Virginia Senate Unveils Budget Priorities

February 10, 2021

RICHMOND, Va.: Today, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee laid out their amendments to Governor Northam’s proposed budget.

Finance and Appropriations Committee Chair Janet Howell said: “While there have been hardships in the past year, I’ve seen resilience and adaptation to what Virginians have faced collectively and individually. Putting together the Virginia budget multiple times this year has similarly required adaptation and redirection as our economy is fluctuating. We have pushed ahead to help Virginians through the pandemic, and to move us forward in a number of areas including education, health and human resources, and criminal justice reform. I’m extremely grateful for our ability to work together in a bipartisan fashion in the Senate, and to then build a budget we could be proud of and holds our tradition of strong fiscal management.”

Majority Leader Dick Saslaw said: “Senate Democrats are committed to making sure every Virginian has the opportunity to a good-paying job, world-class education, and a pathway to recovery from the economic and health crises caused by the covid-19 pandemic. Our budget proposals reflect those priorities, and we remain DETERMINED throughout the legislative and budget processes to guarantee those opportunities across the Commonwealth.”

Caucus Chair Mamie Locke said: “With the budget challenges and competing interests Virginia faces, the budget presented today shows how DYNAMIC Senate Democrats are to the ever-changing priorities of our Commonwealth. Especially amidst unprecedented constraints and needs across Virginia, we have been able to lead the way on equity, reform, and progress for all Virginians.”