CHARLESTON, W.Va. — When negotiations finally resume on the state budget—those involved in the talks won’t be beginning from scratch–at least that’s not the way Justice administration Chief of Staff
Nick Casey sees it.Casey believes the talks with Senate and House leadership should begin where they left off with Senate President Mitch Carmichael on the final night of the legislative session.
“The pathway forward is conservation about that Senate bill. It had everybody helping. It had some business taxes. It had a consumer sales tax and a wealthy individual tax,” Casey said.
The framework also includes the severance tax component that would increase the severance rate on coal and natural gas when production levels are high and lower the tax in tough times. Two industry leaders met with Gov. Justice last week to discuss the plan, Casey said.
“Mr. (Bob) Murray from Murray Energy is supportive of where the governor is going and Cecil Roberts from UMWA is supportive on the severance tax issues,” Casey said.
Carmichael said during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline” back on Friday there is a framework forward but cautioned.
“We need to consult with our colleagues in the House of Delegates closely to ensure we work this compromise through the system,” Carmichael said.
House of Delegates Speaker Tim Armstead has repeatedly said during the past week the “framework” won’t get in the House.