Bolling Statement on Kaine Budget Proposal

-Lieutenant Governor encourages General Assembly to balance budget through additional spending reductions, not higher taxes on Virginia families and businesses-

Richmond - Earlier today, Governor Timothy M. Kaine presented his budget recommendations to the General Assembly's money committees. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement in response to Governor Kaine's budget proposal:

"These are challenging economic times in Virginia. Because of historic economic declines, we are facing massive budget shortfalls. Governor Kaine faced a significant challenge in preparing his budget recommendations and I do not envy the difficult decisions he had to make.

"In his budget the Governor has proposed spending reductions in almost every agency of state government. I know that these were not easy decisions to make, but in tough economic times the state must do what families and businesses have had to do, set spending priorities and make certain that we are not spending more money than we are taking in.

"Unfortunately, in addition to these spending reductions the Governor's budget also includes well over $1B a year in higher taxes on Virginia's families and businesses. This is the wrong approach. Families and businesses are already overburdened and they cannot afford to pay higher taxes.

"In last month's elections, Virginia voters made clear that they do not support higher taxes. Governor-elect McDonnell and I have made clear that we do not support higher taxes. The House of Delegates has made clear that they do not support higher taxes. In fact, I seriously question whether or not the Governor can get the 21 Democrats in the State Senate to support higher taxes in these challenging economic times.

"By including these significant tax increases in his budget, the Governor has presented an unrealistic and politically unachievable budget that will not be supported by the General Assembly or the people of Virginia. I encourage the General Assembly to look for ways to remove these tax increases from the budget and make certain that the budget is balanced through additional spending reductions, not higher taxes.

"We look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats in the General Assembly to craft an acceptable budget that keeps faith with the people of Virginia and reflects the fiscal realities that confront not only state government, but families and businesses as well."

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