CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Amid a budget quandary, West Virginia senators have narrowly approved a higher tax on cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.
The Senate's 17-16 vote Thursday sends the measure to the more-conservative House of Delegates, where passage is even less certain.
The Republican-led Legislature is trying to cover a $270 million budget gap for the fiscal year starting July 1. Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin called lawmakers into budget session Monday.
The tax increase on cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products would produce $78 million annually.
Lawmakers and Tomblin are still negotiating tax increases, budget cuts and use of reserves.
Each day of session costs about $35,000. Thursday is the fourth day of session.