After months of sparring between Democrats in the General Assembly and Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia localities can breathe easier now that the state has finalized its budget.
The General Assembly is expected to vote on a new state budget on Monday after Youngkin and Democratic legislators reportedly struck a compromise.
Democrats expressed skepticism over Youngkin’s desire to find common ground in budget talks given how active the governor has been in vetoing their priorities. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin extended a budgetary olive branch to Democrats in the General Assembly...
The legislation will codify a recommendation that Virginia revise its laws to ensure Jewish Virginians are protected from hate crimes, along with Muslims, Sikhs, and other ethnic groups.
Both of these bills were top priorities of the Democratic-controlled General Assembly this legislative session. Youngkin’s vetoes came just one day after his top priority–a $2 billion development district that would have included a new arena meant to attract the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards to Alexandria–fell through.
Bills the governor vetoed include one that would have restricted access to assault weapons, one that would have kept guns out of the hands of violent people, and one that would have prevented gun dealers who sell firearms out of their homes from being located within one and a half miles of elementary and middle schools.
The legislation would raise Virginia’s minimum wage from the current rate of $12 per hour to $13.50 in 2025 and to $15 in 2026. Gov. Youngkin has until April 8 to either sign, veto, or recommend amendments to the legislation before lawmakers reconvene on April 17.
The board would have the power to review drug costs and limit how much state agencies, health plans, and individuals pay for certain prescription medications.
Gov. Youngkin has until April 8 to either sign, veto, or recommend amendments to bills that would protect patients and abortion providers against legal action, expand access to contraception, protect menstrual data that’s stored on third-party apps, and more.
The Senate approved a new, two-year state budget on Saturday which includes pay raises for teachers, increased funding for education, and more. Gov. Youngkin, however, says the document needs “a lot of work” before he’s willing to sign it.
