Statement of Governor Warner on General Assembly Approval of a Compromise Revenue Proposal

April 27, 2004

Statement of Governor Warner on General Assembly Approval of a Compromise Revenue Proposal

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today issued the following statement on the action of the General Assembly on SB 5005 and HB 5018.

"Today, bipartisan majorities in the General Assembly agreed to an historic and comprehensive plan that will build a stronger future for all Virginians. HB 5018 achieves the three principal goals I identified for budget and tax reform when we began this process more than five months ago. The plan protects Virginia's fiscal integrity, promotes tax fairness, and provides the resources needed to meet the state's commitment to public education and the other core priorities of state government. Because of today's action, our people will be better able to compete for new jobs, and our communities will enjoy new economic growth.

"I commend the members from both political parties who put their own parochial interests aside to support this plan. The past few weeks have been difficult for all, but thanks to the untiring efforts of some courageous legislators, we have succeeded in passing a comprehensive tax reform plan that many thought impossible just a few months ago.

"With positive action today on the tax reform legislation, I trust that legislators will soon conclude a final agreement on the budget. This will permit us to once again turn our full attention to strengthening education, making state government more efficient, and creating new opportunities for our people."