RICHMOND, VA — Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) applauded Virginia’s $261 million surplus for FY2013 citing the surplus as proof that the policies of Republicans in the House of Delegates are yielding results for the Commonwealth.

“A growing economy, smart budgeting by the legislature, effective governmental leadership from Governor Bob McDonnell, and responsible spending by state agency leaders and employees has left Virginia with a $261 million budget surplus for FY2013. This is further proof that the conservative policies advanced by the House of Delegates are working and demonstrates why Virginia remains one of the best managed states in the nation,” said Speaker Howell.

The surplus announcement comes just two weeks after Speaker Howell announced over $1.8 million in legislative savings returned to the general fund, including $1.6 million from legislative branch agencies and $200,000 from the House of Delegates.

Today’s announcement will allow the Governor to authorize a salary increase for state employees for the first time in six years.

“Virginians expect and deserve that their taxpayer dollars are used wisely. House Republicans are incredibly proud of our record on this issue. Over the last four years, we have worked to reduce spending by nearly $7 billion, carefully invested in the core functions of government and responsibly planned for Virginia’s future by growing the rainy-day fund to over $700 million. Because of this, Virginia is responsibly positioned for the future,” Speaker Howell concluded.