Governor Kaine Authorizes Interim Budget Action
– Approves continued funds for critical programs –
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today
that he has authorized funding for several key state programs that
may run out of current funds before the General Assembly approves a spending
plan for the remaining weeks of the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2006.
- Governor Kaine has authorized a $7.5 million
loan to reimburse localities for the state share of the cost of services for children
who receive special education and foster
care services under
the Comprehensive Services Act during the months of April, May
and June. The loan will become available only if the current
funding runs out prior to final enactment of the “Caboose
Bill.”
- Governor Kaine has authorized a $4.5 million
loan for the Virginia Supreme Court to continue providing court-appointed
attorneys for indigent defendants in criminal cases, and to cover costs
related to the involuntary commitment of indigent persons for
mental health evaluation and care. The loan will become available
only if the current funding runs out prior to final enactment
of the “Caboose Bill.”
- Governor Kaine has authorized $256,000
in economic contingency funds to cover the cost of one-time
re-enlistment bonuses for members of the Virginia National
Guard. The lump-sum $2,000 bonus
is paid to eligible personnel who commit to two years of military
duty between the period April 1 and September 30, 2006.
- Governor Kaine has authorized up to $330,000
in economic contingency funds to continue to provide tuition
assistance to members of the Virginia National Guard. These funds will be used to
help Guard soldier and airmen pay for tuition, textbooks, and
fees.
Repayment of the loans will be made from the ultimate passage of the “Caboose
Bill,” or amendments to the 2006-08 biennial budget.
“The House of Delegates took positive action on Wednesday, approving
a ‘Caboose Bill,’ and sending it to the Senate for consideration,” Governor
Kaine said. “I am taking these steps today to assure those families
in need, and our partners in criminal justice, local government, and the
National Guard, that there will be no interruption to these critical services
while the bill makes its way through the legislative process.”
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