RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Democrats in the Virginia Senate are still trying to reach an accord with Republicans, chiefly Gov. Bob McDonnell, that would guarantee passage of a new state budget Tuesday afternoon.
The Democrats - particularly those from northern Virginia - want $300 million for the project to extend Washington Metro rail service to Dulles International Airport.
Without it, $2.25 one-way tolls on a 14-mile road linking the Beltway and the airport could double by 2014 and triple within six years.
McDonnell and the GOP-ruled House say only $150 million is available this year.
Democrats hold 20 of the Senate's 40 seats. If they all oppose the budget, the stalemate would kill the $85 billion 2-year state spending plan 2½ months before the old budget expires.
