A new panel has been set up to identify state-imposed rules that are causing problems for Virginia localities.
Five members have been named to the Task Force for Local Government Mandate Review, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Thursday. Included in the group are Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity and Falls Church School Board member Joan Wodsika, president-elect of the Virginia School Board Association.
The task force will review mandates imposed by the state that cost local governments money and recommend changes. It follows through with action proposed by the legislature earlier this year.
Local governments often gripe about mandates handed down by the legislature they say create time-consuming duties and costly services. Meanwhile, localities are getting less financial aid from the state.
“I understand the challenge local governments face when trying to balance their budgets during complex financial times,” McDonnell said. “This difficulty is exacerbated when the state places burdensome mandates on localities.”
