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Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s proposed $85 billion budget plan introduced during the opening session of the 2012 Virginia General Assembly finally passed after the fourth try.

The General Assembly ended the 2012 session in early March with no budget. Lawmakers reconvened weeks later to work on budget negotiations but still no agreement.  The senate democrats wanted $300 million for the Dulles Rail Project but Governor McDonnell only set aside $150 million.

The 2012-2014 state biennial $85 billion budget includes funding for education, public safety, transportation, health and human services, technology, commerce and trade, natural resources, veterans services and homeland security.

A compromise was approved for the state budget after the fourth try. A lone democrat, Senator Charles Colgan of Mannassas became the needed 21st vote following Wednesday’s private negotiations. The two-year $85 billion budget does not include $300 million for the Dulles Rail Project. However, Governor McDonnell did set aside $150 million for the rail project.

The Virginia State 2012-2014 biennial budget is heading to Governor Bob McDonnell’s desk for his signature. Governor MCDonnell has requested the General Assembly remain in special session. This means that once he receives the budget bill he will have seven days to take action.

The governor says he hopes to have final action on the budget by the first or second week in May.

The state government no longer faces the possibility of a partial shutdown on June 30th.

View Governor Bob McDonnell’s proposed state budget and where funds will be allocated. http://dpb.virginia.gov/budget/buddoc12/index.cfm