Governor Bob McDonnell on House and Senate Passage of Amendments to Current Biennial Budget

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement this afternoon following House and Senate passage of amendments to the current biennial budget.

“I want to thank the members of the House and Senate for their overwhelming votes in favor of amendments to the current biennial budget which incorporated a majority of our substantive recommendations. The amendments approved to significantly increase the Rainy Day Fund, increase teacher compensation, continue the phasing out of the accelerated sales tax, and invest further in higher education and technology innovation are particularly noteworthy. After last year’s extended budget negotiations, today’s expeditious vote was greatly appreciated. In the House the budget passed 74-22 with bipartisan support. In the Senate it passed 36-4, again with broad bipartisan support. I particularly thank Delegate Lacey Putney and Senator Walter Stosch for their diligent leadership in securing today’s positive outcome. As we now move into conference committee I know there will be many specific items that need to be negotiated and addressed between our Administration and the leadership of the respective chambers. I look forward to that discussion and to seeing the final amendments to this budget approved on time.”