CHARLESTON —
West Virginia state agencies are reviewing their options for complying with a 7.5 percent spending cut sought by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin for the upcoming budget year.
Less painful choices include a halt to hiring, eliminating unfilled job slots and not replacing employees who leave or retire. Administration officials say they’ve heard no talk yet of layoffs. But they’re also not ruling them out.
State law requires agencies to submit their proposals for the next budget by Sept. 1. But they’ve been bracing for possible cuts. State budget forecasts since 2010 have warned of a potential deficit threat during the 2013-14 fiscal year.
The call for belt tightening follows several years of gradual cuts both to business and consumer taxes. Administration officials downplay their role in the projected budget gap.
West Virginia
Facing cuts, W.Va. agencies weighing options
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State inmates will start farming for food bank
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W.Va. gets reprieve from No Child Left Behind law
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Coin commemorates W.Va.’s 150th birthday
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Record trout caught in Berkeley County
The Division of Natural Resources says a record rainbow trout was caught in Berkeley County.
DNR director Frank Jezioro says the trout was caught by Tony Corbin of Gerrardstown on May 2 from a private pond. - More West Virginia Headlines
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State inmates will start farming for food bank
