3 Months Late, Va. Budget Approved

"My work does not end after today; it really just begins," said Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax), who will try to persuade wary delegates to pass a plan allowing Northern Virginia to raise taxes regionally for local projects.

Buoyed by billions in unanticipated tax revenue produced by a booming economy, the budget deal for 2006 through 2008 includes additional spending for core government services. Teachers and state troopers will receive raises; colleges and universities will get more money to accommodate growing enrollment; and dozens of additional prosecutors will be hired.

The plan also provides tax relief. Virginia's estate tax, now assessed on holdings of at least $2 million, will end July 1, 2007. The repeal was part of a deal struck by budget negotiators on the final day of talks.

Republicans in both the House and Senate cheered the repeal in a rare sign of unity within a party that has been deeply divided on issues of taxes.

"We were asking people to devote energies throughout their lives to paying taxes on investments and income and then to pay again upon death," said Sen. Walter A. Stosch (R-Henrico). "That's offensive to many of us."

Democrats, however, criticized the last-minute deal, saying it amounts to a tax cut for the state's wealthiest residents.

"It's a tax break for the very, very rich and the very, very few at the expense of everyone else," said Sen. Patricia S. Ticer (D-Alexandria), who voted for the budget on Tuesday but against a companion bill on the estate tax.

Democrats and some Republicans also complained about a part of the last-minute deal that imposed a cap on the amount of tax credits that can be offered to landowners seeking to protect open space.

"It would cripple the most valuable land conservation program the commonwealth of Virginia undertakes," said Del. R. Lee Ware Jr. (R-Powhatan).

Kaine has up to seven days to offer amendments to the budget, veto it or veto specific provisions. The General Assembly will return to Richmond next week to consider any changes and take a final vote.

Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick (R-Prince William) was one of two delegates to oppose the budget. He said it contained wasteful spending on unneeded government programs and not enough money for transportation. Asked what spending he would reduce, he declined to offer specifics. "I don't want to get into that," he said.

But even legislators disappointed with the outcome were largely jovial that the months of bitter deadlock had been broken. Del. David L. Englin (D-Alexandria), who led the chamber in prayer to open the session, began with the Shehecheyanu, a Hebrew blessing intended to mark special and celebratory occasions.

"I'm glad we're finally here," he said afterward.