News Article

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling can vote on budget amendments

Friday, May 11, 2012
Anita Kumar
The Washington Post

As the General Assembly prepares to return Monday to finish its work on the state's two-year $85 billion budget, one thing will be different.

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a Republican who presides over the Senate, will be able to break tie votes on amendments to the budget.

Bolling can't vote on the actual budget, which was delayed for weeks as Democrats demanded more spending in some areas, but he can vote on governor's amendments, including those to the budget, according to Senate Clerk Susan Clarke Schaar.

So while Senate Republicans needed at least one Democratic vote in the evenly divided chamber to pass the budget, they can approve Gov. Bob McDonnell's amendments if they all stick together.

McDonnell (R) submitted more than 100 changes to the current budget and next year's budget. Some were technical while others directed more funds to education, economic development and scientific research.

For additional information contact Ibbie Hedrick at 804-225-2487 or ibbie.hedrick@ltgov.virginia.gov.