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Special session for state budget starts Monday

Posted at 11:31 PM, Mar 23, 2014
and last updated 2014-03-24 00:01:33-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- State lawmakers are returning to Richmond on Monday. This time for a special session to work on passing the budget that they couldn't agree on during their normal 60-day session.

Some Virginians are frustrated with the state because of the extension that will be paid for on their dime. Taxpayers like Lindsay are not looking forward to footing the bill.

According to Watchdog Virginia, each day of the special session could cost $40,000.

"It's upsetting when you think about you money being wasted," Lindsay said.

The biggest controversy comes to medicaid expansion. Democrats think that if the federal government is paying for medicaid for the next couple years, money would be save. Republicans disagree, saying that the expansion could call for a pretty penny down the line.

CBS 6's political analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth says he expects this special session to last for an extensive period of time, considering how dead set each party is on their position. Ultimately, it will be up to local governments and universities who need a state budget in order to finish their own personal budgets, to pressure lawmakers to get it done.

If lawmakers fail to pass a budget before July 1st, the state government could end up being shut down.

"They are no closer to a deal today than when they left town a few weeks ago, " Dr. Holsworth said. "Right now both sides are engaged in a high states game of political chicken."