State budget hearings set for Friday
Before the General Assembly returns to Richmond and decides how to spend Virginians’ tax dollars, the public has a chance to give its two cents to state lawmakers.
Members of the legislature’s budget-writing committees will fan out across the state Friday for regional public hearings on the state budget. The sessions include a noon hearing at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke. The local hearing will be held in the Business Science Building, Whitman Theater, at 3094 Colonial Ave., SW.
Gov. Bob McDonnell last month proposed amendments to the two-year, $86.5 billion state budget, attempting to direct additional state revenue toward some of his top priorities heading into the final year of his term. The governor’s proposed changes would result in a net general fund spending increase of $215.1 million for the two-year period ending June 30, 2014.
Among other things, McDonnell McDonnell recommended spending $14.3 million to open the 1,024-bed facility near Independence in January 2014. The prison was completed in 2010, but has remained unused largely because of budget constraints.
McDonnell also has asked lawmakers to eliminate a budget-balancing gimmick that requires localities to return a portion of the aid they receive from the state. And he wants to shift $48.1 million from the state’s general fund — which pays for services such as education, public safety and health care — to transportation.
The General Assembly’s 46-day session begins Jan. 9.
– Michael Sluss
January 2, 2013 - 3:46 PM
Well I disagree to certain issuses, the republicans wow held back alot, make the rich -richer and the poor -poorer. Wow look at those people in danville, it was on the news, people living on the streets, nothing and I m sure they lost their jobs, unemployment ran out. but you people don’t think or say anything about that. I always like the republicans but noway would I ever vote for one now, I think down the road, there will be less republicans around, because alot of people see what is going on and realize it to. It is a disagrace. You people think about and help people here local. Meaning Virgina, Alot of these programs is going to damage the poor and less fortunate working people who don’t make much. I always read about new york, new jersey, how virginia helps them. And other states. I m not from Virginia, been here for about 6 years now. I feel bad for alot people over here, and sad when I hear how those people in Danville are struggling and living on the streets, what a pity. Please wise up. and stop making the rich – richer. Some of these programs that the republicans want to past is for the poor people, and drag them down more, for example wic. etc. Shame on you. tricia
Yep, they can always find the money for more prisons.
Your clueless Sandi….here in SWVA prisons are some of the biggest employers in a depressed region. They built the prison without opening it, wouldn’t it make sense to open the prison if you already paid to build it?