The Virginia governor has called for a special session to consider the long-awaited budget that was recently negotiated by a small group of bipartisan lawmakers.
According to a press statement, Gov. Glenn Youngkin has called the Legislature into session on Sept. 6 to finalize the budget amendments.
“To make Virginia more affordable for families and local businesses, we must deliver on our shared goals for more jobs, safer and healthier communities, greater workforce and educational opportunities, and much-needed tax relief for Virginians. Together, we can get the job done,” Mr. Youngkin said.
The small group of Virginia lawmakers who negotiated the state budget deal after months of delay announced on Aug. 25 that they had reached an agreement on the “major components” of a compromise proposal that would boost education spending and offer tax relief.
The budget deal includes a one-time tax rebate of $200 for individuals and $400 for joint filers, according to a statement from the negotiators. It also increases the standard deduction, reinstates a popular sales tax holiday, and allocates more revenue to public education and college financial aid.
The complete budget plan was not released.
The state operates on a two-year budget cycle, with the plan initially adopted in even-numbered years and amended in odd-numbered years.
The two sides were not able to come to an agreement when the General Assembly ended its regular session in February because Republicans only hold a slight lead in the House and Democrats hold a small majority in the Senate, and each side has its own priorities.
After compromises were made, Democrats and Republicans came to an agreement that Democrat lawmakers have praised publicly.
“While the major components have been agreed to, our conferees and staff will be completing the final touches in the days to come. The deal is one that provides Virginians with additional tax relief and unprecedented investments in education, natural resources, and behavioral health. It is a win-win for the citizens of Virginia,” the money committee leaders—Democratic Sens. Janet Howell and George Barker and GOP Del. Barry Knight—said in a joint statement.
Virginia’s Senate Majority Leader Louise Lucas posted a statement on X praising the budget.
Process Too Long
The same day lawmakers reached an agreement on the budget, Mr. Youngkin showed his frustrations with the process being so lengthy.“Here we are in August, we should have had this done back in January or February,” Mr. Youngkin said.
Democrats have been pushing for one-time tax relief, while Mr. Youngkin wanted permanent tax cuts for small businesses and families, but he told reporters that he is willing to compromise to get the budget done.
“I think this is a moment where we’re going to come together around the reality that we can provide one-time tax relief … in refunds, but also begin to get at some of the more permanent tax relief, and I'll have a chance to sit down and review once the team has finally hit final agreement,” Mr. Youngkin said. “But as I said, I’m looking for a billion dollars in tax relief. I know that we can afford permanent cuts.”
