Bookmark this page for all of the most current and up-to-date information from the VRA's involvement in Governmental and Legislative Affairs.
Budget Compromise
It looks the General Assembly will end its extended 2008 session with a compromise that was forged last night among the conferees. Here's what being said:
- Governor Kaine will get his pre-kindergarten program albeit with funding cut-backs. The conferees agreed to spend an additional $20 million over the next two years to bolster the existing system instead of expanding program eligibly to a new group of four year olds,
- Public colleges (17) will be asked to cap tuition increase next year to 4 percent. The cap is nonbinding but colleges that abide by it will be able to share and additional $17.5 million in state aide,
- Two sides agreed to a 2 percent pay raise for state employees this year and the same next year,
- 600 MR wavier slots were approved, and
- The bad news - budget cuts were approved with $50 million less going to local governments and another $18 million in cuts to state agencies.
I'll update you later as more becomes available.
- David Williams
Below please find a link to the most current version of the Mental Health Omnibus bill. I have linked to SB246 but be aware that HB499 and SB246, due to a floor substitutes in each body, are now identical. This is the form in which the bill will be sent to the Governor for his approval or recommendations. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this legislation.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?081+ful+SB246H2
Sincerely,
Jennifer Faison
