Governor's spending plan
will lead to budget cuts
By: Julie von Sternberg
VMI officials say Gov. Tim Kaine's spending plan will force them to cut almost $1 million from their budget.
"This is a significant amount for us," said Lt. Col. Stewart MacInnis of VMI.
On Monday, Kaine announced a $300 million proposal that will reconcile the shortfall in the current state budget.
The plan will cut travel, training and supply purchases and will lead to the layoff of 74 workers. All state agencies including state-run universities have been asked to make reductions.
VMI, which has a budget of $64 million, plans to tighten its discretionary spending and institute a hiring freeze to get through the year.
Kaine has also chosen to use $303 million of the state's $1.2 billion rainy day fund in order to keep certain "safety net" programs such as free clinics and security on college campuses. The Republican-controlled General Assembly disagrees with Kaine's use of the fund.
To show his commitment to the protection of certain services, Kaine will take a 5-percent cut in his $175,000 salary. He will also eliminate the 4-percent raise his staff was expecting in November.
Produced by Washington and Lee journalism students.
Lead supervisor: Prof. Claudette Artwick
Reporting supervisors:
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd