A coalition of Virginia business organizations, including the state Chamber of Commerce, representing more than 50,000 of the roughly 200,000 businesses urged members of the Senate Wednesday to compromise and pass a budget.
"Collectively we really represent the voice of Virginia business on this subject," said Barry DuVal, CEO and president of the Virginia Chamber. "The business community is asking that members of the Virginia Senate focus on the greater good. We're asking that members of the Virginia Senate put Virginia first in this process. And we're asking that they pass a budget in a responsible manner."
Bobbie Kilberg, president and CEO of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, said her organization is worried about what the budget standoff will do to the commonwealth's reputation as one f the best state's in the nation to do business in, and what the impasse means for Virginia's coveted triple-A bond rating.
"Virginia is one of only 13 states with a AAA bond rating, which allows it to borrow money at the most competitive rates available, saves millions of taxpayer dollars and is a measure of our financial reputation," Kilberg said. "The current situation could put that coveted rating, which Virginia has held for over 70 years - longer than any other state, and our national rankings in jeopardy."
The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce signed on to a letter to Senators urging them to get a budget deal done signed by a number of business organizations represented by the coalition Wednesday.
“If a budget is not passed, the Hampton Roads Chamber is concerned that Virginia’s position as the best managed state in the country will be jeopardized,” said Jack Hornbeck, president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.
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