W.Va. gov seeks funding for child care, Medicaid

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Medicaid, child care and West Virginia's public defender program are among the would-be beneficiaries of spending proposals from Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

The governor has had four bills introduced this session that would redirect or increase spending in the current budget by $180 million. Medicaid would receive more than $95 million of that.

But officials say they're hoping the program carries over the money until the next budget year. Those reserves should maintain Medicaid's funding levels.

Around $17 million is for a program that helps low-income parents afford child day care. That should help it avoid a threatened tightening of its eligibility requirements.

Court-appointed defense lawyer would receive $11 million. Other beneficiaries include behavioral health care and a project targeting West Virginia's inmate crowding crisis.

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