Va. gov. asks agencies for cuts

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) has asked state agencies to look for cuts of up to six percent.

In a memo sent Thursday, McDonnell's Chief of Staff Martin Kent asked agency heads to submit plans to cut the equivalent of 2, 4 and 6 percent of their general fund dollars for fiscal year 2012.

"The Governor must prioritize the state's budget to address the most critical needs, the increases in mandated services, and the programs that will revitalize the Commonwealth's economy,'' Kent wrote. "This means that he must evaluate the entire budget to assess the value of the lowest priority spending against the above demands."

The proposals are due Nov. 5. McDonnell will present his budget amendments to the General Assembly on Dec. 17.

-- Anita Kumar