Statement of Governor Warner on House Appropriations Committee "Interim Budget Bill"

March 30, 2004

Statement of Governor Warner on House Appropriations Committee "Interim Budget Bill"

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today issued the following statement on the House Appropriations Committee passage of a proposal it calls an "Interim Budget Bill."

"Today, the Republican leadership of the House of Delegates proposed again to throw in the towel on its most basic responsibility to the people of Virginia: producing a two-year budget that meets the needs of our citizens. By proposing a one-year continuing resolution for Virginia, the House Republican leadership has embraced Washington-style budgeting at its worst.

"Their proposal would do nothing to achieve greater fairness in our tax code. It will not satisfy the urgent need to preserve Virginia 's Aaa bond rating. With no revenue proposals, it appears unlikely to meet the core obligations of state government.

"With today's announcement, the Republican leadership of the House has written a prescription for more delay and higher property taxes. I expect the conferees to return to the bargaining table and complete a two-year budget that meets the needs of education, local governments, health care, and public safety."