Statement of Governor Warner on the Revised Senate Budget

Statement of Governor Warner on the Revised Senate Budget

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today issued the following statement on the action of the Senate of Virginia to eliminate the transportation funding portion of its budget proposal, reducing the overall plan's net revenue increase by $1.6 billion over the biennium.

"Today's action by the Senate of Virginia to effectively cut in half the dollar figure difference between its plan and the House plan is significant. This action spells a real willingness to compromise that I hope will be met in good faith by the House.

"Crucial investments in transportation are set aside for now. A stable General Fund is the most certain way to protect dedicated transportation dollars from being raided to meet other state commitments, and any solution must still ensure that. But the debate now shifts to the level of the Commonwealth's commitment to education.

"The debate taking place between the two chambers must not get bogged down solely in the selection of revenue sources. It must instead seek a comprehensive solution that meets our core commitments over a six-year time horizon, preserves our fiscal integrity, and makes our tax code fairer."