Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- Volunteer firefighters and ailing police and fire pension funds may still get help this legislative session.
The House of Delegates passed 90-6 a proposed aid measure on Wednesday, after voting to dedicate state liquor revenues to provide the needed funding.
That money would provide an estimated $9 million annually to help municipal police and fire pension programs close funding gaps that total at least $658 million.
Another $6 million from the revenue will help volunteer departments provide a retirement-like benefit to members.
The bill originally provided the funding by adding surcharges on insurance policies. But that approach appeared to doom the legislation, amid concerns about the ongoing recession.
(Copyright 2009, Associated Press. All right reserved.)
