In a statement released after the House of Delegates unanimously passed the final draft of the Virginia budget, Delegate David Englin (D-45) said that it “strikes the right balance.”
“Democrats time and again argued that transportation is important, but it is wrong to take from education, public safety, and our already meager services for the poor, the sick, the elderly, and the disabled to build roads. House Republicans ridiculed us at the time, but they listened and they did as we Democrats urged,” said Delegate Englin.
“No budget is perfect, but this budget strikes the right balance and is consistent with the fiscally responsibly, socially progressive values of the people of Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax,” continued Englin.
As with the current debate on the federal level, the Commonwealth of Virginia saw a debate over the extent to which cuts could be made to balance the budget.
During the session, Delegate Englin and Delegate Adam Ebbin (D-49) offered input and occasional opposition to the proposals made by House Republicans.
In a letter to constituents, Delegate Ebbin argued against various cuts that Republican lawmakers believed could help alleviate budget woes.
“It is important to remember, however, that these dollar figures aren’t just numbers on a balance sheet–they represent people, including many of our state’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Ebbin.
“Under the Republican plan, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which provides life-saving medications to low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS, has been cut by $1 million. Public television stations…will see their support cut by nearly $2 million,” continued Ebbin.
By the end of the debate, however, both programs kept their funding in a budget that was unanimously approved 97 to 0.
With the budget approved the legislative session is over and at present the special redistricting session will take place, considered by some delegates to be a mere formality.
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