×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

Tourism Funding Wise by Lawmakers

For a few days last week, West Virginia legislators had planned to balance the state budget for next year by reducing some line items sought by Gov. Jim Justice. One cut was $5 million from the state Tourism Office.

Ironically, as that cutting was going on, Justice and tourism officials were unveiling the new printed vacation guide to West Virginia. More than 150,000 of them will be available (if you want one, go to the wvtourism.com website).

Money spent on promoting tourism boosts the state’s economy. In turn, that generates more revenue for state government. The $5 million Tourism Office cut would have had detrimental effects.

We understand entirely the dilemma legislative budget-writers encounter. The budget has to be balanced. Certain programs must be funded.

By Saturday, however, legislators had found ways to avoid some of the previously planned reductions. They added $4 million back into the budget for tourism. That was a wise move, for which lawmakers are to be commended.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today