Friday, January 22, 2010
McDonnell takes steps toward budget plan
Seeking avenues for new economic goals, the governor met Thursday with budget negotiators.
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RICHMOND -- The selection of Gov. Bob McDonnell to deliver the Republican response to President Obama's upcoming State of the Union address is a strong indication he is an ascendant figure in the national GOP.
To maintain that popularity in his home state, McDonnell will need to have a strong hand in fixing Virginia's budget mess and reviving the state's fortunes when the economic downturn ends.
The new governor will take some fledgling steps toward that end in the coming days when he details his planned cuts to offset the economic development spending he advocated in a speech to the General Assembly on Monday.
McDonnell wants to double from $15 million to $30 million in the two-year budget the Governor's Opportunity Fund, a pot of money available to help close deals with companies coming to Virginia.
McDonnell originally was slated to share where he would find money for that initiative and a few others today, but administration sources Thursday evening said the announcement would be delayed.
The governor hosted lawmakers involved in the budget negotiation process at the Governor's Mansion on Thursday.
Sen. Walter Stosch, R-Henrico County, said McDonnell impressed upon lawmakers the "magnitude" of the budget hole that will requires billions in cuts to fill.
Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax County, said the message from the meeting was the need set partisanship aside and "try to work together in these dire times."
McDonnell won't submit his own budget as an alternative to the one left by left by former Gov. Tim Kaine. But he's made it clear that new taxes aren't an option.
