Saturday, September 02, 2006

Finish the Job!

Politicians and the blogosphere have been all abuzz over the $137 million error made by Governor Timmy's! budget-writers in Richmond. OK, so Governor Timmy! doesn't deserve all of the credit for the cover-up; apparently the error was discovered by Governor Marky Mark's Funky Bunch before Governor Timmy! took office. It seems that $137 million less is available for distribution to local school districts than budget-writers initially thought.

The most shocking element of this story is reported in the Potomac News:
When it meets Monday, the General Assembly is expected to begin considering legislation that would guarantee that school systems receive what the state promised them in additional aid this year. No budget cuts to other programs would be required.
Doubtless, "budget cuts in other programs" will not "be required" because of the continuing good, ... er dubious news about increasing tax revenues. While the Repubmocrats of the General Assembly have spent ever-increasing tax revenues to buy votes ... er, satisfy "unmet needs," or wants, or whatever, few seem willing to discuss the single most important priority:

Satisfying the promise to end Virginia's ridiculous car tax.

1 comment:

Vivian J. Paige said...

No budget cuts are required because it was simply an error in the allocation. As Kaine explained, the money is already there - it is just going into the general fund instead of being allocated to the schools.