News


Mamie Locke

The Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Each year it is the major goal of the legislature to either adopt a biennial budget (this session) or adjust that budget. I was pleased to work with Senator L. Louise Lucas in her inaugural year as chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair to adopt a Senate budget that was fiscally and structurally sound and responsible. That budget addressed key priorities for K12 education, higher education, health and human services, capital outlay, natural resources, housing, and transportation. As a conferee, members of the Senate worked with House members to reconcile differences in Senate and House budgets to adopt a conference budget that addressed core services and priorities for the Commonwealth. The budget sent to the Governor includes the taxes he raised in his initial budget; however, he only raised taxes on consumers. Conferees felt it was only fair that businesses pay their fair share as well. Should the Governor remove those resources, then he will speak volumes on where his priorities lie: taxing the middle- and lower-income individuals while allowing the wealthy not to pay their fair share. He will also have to demonstrate what will prioritize. Does public education matter? Keeping the Commonwealth in RGGI that focuses on our environmental priorities, and which is the law? Keeping raises for teachers and other hardworking employees? Keeping the resources for higher education so that it remains affordable and accessible? Do transportation resources matter? We will soon find out if the Governor prioritizes personal over policy.

The General Assembly reconvenes to address the Governor's vetoes, bill amendments, and response to the budget on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Stay tuned.

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