While I do not agree on every item that was included in the budget, I am proud of the overall budget we created. Any budget involves a give- and-take process and must take into consideration the perspectives of those from a very diverse state. What we accomplished did just that while remaining a conservative spending proposal.

Being one of those chosen for the first time to work out the differences between the House and the Senate versions of the budget was both interesting and challenging.  On some issues we were able to convince the House that the Senate position was best, on others it worked the reverse.

Unsure of the direction of the economy in these uncertain times, we set aside over $600 million in the “rainy day” fund to be better prepared should a downturn in the economy occur.

Other priorities included returning tax dollars to counties and cities to assist with education costs and raises for teachers and state and state supported employees as their families are faced with the rapidly increasing costs in healthcare due to Obamacare.

Some have talked about this being a large budget. They are correct. However, when compared to growth in population (which is at a faster pace than in years past) and inflation, this means increases of all the goods and services needed to serve the public.

Frank Ruff, a Republican, represents Lunenburg County in the Virginia Senate. His email address is Sen.Ruff@verizon.net.