The Senate passed its version of Budget Bill for fiscal year 2023 during Friday morning’s floor session.
Senate Bill 250 maintains the $4.645 billion figure set by Governor Jim Justice in the budget he presented to the Legislature at the beginning of the 2022 Regular Session. The figure is a 1.4 percent increase from a revised revenue estimate of $4.579 billion for the current fiscal year ending in June.
The increase is due to a proposed 5 percent pay raise for state employees, teachers and school service personnel, at a cost of approximately $120 million. Another $41 million is required for inmate medical care due to court mandates and healthcare inflation.
The Senate’s budget now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.
Also on Friday, the Senate memorialized the life of former Senator Sue Cline with the adoption of Senate Resolution 49Â
Cline was appointed to the Senate in 2016 and served the people of the 9th District until 2020. She was a lifelong resident of Wyoming County. Cline passed on Dec. 29, 2021. She was 75.
UPDATE
The Senate reconvened briefly Friday afternoon to receive House messages and committee reports.
The body adopted HCR31, urging the Congress of the United States to call a convention of states.
The Senate is adjourned until Monday, March 7, at 11 a.m.
Judiciary is meeting at 1:50 p.m. in 208W
Monday Morning Meetings:
Judiciary at 9 a.m. in 208W.
Pensions at 10 a.m. in 451M.
