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].

Author

Tayah Frye

View all posts

Man, 90, Struck and Killed

Aya Karouane Today at 12:28pm

On November 4, a pedestrian was struck by a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter van while walking on the shoulder of Lake Jackson Dr. near Manassas and later died from his injuries. The driver, a 68-year-old man, remained at the scene, and investigators are seeking witnesses as the investigation continues, with charges pending.

New job: 15 Passenger Van Driver (Bfs Transportation)

By: Bfs Transportation

Established transportation company has immediate part-time position open as a back-up driver transporting military personnel from the Woodbridge area to Baltimore and Richmond. No CDL required but must be able to pass DOT physical and drug test. Must good driving record and pass criminal background check. Send resume with references to [email protected] or call 606-594-7018

Job details

Employer: Bfs Transportation
Position: 15 Passenger Van Driver
Employment type: Part-time
Workplace type: Fully in-person (in Woodbridge)
Compensation: Not specified
Application deadline: Not specified
Contact for application questions: Not specified

Don Giovanni @ Austrian Embassy 9/13

By: Washington Opera Society

Mozart’s Don Giovanni thrillingly explores the passions and perils of love, morality, and the inevitable fallout of reckless choices, all centered on the daring exploits of Don Giovanni. His seductive adventures ignite intense encounters and fierce conflicts with unforgettable characters like Donna Anna, Donna Elvira, and Zerlina. The electrifying drama pulls audiences into a world of intrigue, where every action has thrilling consequences. Join us at the Embassy of Austria, September 13th at 7:30 pm for what will be an exhilarating night of opera!

Maestro Julien Benichou, Conductor

featuring:

New budget emerges from Senate

Author

Recent Stories

Dumfries Town Council Election Today: 4 Candidates, 3 Open Seats

Man, 90, Struck and Killed

Events Around Prince William, Manassas In November

Prince William County Fire & Rescue Urges Fall Fire Safety to Prevent Mulch Fires

New job: 15 Passenger Van Driver (Bfs Transportation)

Job details

Don Giovanni @ Austrian Embassy 9/13

Author

Recent Stories

Job details

Subscribe to our mailing list