The Commonwealth of Virginia stands at an important juncture.
Under our Constitution, the General Assembly and the Governor share the responsibility of ensuring that Virginia has a budget in place by June 30. This obligation is neither ceremonial nor optional. It is among the most fundamental duties entrusted to those elected to serve the people.
This year, that duty has proven more elusive than usual. The Governor and the General Assembly have not resolved their differences thereto relating, and no agreement has been reached. As often happens in such circumstances, attention has turned to assigning blame. People may differ as to where responsibility for the current impasse resides, with the Governor, the House of Delegates, the Senate, or some combination thereof. The more pressing question, however, is who will provide the leadership necessary to resolve it.
It is not my intention to direct any entity as to what it should do, nor to take sides in the debate. Yet, I feel a responsibility, as a citizen, to speak candidly about where we are presently situated and what the circumstances require of us. Throughout my years in public service, I learned that leadership is measured not by the ability to identify obstacles, but by the willingness to overcome them. Leadership is rarely a matter of unanimity. It requires judgment, patience, cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
Upon assuming the governorship, I was confronted with an unrevealed $250 million shortfall in our revenue. Many insisted that tax increases were necessary. I disagreed. We fulfilled our responsibilities without raising taxes, demonstrating that effective leadership requires finding solutions, not simply asking taxpayers to pay more.
I learned firsthand that leadership and cooperation are not optional; they are indispensable to effective governance. The challenge was significant, but the responsibility was clear. We confronted the problem not as partisans, but as stewards of the Commonwealth. We understood that the people expected solutions, not excuses. That approach helped us lead Virginia to earn recognition from Financial World magazine as the best-managed state in the nation for two consecutive years.
That expectation from the citizens has not changed.
The strength of Virginia’s government has long rested upon a tradition of fiscal prudence and responsible leadership. Regardless of political affiliation, those entrusted with public office share a common obligation to preserve that tradition. Differences in philosophy and policy are natural in a democratic society; paralysis is not.
Whatever the origins of this present imbroglio, the responsibility for resolving it rests with those entrusted to lead. The people of Virginia expect their government to function. They expect their elected officials to work through differences and arrive at decisions that advance the interests of the Commonwealth. Most importantly, they expect leadership.
A budget is more than a financial document. It is a statement of priorities and a reflection of our collective commitment to the future. Its timely adoption provides certainty to local governments, schools, public safety agencies, businesses, and families throughout Virginia.
This year’s deadline is near; the responsibility is unmistakable.
History will not remember who prevailed in a particular dispute. It will remember whether those entrusted with authority fulfilled their duty.
The people of Virginia have every right to expect that they will.
Now is the time for leadership to assert itself and get the job done.
Stay tuned.
