New budget emerges from Senate

Tayah Frye March 4, 2016 at 1:14pm

This week, the seventh of this session of the Virginia General Assembly, both the Senate and House of Delegates are considering the state’s two-year budget. After each house passes a budget, a joint conference committee resolves the differences.

The Senate budget has good news and bad news.

Good News

Revenues have increased more than expenses for the first time in seven years, offering opportunities to address unmet needs. The Senate Budget makes significant investments in education including an additional $80 million for Fairfax County, $32 million for Prince William County and $22 million for Stafford County over last year’s appropriations including $16 million for a program called “Cost to Compete” which is supplemental funding for high-cost areas like Northern Virginia to pay teachers and support staff. The plan also includes a two-percent salary increase for all elementary-secondary school teachers.

The budget increases funds for our state colleges and universities by $223 million, increases student financial aid and limits tuition increases to three percent. The Senate budget has about $1.4 billion in construction projects, including $350 million to modernize the Port of Virginia, construct college buildings and renovate state park facilities.

It adds over 800 “waiver” slots due to the closure of Virginia’s training centers and an additional 400 new slots for adults with developmental disabilities so they can receive needed services.

The Senate budget begins the closures of Virginia’s Juvenile Detention facilities, adds 11 new mental health positions in probation offices and provides $2.5 million for mental health pilot projects in our jails. It also funds one new General District Court judge position in Prince William County and one Circuit Court spot in Stafford County.

The Senate budget includes my amendment to increase funds for court-appointed criminal attorney by $1.2 million, the first increase since the program’s inception.

It also includes funds to keep down costs at Dulles Airport and to begin planning the widening Interstate 66.

Bad News

A major disappointment to me is the omission of Governor Terry McAuliffe’s proposed Medicaid expansion, to provide health care to more low-income and disabled people. Rejecting Medicaid and the available federal funding represent legislative malpractice, but the votes simply are not there to pass it.

Second, the budget fails to fund three desperately needed Fairfax County judgeship positions – Circuit, General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Fewer judges means more delays in access to justice.

Unfortunately, the Senate budget also cuts capital improvements to Widewater State Park. This desperately needed project would create the only public access to the Potomac River in Stafford County.

I am working hard to pass a budget that addresses our needs and to get my bills passed by the mid-March adjournment. Please share your views and suggestions at [email protected].

instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser

Recent Stories

Blue-bike bank robber still loose in Stafford

Uriah Kiser April 17, 2024 at 2:25pm

Stafford County authorities are still looking for a bank robber who simply peddled away.

Yugene Vindman calls for review of Virginia’s State Flag amid controversy over Confederate symbolism

Uriah Kiser April 17, 2024 at 9:53am

Yugene Vindman, a Democrat of Lake Ridge, who’s running to replace Abigail Spanberger (D) in Congress, is calling for a review of Virignia’s State Flag, one of the most unique in the world.

Warm Front paves the way for weather changes | Prince William Parks and Rec sponsors our weather posts

Uriah Kiser April 17, 2024 at 9:53am

A stationary front lingering across central Virginia is expected to gradually shift northward today, transforming into a warm front by early Thursday, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service.

Howard University student from Fredericksburg struck and killed by faculty’s member’s car

Uriah Kiser April 16, 2024 at 10:11pm

A Howard University student has died after he was struck last week by a car reportedly driven by a faculty member…Mohamed Samura, of Fredericksburg, 18, was a computer information systems major at the university.

Free 15-Minute Consultation: Start Your Journey to Wellness with Psychotherapy

By: Peaceful Mind Solutions

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.

Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.

Now Accepting New Therapy Clients

By: Peaceful Mind Solutions

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Free Irish Music Concert

April 24 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.

Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old

Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival

April 28 5:00pm – 7:00pm

The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.

A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County

Recent Stories

Subscribe to our mailing list