West Virginia Republican governor signs budget, vows to bring back lawmakers for fixes

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed a budget of just under $5 billion Thursday after criticizing lawmakers for approving it in the waning hours of the 60-day session with less money for some critically needed programs.

Justice was especially concerned about lower-than-expected funding for the Department of Human Services. He said he’ll likely call lawmakers back in special session as soon as next month so it can be adjusted by the end of the fiscal year in June.

“Why in the world did we do this?” Justice, a Republican, said during his weekly media briefing earlier Thursday.

Justice’s proposed a general revenue budget of $5.265 billion in January. He said some money that was cut from Human Services also meant that matching federal funding is gone, too. He said the legislative cuts could hurt some of the state’s most vulnerable residents, including foster children and disabled people.

“I am here to tell you, when we call them back, this will be front and center,” he said. “It’s going to take time to figure this out. Please tell me why we didn’t take the time to listen to the people who are the real experts. The real expects are the people that have been in our revenue department.”

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