You can't find the end of the string. Sen. Walter A. Stosch, R-Henrico, said the Senate version of the budget addresses the same issues as the nine House bills. Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr., R-James City, said he wants to see the funding source for each of the smaller bills. He said he didn't want to pre-judge the bills until he's had a chance to examine them. But like Chichester, he said he prefers debating an entire budget, not pieces of one.
House leaders agree on that point.
They have more than 60 members signed onto a comprehensive budget bill sponsored by Del. Phillip A. Hamilton, R-Newport News. But that plan has received a cool reception in closed-door meetings with senators. Still, the Hamilton plan will be in play over the next 48 hours. But we do not harbor false hopes. This is the second time in as many weeks that lawmakers have come to Richmond to deal with the budget.