Lt. Governor Bill Bolling sets an example for Governor Kaine

Lead, follow or get out of the way. Governor Kaine ignored reality; overreaching in his attempt to leave a legacy of exploding government programs for Virginians to maintain. Now it's up to the party of fiscal conservatives to lead the way out of Kaine's signature folly. All he ever wanted to was to raise taxes at least as much as Democrat Mark Warner's historic tax increase on the citizens of our fair state -- just another liberal trying to take the "wealth" out of the Commonwealth with the tyranny of taxation.

BOLLING VOLUNTARILY CUTS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE BUDGET BY 7.5%

In response to significant shortfalls in the 2008-2010 state budget, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling has announced that the Office of the Lieutenant Governor will implement voluntary budgetary reduction actions to return funds totaling 7.5% of its fiscal year 2009 appropriation to the State Treasury. These budget shortfalls are largely a result of inaccurate revenue estimates by the Kaine Administration.

“As Lieutenant Governor, I have been a consistent advocate for controlling state spending and keeping government focused on its core responsibilities,” Lieutenant Governor Bolling said. “As a result of the inaccurate revenue estimates presented by Governor Kaine in 2007, tough decisions lie ahead as we work to balance the state budget. However, these challenges also present us with an opportunity to look for further efficiencies in state government and implement other strategies to assure that we are spending the taxpayers’ money more effectively.”

Additional reports on Lieutenant Governor’s spending reductions and the state budget crisis.

Lt. Governor cuts expenses (The Shad Plank - Daily Press)

“Bolling conceded that his actions amount to "a drop in the bucket" when it comes to a state budget shortfall that could approach $2.9 billion. However, he's preached on the value holding government spending to a minimum, so if nothing else, he is walking the walk.”

Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor Announce Cuts As State Face $3 Billion Shortfall (WRVA)

“Two days after learning the state could be facing a $3 billion shortfall, both Attorney General Bob McDonnell (R) and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling (R) have announced cuts to their budgets . . . Bolling's cuts amount to 7.5% of his budget.”

McDonnell-Bolling demonstrate leadership on budget; will Kaine, Deeds, Moran follow? (Bearing Drift blog)

“As you are well aware by now, the commonwealth is some $2-3 billion in the hole because Jody Wagner, former Secretary of Finance and Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, forgot to carry ‘the one’. Regardless of how we got here though, now is time for state “leaders” to demonstrate what they’re made of. You can get no clearer picture on how government should respond than by looking at the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Bob McDonnell.”

Budget ills put target on Wagner (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

“As Virginia's top numbers-cruncher for more than two years -- years marked by muff-ups and miscalculations -- Wagner, to Republicans, is a poster child for a budget gone bad . . . There are legitimate reasons for taking a hammer to Wagner, and Bolling -- a potential firewall for a GOP doing a better job of losing than winning -- may be able to wield it in 2009. The Kaine administration's fiscal sins, perceived and actual, are numerous.”