"A Package Deal"
That’s how a tentative agreement on the Virginia budget was described by Charles Colgan (D-Prince William), chairman of the Senate finance committee. According to the report in today’s Washington Times:
“House and Senate negotiators resolved differences on a new two-year state budget yesterday, setting up a final vote on the $78 billion package this week.
“Six senators and six delegates agreed on simmering disputes over teacher pay raises, community care for the mentally disabled and a provision tying state college support to incentives to hold down tuition rates.”
The Washington Times also reported:
“For days, progress had been stymied by frustrations that festered between the two negotiating teams, each accusing the other of being disingenuous, intractable and even "radical."
“But yesterday, with negotiators dressed more casually and without a crowd of lobbyists, the mood brightened noticeably. As the two sides broke one last time to consider a proposal, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Lacey E. Putney, Bedford independent, asked how much time they would need.”
Amazing, absolutely amazing.
Other newspapers reports include: Richmond Times-Dispatch and Roanoke Times.