Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell sent 86 amendments to the state’s two-year budget for state lawmakers to chew on, including measures that would eliminate state funding for public broadcasting and increase funds for the state’s retirement fund.
McDonnell is continuing his push to shore up the depleted Virginia Retirement System; he wants to increase the state’s contribution rates to provide an estimated $27.8 million for the system.
He also wants to create an optional defined contribution plan for state employees, akin to private-sector 401(k) plans – a notion that had been brought up but scuttled during this year’s session.
McDonnell also returned his original proposal to eliminate $4.2 million in state funding for public broadcasting, after lawmakers had settled on a 10 percent cut in fiscal 2012.
The amendments also include money for economic development programs and local sheriffs. All told, McDonnell said the amendments would cost $43.8 million, to be offset by $49.9 million in savings or additional revenue.
The Virginia General Assembly will return on April 6 to act the governor’s proposals.
