Smart Move

In light of the revenue shortfall, and subsequent budget deficit projection, Tim Kaine announced yesterday that he would look to trim 5 percent from the spending budget of state agencies. Also, there could be a possible dip into Virginia's "rainy day" fund to make up for the less-than-projected tax revenue.

The smart move by Tim Kaine is to look to "trim the fat" from the budget, which was based on a projected revenue increase of 6.5%...revenues are now expected to increase by only 4.9%. Kaine, a Democrat as we all know, could have looked to go the Mark Warner route and increase taxes...but he's decided to take a more fiscally-conservative approach (at least as a first option) and not attempt to raid our wallets and pocketbooks to cover the revenue shortfall.

Also, Kaine has stated that he will not target the salaries, benefits, or employment status of state employees, either...so nobody will be losing a job over this. However, there will be tighter management over renewed contracts with 3rd party contractors/consultants and agencies must seek approval from their Cabinet secretaries to hire new positions in most cases. Most people consider this a simple "tightening of the belt", so to speak.

For that, I applaud Governor Kaine.