Gov. Bob McDonnell offered a few proposals Wednesday ahead of his address to the Joint Money Committees of the General Assembly on Dec. 17, when he is scheduled to formally outline his plans to amend the state’s 2011-2012 biennial budget.
One proposal would save an estimated $1.4 million over two years by eliminating certain contracts for information technology consultants in the Department of Taxation.
In a statement, McDonnell appeared to acknowledge the relatively small dollar amount, after the state was forced to close a $4.2 billion shortfall this past General Assembly session.
“In a tight budget and tough economy every single dollar counts,” he said. “We must identify every opportunity by which state government functions can be performed with the same level of professionalism and expertise, but at less cost to Virginia taxpayers. By eliminating these contracts we will save $1.4 million in two years. It all adds up.”
The governor also announced plans for a $1 million budget amendment to promote OpSail 2012, a tour of ships and naval vessels from New Orleans to Boston that swings into Hampton Roads in June 2012. The event generated $58 million for the local economy when it came to Hampton Roads in 2000, the governor said.
