Senate Democrats delivered on their threat to vote against the budget Thursday afternoon. A party line vote kept the proposal from receiving the support needed for passage.
Republicans have a working majority in the State Senate with Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling serving as the tiebreaker on most legislation. He doesn't have the authority to vote on the budget, however, and Democrats have demanded changes in the makeup of Senate committees.
Thursday night, top Republicans criticized the Democrats' actions.
In a news release, Governor Bob McDonnell said Democrats may have put a timely budget at risk.
"I understand that their reason for this action is disappointment over the committee seats they hold." McDonnell said. "Essentially, with their vote today, they appear to have put committees ahead of communities. This is not the Virginia way."
The House easily approved its budget earlier Thursday. Now, its version will head to Senate for consideration.
