs. In the past it has been used only to
help pay for natural disasters.
“We’ve got to be very careful about
it. I’m not sure that we need to really dip into that particular fund. I’ve got
to look at that very seriously,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Roman
Prezioso said.
The fund currently has a balance of
more than $900 million. Tomblin administration officials said the $84 million
is needed to cover the increasing cost of Medicaid.
Senate President Jeff Kessler
appeared more open to the possibility as a “bridge the gap” method, though
stipulating it must be repaid quickly.
“I don’t want to open it up and
turn on the spigots and say, ‘Empty the pool,’” Kessler said.
House of Delegates Minority Leader
Tim Armstead, who’s concerned about the proposal, contended there’s excess in
the budget that can be cut to make up the difference.
“Before we start using the funds
that we have reserved for crises and unexpected events in our state to fill
budget holes, we really need to take our budget from step one and start looking
at ways we can be more efficient,” Armstead said.
The House and Senate finance
committees are expected to fully discuss the proposal in the coming weeks.
