Jobs, economy focus of Lt. Governor

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling emphasized the importance of job creation during an appearance at Tommy's Restaurant in Reedville on July 19. He also spoke to the endeavors and goals Virginia's government is doing to help increase the employment and economic growth.

Bolling also expressed his appreciation to the crowd for what they have been doing in order to save the economy by trying to help citizens find employment.

"We're from the government and we want to help you," said Bolling. " As far as we're concerned there are three important issues: jobs, jobs and jobs. We want to know what we can do to help businesses grow and expand in this community."

Bolling added that if problems are corrected now with economic spending and  budget adjustments, the economy will begin to start moving again. Then, he said there will be opportunity to turn budget shortfalls into surpluses.

"We made the difficult spending choices and we are beginning to see the economy growing a little bit," said Bolling. "As a result of that we were able to end the fiscal year on June 30, actually with a budget surplus in Virginia of about $220 million."
According to Bolling, in January, the budget shortfall was at $1.8 billion. "So, that is a $2 billion turn around in a six- month period of time.  It wasn't easy getting there, but I think we made the right decisions," said Bolling.

Bolling gave over-views of several other aspects of the State's project plan for economic development. He added that he is always open for comments and concerns, stating that his department is always looking for ways to work with local and regional economic development partnerships.