Virginia Budget Battle: House, Senate Pass Divergent Budgets; Two Weeks Left for Negotiations

Richmond Times-Dispatch ^ | February 27, 2004 | Michael Hardy, Jeff Schapiro

[cogitator]

The House of Delegates and Virginia Senate steeled for a dramatic standoff yesterday over the state budget, passing widely divergent spending plans.

One largely relies on additional cuts, the other on record new taxes.

During a nearly five-hour session yesterday in the House, the Republican majority resisted efforts by Democrats to spotlight proposals that they said would weaken education, public safety, transportation and human services.

[cogitator]

Anybody want to bet the over-under on the Virginia General Assembly adjourning on March 13? I'll bet a buck that they won't adjourn until after April 15.

[tobiasjodter]

I won't place a bet, but the article reveals exactly why I voted for Cuccinelli. I don't understand what is wrong with the Republicans both in Richmond and DC. Spending is out of control and no one has the balls to say no to the special interests.

[cogitator]

I don't understand what is wrong with the Republicans both in Richmond and DC. Spending is out of control and no one has the balls to say no to the special interests.

Well, Callahan (in the House) has a different spin on things; he demonstrated to the House leadership that spending really isn't out of control, but he doesn't want to let it get out of control -- as it appears that's what the Senate wants.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1085238/posts