Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is accusing Senate Democrats of stonewalling budget negotiations without bringing any ideas to the table.
McDonnell sent a letter dated Tuesday to Senate Minority Leader Dick Saslaw, D-Fairfax, and caucus leader Sen. Don McEachin, D-Henrico, asking them to immediately offer suggestions “to prepare a Senate budget that you will support.”
“I have previously asked you and many of your Democratic colleagues for input on what your budget concerns are and your specific ideas and plan are for doing what we are all constitutionally obligated to do: pass a balanced budget on time,” McDonnell wrote. “With few exceptions I have had little feedback.”
The Senate is split between 20 Democrats and 20 Republicans, and unlike most issues, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a Republican, can’t break ties on budget bills. It’s the last bastion of power Democrats have in Richmond and they’re using it to their advantage.
So far Democrats have shot down McDonnell’s attempt to shift a portion of the state sales tax toward roads and away from education and services. Instead, the Senate approved a bipartisan plan last week to increase the gas tax by tying it to inflation.
The House and Senate will release their visions for the budget on Sunday.
“I trust that certain comments made by some members that your caucus will not approve any budget for partisan reasons is not reflective of the statemanship normally seen in your caucus,’’ McDonnell said. “We must work together now to get our job done on time.”
