ALAN SUDERMAN

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Some local governments in Virginia are starting to consider contingency plans as a budget impasse drags on toward a possible unprecedented state shutdown July 1.

Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe has pledged to keep state government fully open and running even if no state budget is passed before July, but Republicans believe the governor’s ability to spend absent a budget is extremely limited and several facets of state spending will be affected.

Much of state government will stop functioning if a budget isn’t passed. The effect will also be felt locally. The state provides more than $8 billion a year to cities and counties to help pay for public schools, law enforcement salaries and mental health services.

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