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5/31/06-In an effort to avoid a partial government shutdown in Virginia, state senators have approved a revised state budget that includes very little about how to improve transportation infrastructure.
The Senate agreed to bow to House lawmakers’ demands to hold off on discussing a transportation plan until late summer or early fall during a special session. The conflict between lawmakers has threatened to close the doors of state government when the current two-year budget expires June 30.
The Senate bill would provide a one-time infusion of $339 million for transportation. The money, however, could only be used for roads and rail if a statewide transportation plan that includes tax increases is approved by Nov. 1. If lawmakers fail to meet the conditions, the money would be used for schools and other state-funded services, The Associated Press reported.
Long-term revenue sources for the first major transportation overhaul in two decades are being sought by moderate Senate Republicans, who control the chamber. GOP conservatives who run the House have taken a hard line against tax increases.
House and Senate negotiators are in the process of working out the details on the trimmed-down budget.
The Senate agreed to bow to House lawmakers’ demands to hold off on discussing a transportation plan until late summer or early fall during a special session. The conflict between lawmakers has threatened to close the doors of state government when the current two-year budget expires June 30.
The Senate bill would provide a one-time infusion of $339 million for transportation. The money, however, could only be used for roads and rail if a statewide transportation plan that includes tax increases is approved by Nov. 1. If lawmakers fail to meet the conditions, the money would be used for schools and other state-funded services, The Associated Press reported.
Long-term revenue sources for the first major transportation overhaul in two decades are being sought by moderate Senate Republicans, who control the chamber. GOP conservatives who run the House have taken a hard line against tax increases.
House and Senate negotiators are in the process of working out the details on the trimmed-down budget.