Virginia’s Budget Finalized with Senate Democrats’ Priorities

June 17, 2022

Today, the General Assembly considered Governor Glenn Youngkin’s amendments to the 2023-2024 biennial budget.

Majority Leader Dick Saslaw said: “The budget finalized today is the culmination of months of negotiations on how to best support Virginians in their daily lives. We approved record funding for economic growth through increased state employee wages, business investments, and both broad and targeted tax relief. The budget appropriates more money than ever for Virginia’s public schools to develop the next generation of leaders through increased teacher pay and bonuses, renovation and construction of education infrastructure, and broadening opportunities in K-12 and higher education alike. These investments and policy choices complete a thoughtful, balanced, and responsible budget for the Commonwealth that prioritizes what Virginians need most right now.”

Caucus Chair Mamie Locke said: “Senate Democrats remain steadfast to our promise we’ve made to Virginians to protect and build upon our progress. Today’s votes continue that pledge in rejecting Governor Youngkin’s attempts to siphon funds from public schools, restrict health options, and reverse criminal justice reform. We also stood together to make sure tax relief helped the families who need it most, instead of lining the pockets of price gougers and out-of-state corporations. Governor Youngkin has once again run up against Senate Democrats’ brick wall–we are not going back.”