McDougle Reaffirms Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility

As negotiations continue, Delegate vows to hold the line against new taxes

Richmond, Virginia, March 12: Delegate Ryan T. McDougle (R – Mechanicsville) reiterated his plans Friday to support a state budget that features no broad-based tax increases. His comments come as House and Senate budget negotiators continue to work towards a compromise plan on a new two-year budget.

“The people of the 97th district have been loud and clear that they do not want their taxes raised,” McDougle said. “They did not elect me so that I would vote for billions of dollars in tax increases. Rather, they want a fiscally-responsible budget that keeps government spending in check and meets our core responsibilities.”

The budget bill represents a spending plan for the state government for 2004-2006. The plans submitted by the Governor and the Senate both call for broad tax increases. Specifically, the Governor’s budget calls for $1.2 billion in new taxes, while the Senate plan calls for $3.9 billion in new taxes. The absence of any such general tax increases is a key point that distinguishes the House budget. Even without such tax increases, the House budget proposal still includes an additional $810 million for public K-12 education, $140 million for higher education, $27.4 million for mental health care, and $100 million for public safety. In addition, the House budget allocates much needed state assistance for localities and transportation across the Commonwealth. It also deposits $230.5 million into the Rainy Day Fund in an effort to protect our coveted AAA bond rating.

“The House has passed a responsible budget based on the revenue sources currently available,” McDougle said. “We have funded our core priorities in a manner that does not increase the tax burden on Virginia’s families.”

With the Session scheduled to adjourn for the year on Saturday, negotiators continue to work on a final budget compromise. Should such a compromise not be reached by Saturday, a variety of measures may be employed to permit negotiations to continue in the coming weeks.

“I appreciate the calls, e-mails, and letters I have received from each of you throughout the session on the budget and on many other issues,” McDougle continued. “I hope that you will continue to make your views known on the taxes and spending as we work to finalize a budget for the next biennium. Please continue to contact my office throughout the year.”

When the session concludes, Delegate McDougle may be reached at his district office at (804) 730-1026 or via e-mail at Del_McDougle@house.state.va.us.

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