Virginia
Virginia legislators say budget talks hinge on US debt limit standoff – WTOP News
Even a short-term breach in the federal debt limit would rattle an already fragile state economy, Virginia finance staffers on Tuesday told lawmakers, who say that looming uncertainty is now the main reason no budget deal is imminent.
Even a short-term breach in the federal debt limit would rattle an already fragile state economy, Virginia finance staffers on Tuesday told lawmakers, who say that looming uncertainty is now the main reason no budget deal is imminent.
Since the politically divided General Assembly’s regular session ended in February without an agreement on adjustments to the two-year spending plan that became law last year, budget negotiators have been meeting sporadically to continue talks. But, at odds over how to best allocate a revenue surplus, they have continually pushed back the target for reaching a deal, citing concerns about instability in the banking sector, the possibility of a recession and, more recently, the debt limit standoff.
After the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee heard Tuesday morning’s presentation about the risks of a potential debt limit breach, the panel’s co-chair George Barker said negotiators still believe the best course is to wait to see what transpires in Washington.
“What we have to do is to be confident that we are going to have the revenues to deal with what we’re going to spend, one one way or another,” he said in an interview.
Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Barry Knight is in agreement about keeping talks in a holding pattern contingent on the debt ceiling outcome, caucus spokesman Garren Shipley said.
In January, the U.S. government bumped up against its legal borrowing limit, and the Treasury Department began implementing “ extraordinary measures ” to avoid missing payments on its bills. The Treasury Department has warned the U.S. could default as soon as June 1 if there is no deal to raise the debt ceiling.
Talks on a path forward continued in Washington on Tuesday. Congressional Republicans want spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt ceiling. President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats argue the issues should not be linked.
Stephen Cummings, GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s secretary of finance, warned lawmakers that Virginia has a “heightened level of exposure” to any potential default because of its disproportionately large number of federal government workers and contractors.
Tuesday’s presentation, prepared by finance committee staff, warned that a short breach, resolved within a week, would disrupt markets and consumer confidence and increase unemployment. A prolonged breach could trigger a downturn comparable to the 2008 financial crisis, the presentation said, citing a Moody’s Analytics analysis.
Cummings also presented the committee with April’s revenue report, which showed general fund collections declined compared with the same month in 2022 but that year-to-date collections have surpassed what was expected in a December forecast.
In a statement, Youngkin argued the snapshot supports his push for expanding on last year’s tax cuts while boosting spending on government services including mental health, the environment and education.
“There’s plenty of money flowing into the system to continue delivering results for Virginians,” he said.
Virginia operates on a two-year budget, with the plan initially adopted in even-numbered years and amended in odd-numbered years. During the regular session earlier this year, lawmakers in the GOP-controlled House of Delegates and Democrat-controlled Senate passed what they called a “skinny budget” with just a handful of adjustments after failing at the last minute to reach an agreement on the broader plan.
In addition to the governor’s tax policy and spending priorities, other policy matters ranging from potential casino siting language to public employee raises are also tied up in the budget deal.
Aubrey Layne, a former secretary of finance and secretary of transportation who advised the Youngkin administration during the governor’s first legislative session, said the lack of compromise leaves local governments and school districts who need to adopt their own budgets in the lurch.
He said he hoped lawmakers would come together and find a way to put the money to good use. No one expects to pay taxes to simply see the money “hoarded” at a time when the state already has robust reserves, he said.
No matter which side of the debate a person sits on — more spending or tax cuts — “it just seems crazy that we’ve got all these billions of dollars that need to be programmed,” he said.
Scott Brabrand, executive director of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, said educators are frustrated by the delay.
“We must invest in education and mental health,” he said. “And we expect our leaders to make a deal that makes sure those investments happen.”
Barker, who said the budget conferees plan to meet again before June, indicated there’s been no change in Senate Democrats’ objections to the governor’s full package of proposed tax cuts, including a corporate tax cut reduction.
He didn’t directly answer a question about whether he sees a cutoff by which point the spending decisions could simply roll over into the next budget cycle, but he said he would “prefer to do what we can” this year.
