February 20, 2009
Contact: G. Paul Nardo (804) 698-1228, gpnardo@house.virginia.gov or williamjhowell.org
– House Budget includes Funding to Accelerate Economic Recovery & Job Creation –
In the latest effort by House Republicans to assist in the economic recovery of Virginia, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued a statement encouraging House and Senate budget negotiators to act expeditiously to complete their work on amendments to Virginia’s current 2008-2010 state budget. Speaker Howell appointed the six House budget conferees three weeks ago and the House fulfilled their duty to pass a budget on time last week.
“At a time when Virginia’s families and businesses are concerned about their jobs and economic future, elected officials now in Richmond must be vigilant and ready to produce a fiscally responsible balanced state budget that addresses those concerns,” said Speaker Howell. “To fulfill the General Assembly’s obligation to all Virginians during this economic recession, it is imperative that budget negotiators not delay the hard work necessary to craft a reasonable and responsible state spending plan. Despite these difficult circumstances, I am optimistic that the conferees will be able to forge a compromise that balances the budget without earmarks, creates jobs and restores economic prosperity to Virginians by the scheduled adjournment of this Session on February 28.
“In a strong, bipartisan vote last week, the House passed amendments to the 2008-2010 budget that advanced a multitude of practical solutions to the challenges facing Virginians. I’m pleased that we were able to aggressively address the urgent care waiting list for the community based MR Waiver program, encourage increased tourism and the clean jobs that sector creates, bolster the services provided to the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens with autism and autism spectrum disorder, and expedite capital projects at our public institutions of higher education to stimulate job creation and expand educational and economic opportunities. I regret that the budget amendments adopted by the State Senate did not make these critical issues a priority.
“It is important that budget conferees begin to address these and other important budgetary matters without delay and as soon as possible. Although House budget conferees have indicated that they are ready to begin meeting today, anytime tomorrow or Sunday afternoon, Senate budget conferees do not want to begin meeting for the first time until Sunday at 6:00 PM.
“Because I, like all Virginians, want to see the people’s business done not only thoughtfully but on time, I am hopeful that the Senate conferees will avoid any further delays and meet with their House counterparts to help resolve Virginia’s serious fiscal challenges before the end of next week.”
