Northern Virginia leaders are asking Gov. Bob McDonnell to send some of the state’s $311 million budget surplus back to local governments. The state cut back on financial aid to municipalities as it slashed spending to close a budget deficit. But now that Virginia is once again running a budget surplus, local officials said they should share in it.
“The reality is that the surplus is a result of monies that the state withheld from local governments. It’s already our money; it’s not newfound money,” Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille told The Washington Examiner.
Local officials were expected to send a letter to McDonnell Thursday formally requesting the funding.
Virginia localities saw a $60 million reduction in state funding over the last two years for social programs, sheriff’s departments and other services, forcing them to scramble for dollars.
“The state has put these programs in place, but has cut funding and requires the counties to pick up the cost,” Prince William County Chairman Corey Stewart said. “And over time this has been a significant drain on the economies of Northern Virginia. These are the things that really anger counties. We’ve got core services to consider.”
Other local leaders from across the state have made similar appeals to McDonnell to share the surplus, but a spokesman for the governor said the left over money has already been allocated. It will be used to help those affected by severe April storms, bolster the state pension system and make up for federal aid that’s being cut.
Arlington County Board Member Mary Hynes said it’s worth writing anyway.
“I think the governor’s going to hear pretty clearly from local governments that they think some of this should be restored, it not all of it,” she said. “If we don’t get it in the surplus, maybe we’ll get in the budget. Now is a good time to fire that shot. If it takes multiple attempts, then so be it.”
McDonnell is expected to announce an additional surplus next week that will bring the total surplus to $311 million.