Copyright
© 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
It’s the final day of the Battle 4 Atlantis and the West Virginia Mountaineers are hoping to leave the Bahamas with a third-place finish in the event. Winning the whole thing would have been extremely impressive considering the field, but Darian DeVries’ squad has already notched a key resume-building win over Gonzaga and can do so again today against No. 24 Arizona.
Here are my picks for today’s game. Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
1 Star – Not very confident
2 Star – A little confident
3 Star – Fairly confident
4 Star – Very confident
5 Star – Should be a lock to happen
3-star play on Arizona (-6.5): This is a really tough matchup for the Mountaineers playing its third game in three days. When these two meet later in the year, I believe WVU will put together a much stronger showing and potentially even win the game. Not there, though.
The Wildcats have a nine-man rotation, which occasionally will be a ten-man. WVU’s key players have logged a ton of minutes over the last two days, with both games going to overtime. As evidenced in yesterday’s game, if the Mountaineers face serious foul trouble, it impacts them more than most teams due to a lack of depth. Amani Hansberry should be able to produce a third straight big game, but if he starts picking up fouls left and right, WVU will be in trouble. Arizona’s guard-heavy lineup will attack and finish around the rim with ease.
I’ve got the Wildcats pulling away with a strong second half.
1-star play on the under: Arizona is a high-scoring team that likes to push the tempo. They’ve averaged 67 field goal attempts in this tournament, whereas WVU has attempted 59 and 63 in games that went to overtime. For West Virginia to win, they’re going to have to slow things down when they have the ball, much like they did in the opening-round game against Gonzaga.
I mentioned fatigue setting in as a possibility in the WVU-Louisville game yesterday, and although Darian DeVries isn’t using that as an excuse, you can tell it played a factor for both teams, especially in the first half. Both squads looked sloppy, slow, and disjointed. I seriously doubt WVU and Arizona will have an extra bounce in their step today, playing for the third time in three days and in a game deciding who takes home third place.
ATS: 3-3 (50%)
O/U: 4-2 (66%)
Overall: 7-5 (58%)
Odds Disclaimer
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
MORE STORIES FROM WEST VIRGINIA ON SI
Everything Darian DeVries Said Following West Virginia’s Overtime Loss to Louisville
How to Watch & Listen to West Virginia vs. No. 24 Arizona
Big 12 Score Predictions for the Final Week of the Regular Season
Can West Virginia Finish Strong? ESPN FPI Reveals Chances to Beat Texas Tech
A Virginia woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a murder-for-hire plot, according to the Henry County Sheriff’s office.
Gennevieve McGhee, 44, was allegedly captured via audio and video evidence in the meticulous planning of a murder for hire, the sheriff’s office said.
McGhee is accused of meeting with a confidential source at her residence in Ridgeway, Virginia. The source was acting under law enforcement direction and utilizing a recording device to capture evidence.
TEXAS INFLUENCER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR MURDER-FOR-HIRE PLOT
Henry County Sheriff’s Office charged Gennevieve McGhee, 44, with criminal solicitation of murder following an investigation that revealed her alleged involvement in planning a murder for hire. (Henry County Sheriff’s Office)
She allegedly discussed detailed instructions on payment arrangements and instructions for carrying out a robbery and murder.
McGhee is charged with criminal solicitation of murder and conspiracy to commit a felony.
INDIAN INTELLIGENCE OFFICIAL CHARGED IN MURDER-FOR-HIRE PLOT ON SIKH SEPARATIST LEADER IN NEW YORK CITY
Gennevieve McGhee, 44, is charged with criminal solicitation of murder and conspiracy to commit a felony. (iStock)
McGhee was taken into custody by deputies from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday and is being held at the Henry County Adult Detention Center with no bond.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The case remains under review by the Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Additional information on the case is not available at this time, officials said.
The West Virginia Mountaineers (4-2) will meet the No. 24 Arizona Wildcats in the third place game of the Battle 4 Atlantis midseason tournament for the sixth meeting between the two programs.
