HEADLINES : Virginia

State budget deal reached in Richmond

The Washington Post | by Laura Vozzella and Anita Kumar | April 6, 2012

State budget negotiators reached a deal Thursday on a two-year, $85 billion spending plan.

Senate Minority Leader Richard Saslaw (D-Fairfax) said the House and Senate reached a deal Thursday after negotiating during a special session. But Saslaw said Senate Democrats, whose votes are needed for the budget to pass, will oppose the spending plan because it does not include transportation money for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

The Senate had sought $300 million for the Metrorail line to Dulles International Airport as well as $125 million in toll relief for Hampton Roads.

State Sen. Charles Colgan (D-Prince William), a member of the negotiating team, signed off on the deal, according to Robert Vaughn, director of the House Appropriations Committee.

Colgan's support suggests Republicans have the 21 votes needed for passage in the Senate, which is evenly divided.

 

Related Publications
More in PUBLICATIONS ( 1 OF 36 ARTICLES )