Politics & Government

Barve Warns of State Budget Strife

"The same story ... many years in a row."

Del. Kumar Barve gave the Rockville City Council grim news about the state budget Monday night.

"This will be another stressful session with respect to the budget," Barve said. "It's the same story I've had to give to you many years in a row."

Barve, the majority leader of the House of Delegates, noted the state reduced its revenue projections by $120 million, and the state is sensitive to what happens at the federal level.

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Barve and the other legislators in District 17 addressed the council, providing a preview of the 2012 General Assembly, which begins Jan. 11.

Councilman Tom Moore asked about the chances of increasing the gas tax, which was set at 23.5 cents a gallon in 1992. Barve said he heard a rumor the tax could be levied as a percentage of the sale.

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"I'm uncertain as to whether or not there is the political will to do anything to address the transportation portion of the budget," he said.

Del. Luiz R.S. Simmons addressed the council on education. He noted the achievement gap between black and white students is largely unchanged in 20 years, based on state Department of Education grade 4 reading scores. The average score for white students was 28 points higher than black students, he said. Twenty years ago, the gap was 29 points.


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