CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Surrounded by House Democrats, Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday afternoon he’s decided to extend the 60-day regular legislative session by one day.
“In one day we ought to be able to get everything done,” Justice said. “Why should the people pay more money for us to be here when we’ve been here for 60 days? You can’t answer that can you? There is no answer.”
Justice doesn’t like the Republican leadership’s budget plans from the House and Senate. A large part of the House’s plan is based on $137 million in new revenue brought on as part of a ‘broaden the base, lower the rate’ tax plan. The plan, which removes dozens of sales tax exemptions, passed the House 52-48 Wednesday. The Senate passed its budget bill Wednesday. It calls for $160 million in cuts.
Justice said the plans have little support in the statehouse or across the Mountain State.
“Where are they going to turn to a friend? They’ve got two pathways and both of them are spinning off into crazy man’s land in my opinion,” Justice said.
Justice illustrated the lack of support at Wednesday’s news conference with a hamburger bun with no hamburger, a nothing burger he called it, and a mayonnaise sandwich.
The governor said his latest plan is supported by Democrats in the legislature.
“What Justice is really asking for is $103 million. It’s spread out as painlessly as possible as we can and jumpstart us like crazy,” Justice said earlier Wednesday on MetroNews “Talkline.”
House Minority Leader Tim Miley and other House Democrats stood behind Justice Wednesday. Miley said the Democrats “by and large” support the governor’s plan.
“That plan includes everyone having skin the game. Not just consumers paying more in sales tax but the business community paying a tax,” Miley said. “We’re with the governor at the end of the day. Now, does that mean everybody? Probably not everybody in the Democratic Caucus but by and large the Democratic Caucus is supportive of the governor’s plan because we think it makes the most sense.”
Miley added there is a chance more compromise will occur between the governor and Republican leaders.
“We want to see what the final compromise plan is,” Miley said.
Dems gather with @WVgovernor https://t.co/ghCU0P4suP
— Brad McElhinny (@BradMcElhinny) April 5, 2017