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

Egg-citing Spring Adventure: Stafford’s Blue and Terrence’s Egg Venture Returns

Uriah Kiser Today at 11:00am

Families and adventure seekers in Stafford County can gear up for a fun-filled outdoor experience this spring as Blue and Terrence’s Excellent Egg Venture returns for another year.

Haymarket Regional Food Pantry Celebrates 20 Years of Serving the Community Amid Growing Need

Uriah Kiser Today at 9:00am

From a single closet shared by two churches to a bustling community lifeline helping tens of thousands annually, the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year — and its mission is more critical than ever.

Councilmember Vasquez Luna Pushes for Higher Business Tax Rate, Council Decides to Hold Off — For Now

Uriah Kiser Today at 7:00am

A push by Councilmember Sonia Vasquez Luna to raise the business computer equipment tax rate met resistance Monday night, as the Manassas City Council instead chose to maintain the current rate of $2.15 per $100 of assessed value.

Obituary: Martha (Marti) Lee Seers (1938-2024)

Alan Gloss April 1, 2025 at 8:05pm

In loving memory of Martha (Marti) Lee Seers, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 86.

Check Your Car Seat!

By: Free Child Safety Seat Check

Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.

Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.

Fitzgerald GMC Rockville

McClung-Logan to Host 40th Annual Customer Appreciation Oyster Roast in Fredericksburg

By: McClung-Logan

McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.

This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.

The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

July 24 9:00am – 9:00pm

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Cascade Landing Community Grand Opening

April 12 11:00am – 6:00pm

You’re invited to celebrate the Official Grand Opening of our newest community Cascade Landing in Dumfries, VA. Join us April 12th from 11 AM – 6 PM and fall for your new townhome!

Enjoy our grand opening celebration, complete with

Recent Stories

Subscribe to our mailing list