Chase was in court Monday
She faced a judge over the assault and battery charge from March.
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The budget has been signed
Lawmakers agreed on a budget, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed it on Monday.
The budget passed 94-6 in the House of Delegates and 39-1 in the Senate, with Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland, the lone nay vote. He is currently in a competitive primary race against Rep. Bob Good, R-VA05.
The deal prevented a potential government shutdown this summer, with lawmakers and Youngkin at odds over what should be prioritized. Democrats wanted more spending, while Youngkin wanted more tax cuts.
In the end, Democrats say they were able to include their priorities while avoiding any tax cuts.
Youngkin was unhappy about the lack of tax cuts, but he praised that there were no tax increases.
The General Assembly has commissioned a study of the state tax system in anticipation of a potential overhaul next year.
Another win for Youngkin in the new budget is that it does not require Virginia to reenter RGGI.
Democrats accepted the compromise but not without some complaints.
“Because of the governor’s misguided intransigence, it is in one crucial respect, Mr. Speaker — to borrow a phrase — backward. It takes Virginia backward on one of the most important issues of our time,” Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Fairfax, said on the floor Monday.
The budget also cut the Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program that provided a tuition waiver for spouses and children of military veterans killed or severely injured in the line of duty. The current program allows them to attend public colleges and universities for free.
Now, they must first apply for other federal aid options first. The new language also prevents the program from covering graduate programs and limits it to Virginia residents.
Lawmakers went home Monday, but likely not for good. Instead of adjourning, they recessed, anticipating coming back sometime this summer to discuss skill games legislation.
Chase has her day in court
Former state Sen. Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, was in court Monday for an assault and battery charge after an altercation earlier this year at a local GOP event.