SD9 - Review of State Spending: 2011 Update


Executive Summary:
Virginia’s operating budget increased by 66 percent between fiscal years 2002 and 2011—a 29 percent growth in general funds and a 105 percent growth in non-general funds. These longer term budget trends mask the decline experienced by the general fund in recent fiscal years.

Adjusting for the effects of inflation and population growth, the general fund declined five percent over the ten-year period while the non-general fund and the total budget increased by 51 percent and 23 percent, respectively. The State’s budget has also become more dependent on non-general funds, as the share of the budget derived from such funds increased from 48 percent ($11.2 billion) in FY 2002 to 60 percent ($23.5 billion) in FY 2011.

Most of the ten-year, $15.5 billion growth remains concentrated in core functions of State government: health care, education, and transportation. For example, 54 percent of all budget growth occurred in just four agencies: the Department of Medical Assistance Services, Department of Education, University of Virginia (including the Medical Center), and the Virginia Community College System.

General fund growth was also concentrated in a few core State agencies, largely reflecting policy choices and initiatives of the Governor and General Assembly.