Issue Position: Fiscal Responsibility

Issue Position

Virginia is a pay-as-you-go state, which has saved us from the problems facing many states such as California or New Jersey. Virginia outlines a biennial budget and the General Assembly cannot adjourn from session until that budget is balanced. A balanced budget ensures that government lives within its means, and Israel believes that is exactly how the state budget should work.

Additionally, Virginia is not beholden to unfunded pension liabilities like many other states. While other states are currently facing or anticipating the issue of massive state pension issues, Virginia is on a solid footing.

The General Assembly has been forced to make budget cuts during this economic downturn, and while some of the cuts have been painful and less than desirable, it has also given Virginia a chance to step back and decide which of the core services state government should be providing. It has also given us an opportunity to weed out some unnecessary programs, boards and commissions.

Virginia's pay-as-you-go budget philosophy is proven and it works. If we pay as we go, there's absolutely no reason taxes should be raised on the hardworking citizens of Southwest Virginia. Government must live within its means, just as citizens live within their means.

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