Jefferson County senator reflects on budget vote

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Republican State Senator Patricia Rucker voted against the state budget passed by lawmakers at the end of a lengthy special session, but not because she was opposed to the bill.

Senator Patricia Rucker (R-Jefferson)

Rucker (R-Jefferson), a first time lawmaker, told MetroNews affiliate WEPM in Martinsburg that despite her insistence she was never actually able to see the budget bill before a vote.

“In the last few weeks when we going tax reform, just cut the budget, I never actually got to see the bills,” Rucker said.

Rucker said numerous last minute changes to the bill stemming from talks with Gov. Jim Justice led to the situation.

“Especially during that special session. It was disorganized and chaos and they were constantly changing,” Rucker said.

Rucker said if she had been able to read the budget bill it would likely have earned her support, although she would have liked to see deeper, more specific cuts in some departments.

She said she preferred the budget approved by the state Senate at the end of the regular session, but understands a need for compromise.





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