Virginia House Democratic Caucus: Statement on House Budget Passage

From the Virginia House Democratic Caucus

February 25, 2010

CONTACT: Matt Mansell, 804-644-1966

House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong and Democratic Caucus Chairman Ken Plum issued the following statement on today's unprecedented party-line budget vote:

"Today, House Democrats stood as one on behalf of all hard-working Virginia families in voting against a budget that represents misplaced priorities.

"This budget cuts disproportionately from education, gutting school funding and increasing class sizes. It cuts jobs - at least 33,211, according to estimates from the Virginia Education Association and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. It cancels health insurance for 22,400 children. It cuts millions in funding for domestic violence programs, grants for the homeless, and mortgage counseling.

"Simply put, this is a budget balanced on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens.

"Additionally, with our Commonwealth facing unprecedented hardship, it is disappointing that the Republican majority chose to make such critical decisions in the dark.

"We hope this afternoon's show of unity clearly expresses our grave concerns about both the contents of this budget and the process by which it was crafted."

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