Cole to Justice: Stop Games, Offer Fiscal Plan

Press Release

Republican Gubernatorial nominee Bill Cole called on Jim Justice to stop throwing political stones, and instead offer voters his plan to move West Virginia forward and solve our state's fiscal crisis without shutting down state government.

Jim Justice offered no plan close the $271 million budget deficit in the budget lawmakers just passed. He has only made empty promises that he wouldn't cut spending or increase revenue. He offered a silly stop-gap solution to audition for a spot on the reality TV show Shark Tank.

"Jim Justice can't have it both ways," said Cole. "I worked hard as Senate President to begin to control the growth of state government, which has increased more than 56 percent during the last 16 years. Jim Justice offered no plan, which would have resulted in a government shutdown that was unacceptable to the citizens of West Virginia."

The Cole Led Budget:

Began to rein in the growth of state government with $122 million in cuts while shoring up PEIA, continuing PROMISE Scholarships, guaranteeing Medicaid payments to providers, and preserving many key economic development programs.
Identified $40 million in appropriated but unspent money, and prevented bureaucrats from wasting it by applying it to the Fiscal Year 2017 deficit.
Rejected Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's call for almost $300 million in tax hikes.
Provided needed revenue in the form of a modest increase in the tax on tobacco, only after it became clear the Governor wouldn't sign a budget without new revenue.
Used a modest amount of the state's Rainy Day Fund, which prevented a large reduction that would have jeopardized the state's bond rating.
In a news release yesterday, Jim Justice engaged in more political gamesmanship and stone throwing by making false claims about Bill Cole's dedication to solving the state's fiscal crises. Jim Justice said he grew impatient about the legislative process, but at the same time, he has no problem being patient in paying his mounting tax debts that would go to fund schools and critical local government services. Jim Justice claims he is used to working 18-hour days, but he he failed to step up and meet the obligations of an agreement to clean up one of his strip mine sites in Kentucky that recently resulted in a massive mudslide that destroyed the homes of innocent people.

"While the state has a budget that offers fiscal certainty without a massive tax increase on hard working West Virginia families, the next Governor will walk into office in January 2017 facing an at least $250 million budget deficit," said Cole. "I am committed to continue to rein in the out-of-control growth of our state government. There are millions of dollars in cuts to the budget that only a Governor with experience and determination can make."

"Jim Justice needs to stop throwing political stones from The Greenbrier and come forward and offer voters his plan to solve our state's fiscal crisis -- specifically the $250 million deficit in next year's budget," challenged Cole. "If he remains silent, voters can only assume that he will continue to make empty promises and then force the largest tax increase in history that West Virginians cannot afford."

Source