Youngkin calls lawmakers again to Richmond for particular session on long-delayed price range

RICHMOND, Va. —Virginia lawmakers will reconvene in Richmond subsequent week to think about a compromise General Assembly negotiators lately reached on the long-delayed state price range.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has referred to as the part-time Legislature into session Sept. 6 to think about the deal, his workplace mentioned in a information launch Tuesday.

“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,” Youngkin mentioned.

Last week, negotiators representing the Republican-controlled House of Delegates and Democratic-controlled Senate introduced the bare-bones outlines of a compromise price range that may increase schooling spending and provide some tax reduction, largely within the type of one-time rebates. The full particulars of the plan, hashed out privately by the negotiators, haven’t been launched.

This yr’s price range invoice is lengthy overdue.

The politically divided General Assembly ended its common session in February with out full settlement on changes to the two-year state price range initially adopted in 2022. The state operates on a two-year price range cycle, with the plan initially adopted in even-numbered years and amended in odd-numbered years. Because there’s an underlying price range, the gridlock over this yr’s changes didn’t influence the functioning of the state authorities.

Still, lawmakers have confronted criticism for failing to complete considered one of their most necessary jobs.

Separately on Tuesday, the state’s Department of General Services introduced the completion of the brand new constructing on Capitol Square that can home legislative workplaces and assembly rooms.

The new General Assembly Building will open to the general public Oct. 11, the division mentioned in a information launch. Lawmakers and their staffs will start the method of shifting into the constructing within the coming weeks.

“The new GAB will enable constituents, visitors and all interested parties to more easily observe and actively participate in the lawmaking process,” House Speaker Todd Gilbert mentioned in an announcement. “It’s a beautiful new addition to our capital’s skyline and a building worthy of the consequential work that will be conducted within its walls.”