McDonnell Urges Va. Lawmakers to Trim Government

Gov. Bob McDonnell is urging legislators to make some tough choices to cut spending and restructure state government.

McDonnell said Wednesday night in his State of the Commonwealth speech that selling liquor is not a core government function, and that's why he has proposed privatizing state-run liquor stores. He said the move will raise $300 million for transportation.

The Republican governor also says he doesn't see radio and television programming as a worthwhile expenditure of $4 million in state funds.

He wants to end state funding for public broadcasting.

And he wants to save money by cutting some of the 359 state board and commissions, like the Plant Pollination Board. He says plants are capable of pollinating themselves without advice from Richmond.