Pogge Says Cuts to K-12 Education Ill Advised

Responding to Governor Kaine's proposed $220 million in cuts to dedicated funding to K-12 education; Delegate Brenda Pogge issued this statement:

"By his willingness to raid education funding in order to finance $600 million in new and expanded programs, I believe that the Governor is sending a mixed message to all Virginians concerning the importance of funding core services in uncertain economic times. Furthermore; out of the $220 million dollars being cut from education, $165 million will be taken from lottery profits. This adds insult to injury. When Virginians went to the polls and gave their approval to institute a statewide lottery it was with the understanding that the proceeds would go to benefit K-12 education. We must ensure that this promise is kept."

"In the three localities that comprise the 96 th  House District these cuts represent over $10 million dollars in school construction grants and school building projects that we cannot afford to lose."

"I am in agreement with my Republican colleagues in the House that these cuts are ill-advised and will only put pressure on the localities to raise taxes on Virginia's hard- working families to make up the difference. We must remember the Governor's own words when he said we need to "adhere to our tradition of fiscal responsibility."