The most pressing issue of the current General Assembly session is the looming $4 billion budget shortfall. Governor McDonnell has vowed to veto any tax increases, so legislators must make massive spending cuts in order to balance the state budget. Localities will be hit hard, especially in the areas of education, transportation and public safety. Below is a compilation of links to stories pertaining to budget-related issues within the last week. It is clear that local governments are grappling with similar issues throughout the state.

Proposed Hanover budget would cut staff (Hanover)

Richmond-area and Hampton Roads oppose change to school funding

Richmond regional board opposes school funding proposal

Supervisors seek to fill a $910,510 gap in budget (Halifax)

Schools face big budget holes as stimulus runs out (Roanoke)

School chiefs eye state cuts (Harrisonburg)

Washington schools could be looking at $8 billion shortfall (Abingdon)

Proposal would hit local school budgets (Tidewater)

Schools feel fiscal pain (Spotsylvania)