Gov. Bob McDonnell has submitted $43.9 million in amendments to Virginia’s budget, which was passed by the General Assembly last month.
According to a press release from the governor’s office, the amendments to the two year, $85 billion budget are primarily in the areas of education and economic development.
The amendments also include one that would treat General Assembly members and statewide elected officials the same as state employees when it comes to contributing to their pension plans. According to the press release, “Similar to requirements passed in 2011 for state employees, this amendment would require elected officials to contribute 5 percent of their income toward their Virginia Retirement System pensions, offset by a 5 percent increase in compensation when constitutionally permitted.” The amendment was at the request of legislative leaders, according to the release.
To cover the budget amendments, the governor has proposed several measures, including transferring the unused portion of previous debt allocation to new capital projects. There are not new taxes or fees included in the amendments.
The General Assembly will reconvene May 14 to take up the governor’s amendments.
