Federal Deficit, Take Note of Virginia

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Columnist | Published: Jul 14, 2010

Federal Deficit, Take Note of Virginia


July 15, 2010

While President Obama's so-called debt commission wrings its hands and studies how to get us out of the monstrous hole we've dug for ourselves, the governor of Virginia has actually done something worth noting.

Bob McDonnell's office will announce today that in just six months in office, his administration has turned a $4.2 billion budget deficit into a $220 million surplus - without a tax increase.

In fact, the governor rolled back his Democratic predecessor's proposed $2 billion increase in the state income tax, kept the existing car tax relief in place and united Republicans and Democrats in the legislature to close the shortfall through spending cuts.

In New Jersey, Republican Gov. Chris Christie is proposing the private sector take over a lot of responsibilities the state has been doing at a projected cost saving of $210 million.

This is what Republicans must do on the national level if they take over government again. No more Democrat-lite. Cut unneeded programs, reduce taxes and spending and watch the economy rebound.


Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.

Federal Deficit, Take Note of Virginia