Virginia Government: McDonnell announces AG office cuts to respond to budget shortfall

Story by Chris Graham
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Bob McDonnell announced today that he is cutting spending in his Attorney General’s Office by 9.1 percent and is reducing his own salary and returning his state vehicle as a response to the state’s $2.9 billion budget shortfall.

“These are difficult times. This economic downturn, and sustained uncertainty, is forcing Virginia families and businesses to make hard decisions, and Virginia’s government must do likewise. As the governor determines what budget cuts to order by executive action I have taken this proactive step,” McDonnell said in a statement today.

The 9.1 percent cut by McDonnell represents $3.8 million in the current fiscal year. The annual budget for the office is just over $36 million.

“With a potential $3 billion shortfall looming these reductions represent a small part of any solution, but as stewards of taxpayers money it is important that we do our part. We have taken prudent but aggressive management actions to streamline operations without affecting service to our clients,” McDonnell said.