West Virginia Insulated From Fiscal Cliff - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

West Virginia appears largely insulated from program cuts if the new year arrives without an agreement on federal revenues and spending.

But many state taxpayers will take an immediate hit if President Barack Obama and Congress fail to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff.

West Virginia Budget officials say crucial federal funding for state highways and Medicaid are exempt.

And most other state agencies wouldn't feel the effects for a year or more.

But wage-earners should expect to start paying more toward Social Security.

And people who pay income taxes also face possible higher rates.