From the office of Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling:
The following is Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling’s statement regarding today’s Senate passage of HB 5002.
“Earlier today the Senate of Virginia passed a revised budget for the 2006-2008 biennium that will fully fund the core responsibilities of state government and provide a framework from which further discussions can take place regarding the Commonwealth’s long term transportation needs. Importantly, this budget removes the tax increases that had previously been proposed by the Senate.”
“I commend the Senate for taking an important step in resolving the budget impasse that has existed for the past 133 days. The Senate’s action represents a responsible and good faith effort to resolve the budget impasse, and it will enable us to finalize funding for important programs like education, public safety, health care, mental health, etc.
“I know that this was not an easy decision for the members of the Senate, but it was the right decision and it is clearly in the best long term interest of the people of Virginia.
“The budget adopted by the Senate will now be communicated to the House of Delegates for their consideration. While the House may choose to fine tune some of the recommendations made by the Senate, I encourage them to give this budget proposal prompt and fair consideration.”
This is the budget compromise that we have heard rumbling over the past few weeks.
Many bloggers were critical of Bolling during session. Kudos to Governor Bolling for engineering a commonsense compromise on the budget!