Welcome

The General Assembly ended the 2009 Session on time by passing a $77 Billion budget. Despite some federal assistance, layoffs and deep cuts to core services were necessary to balance the budget.

In December Governor Kaine announced that Virginia was facing a $2.9 Billion shortfall. Just two months later, revenue projections indicated that the shortfall had grown to $3.7 Billion.

A slumping economy and dismal tax collections across America hit Virginia equally as hard. Cuts across the board left no area of government unharmed. K-12 Education, Higher Education and Public Safety combined for hundred of millions of dollars in cuts.

The federal stimulus plan approved by Congress last month sent $1.5 Billion to Virginia but left little discretion as to how the money could be applied. My Republican colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee and I have urged over the years that Virginia follow a key guiding principle in sound budgeting, which is that stimulus money should be spent only on one-time programs that will truly improve our economy and not be used for re-occurring expenses. This year’s federal stimulus package should be handled no differently. 

In budgeting matters above all else, Virginia's long-term fiscal integrity should be our priority. What was spared this year will most certainly be on the chopping block next year. While we showed considerable fiscal restraint in 2009, we will have to work harder in 2010 in anticipation of a bleaker financial outlook. We have an obligation to the taxpayers in the spirit of good government to continue to make tough decisions that Government living within its means.

With the Session over and that I have headed back home to Virginia Beach, I encourage you to continue to give me your input on the issues that you care about most. You can reach me in the district office by phone at (757) 486-5700 or by email at info@kenstolle.com. With warm and personal regards, I remain

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

 

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