"There were a lot of bills today," Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin said Wednesday, referring to the more than 900 bills introduced so far by lawmakers. "A lot of plans for new spending, tax credits, things like that. I don't see much of a chance for that."

That's because a tough budget outlook means lawmakers will be largely restricted in what they can do. Recession-weakened tax collections have lawmakers expecting a spending plan from Gov. Joe Manchin that cuts education by 4 percent and most other state programs by 5 percent.

"Obviously, this budget will be a big focal point of this session," said House Finance Chairman Harry Keith White, D-Mingo. "I think the governor has taken a safe approach."

This year's budget includes $3.7 billion backed by general tax revenues, and another $478 million supported by lottery proceeds. Overall spending tops $11.5 billion, and Manchin's plan for the next fiscal year is not hugely different from the current spending plan.

"Generally, there's a lot more that changes in a budget," Budget Director Mike McKown said. "Because it's a tight year, there aren't a whole lot of changes, though."

Manchin wants to draw about $68 million from the excess lottery surplus to help fill spending gaps. He's also planning to use remaining federal stimulus funds to keep funding for local schools at its current level.

"We will have very little left of any federal stimulus dollars after this election cycle," White said.

The main source of increases in spending this year is retirement plans. Manchin plans to commit more than $89 million to the teachers' retirement system alone, which represents the bulk of about $145.3 million in new spending on retirement benefits.

One area where Manchin doesn't plan to spend any money is the line item known as other post-employment benefits, or OPEB. The state has been wrangling with county school boards for months over how to address OPEB liability, which is roughly $7.8 billion.

State lawmakers have been working out a plan, while most school boards say they're planning to sue if something doesn't change. Tomblin said he expects Sen. Brooks McCabe, D-Kanawha, to announce a proposed remedy soon.

The 60-day legislative session may be relatively placid for other reasons. In a year when all 100 House of Delegates members and 17 of 34 senators face elections, lawmakers may not want to risk potentially damaging fights.

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