Virginia gets a budget, Maryland doesnt

Virginia gets a budget, Maryland doesnt

The long, long session of the 2012 Virginia General Assembly came to an end this week as Republicans finally convinced one Democrat in the Senate to vote for their two year budget proposal of $85 billion. The sticking point on agreement had been the question of light rail funding to Dulles Airport, which the Conference Committee between Senate and House had settled at $150 million from the state, while Democrats had wanted $300 million, so as to avoid significant increases in Dulles Toll Road fees to fund the project. With passage of the budget, those fees will now become a likely reality and could double to $7.50 for a round trip on the heavily traveled toll road.

In Maryland, the future of the states budget remains unclear, with Gov. OMalley insisting he will not call a Special Session until the House and Senate leadership resolve their differences regarding new casinos in Prince George’s County.

If a budget compromise in Maryland isnt worked out before the fiscal year begins July 1, the $500 million in spending cuts needed to balance the state budget will fall very heavily on K-12 education and push up state college tuition by 10 percent or more.