Virginia sees $1.8 million in legislative branch savings

From Speaker William Howell's office....

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) announced over $1.8 million in legislative branch savings Thursday that will be returned to the general fund by the end of the fiscal year on June 30. This includes $1.6 million in savings by various legislative branch agencies and over $200,000 in unused House of Delegates salaries and expenses.

"I am incredibly proud to announce these legislative savings. These savings are part of a continued commitment to lower the cost of state government to Virginia taxpayers," said Speaker Howell. "Virginia taxpayers, families and businesses have to set priorities, make tough decisions and live within their means. I firmly believe that state government should do the same."  

Over $1.6 million in savings from 11 legislative branch agencies will be returned to the general fund by June 30 of this year. That includes $900,000 from the Auditor of Public Accounts, over $100,000 from the Division of Legislative Services and over $250,000 from the Capitol Police. The savings also include over $200,000 from the House of Delegates, as a result of reduced salaries and session expenses.

"Since 2003, the House of Delegates has sent over $5 million in savings back to the general fund, including over $1.3 million by consistently operating at a reduced per-diem rate during the legislative session," said Speaker Howell. "During my time as Speaker, I have sought to run the House of Delegates how Virginians expect all of state government to operate - responsibly, efficiently and effectively."