Gov. McDonnell to consider cutting spending in VA

As per a request by Gov. Bob McDonnell, state agencies in Virginia have submitted proposals for cutting their spending by more than $132 million. The biggest cuts will come out of public safety agencies, such  as the Department of Corrections. Other agencies to lose big would be Health and  Human Services, Comprehensive Services for At-Risk Youth, and budgets for local government offices such as sheriffs and circuit judges. Education and library funds would be reduced, perhaps causing increases in tuition, or closing of libraries. The development of infrastructure in rural parts of the state could be cut as well. Transportation services will see almost no reduction of spending capital under the proposed scale back.
The reports are only advisory, sent to the governor for informational purposes, and will not necessarily be implemented. Tax revenues in Virginia have increased after falling during the recession, and huge cuts to spending may not be as urgent. However, McDonnell has warned that a possible congressional debt-reduction deal would impact Virginia agencies, forcing cuts.