Gov. Jim Justice drafted a response to a possible $465 million repayment to the federal government that may require lawmakers to adjust the state budget. The statement is regarding negotiations with the federal Department of Education concerning COVID-19 funding allocated to higher education and county school boards. The governor said it’s not about whether his office, the Legislature or the education system misspent or mishandled any COVID-19 funds, but instead, whether West Virginia’s spending on education rose enough in proportion to the state’s overall spending. Lawmakers are expected to pass a budget, but may be called back to the capital city for a special session to make adjustments. The governor remains confident the state will reach “a positive resolution quickly” and has called on lawmakers to pass the proposed budget. The 60-day regular session of the West Virginia Legislature ends Saturday, March 9 at midnight.