West Virginia vs. Arizona Series History
Arizona leads 2-3
Last Meeting: March 28, 2008 (NCAA Tournament) WVU 75-65
When: Friday, November 29
Location: Paradise Island, Bahamas, Imperial Arena (3,900)
Tip-off: 3:00 p.m. EST
Stream: ESPN2
Announcers: Beth Mowins and Debbie Antonelli
Radio: Tony Caridi (PBP), Brad Howe (analyst) Mountaineer Sports Network from Learfield IMG College(Radio affiliates)
WVU Game Notes
– West Virginia was scheduled to play in the 2020 Battle 4 Atlantis. The tournament was moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., due to COVID, and the Mountaineers won the renamed Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic.
– WVU is 45-16 in in-season tournaments since 2007.
– With a win over No. 3 Gonzaga, WVU defeated a Top 5 AP team for the second consecutive season. Last season, the Mountaineers downed No. 3 Kansas in Morgantown, 91-85.
– Prior to the overtime win over No. 3 Gonzaga, WVU had lost six straight overtime games.
– This is WVU’s fourth trip outside the United States and Puerto Rico to play a regular season game. WVU played in Cancun in 2013 and 2019 and opened the season in Germany in the 2017 Armed Forces Classic.
– West Virginia is the only team in the country that has two players on the same team who averaged more than 20 points per game from last season — Tucker DeVries (21.6 ppg) and Jayden Stone (20.8 ppg)
– West Virginia is 201-55 against nonconference teams in regular season games in the last 21 seasons.
– The Mountaineers have posted a winning nonconference record in 31 of the last 32 seasons.
– WVU is 265-99 in its last 362 games against unranked teams, including winners of 148 of its last 180 at the WVU Coliseum.
– This is the 116th season and 122nd year overall for WVU basketball, which began in 1903.
– Darian DeVries, who led Drake to six consecutive 20-win seasons and has a career .731 winning percentage as a head coach, was named the 23rd head men’s basketball coach at West Virginia University on March 24, 2024.
– DeVries has a record of 154-57 (.731) in seven seasons as a head coach, including a 59-16 (.787) mark in the last two-plus seasons.
– This past August, the men’s basketball team went to Italy for a 10-day tour and won all three of its games against international competition.
– West Virginia returns just 2.8 percent of its scoring from last season’s team (Ofri Naveh).
– The Mountaineers are led by a pair of transfers in Tucker DeVries (Drake) and Javon Small (Oklahoma State). Last season, DeVries was named an Associated Press All-American Honorable Mention selection, while Small earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors.
– In addition, Eduardo Andre (Fresno State), Joseph Yesufu (Washington State), Sencire Harris (Illinois), Amani Hansberry (Illinois) and Jayden Stone (Detroit Mercy) will all see considerable action this season.
– Tucker DeVries was named to the 20-member Julius Erving Preseason Watch List, giving annually to the nation’s top small forward.
– Tucker DeVries was named to the preseason Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Watch List.
– Tucker DeVries was named to the John R. Wooden Award Top 50 Preseason Watch List.
Trudeau meets Trump to talk trade amid tariff threat – DW – 11/30/2024
Nevada gov speaks out against trans athletes in women's sports ahead of controversial volleyball tournament
Rocket launch attendees share hopes about Elon Musk’s prediction for Mars travel by 2026
Maryland inmate suspected of murdering another prisoner in his own cell
2 arrested for alleged prostitution services at Riverside County massage parlor
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Trudeau meets Trump to talk trade amid tariff threat – DW – 11/30/2024
Dem leader condemns Thanksgiving bomb threats against liberal lawmakers after Team Trump targeted
At least 42 Palestinians killed as Israel ramps up Gaza attacks
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was the deadliest in nearly two decades
Political betting markets still have plenty of action despite end of election season
-
Health7 days agoHoliday gatherings can lead to stress eating: Try these 5 tips to control it
-
Science4 days agoDespite warnings from bird flu experts, it's business as usual in California dairy country
-
Health4 days agoCheekyMD Offers Needle-Free GLP-1s | Woman's World
-
Science1 week agoAlameda County child believed to be latest case of bird flu; source unknown
-
Technology3 days agoLost access? Here’s how to reclaim your Facebook account
-
Sports1 week agoBehind Comcast's big TV deal: a bleak picture for once mighty cable industry
-
Entertainment2 days agoReview: A tense household becomes a metaphor for Iran's divisions in 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig'
-
Science1 week agoVideo: SpaceX Unable to Recover Booster Stage During Sixth Test Flight