Youngkin signed the budget
Mason released a new ad using abortion to attack his challenger
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The rundown
Democrats and Republicans to Gov. Youngkin signing the budget compromise
Sen. Monty Mason released a new ad using abortion to attack his challenger
Youngkin signs the budget; Response from both parties
Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the amended budget Thursday morning on the steps at the state Capitol building flanked by mostly Republicans and supporters. The budget was a compromise that took many months to complete just in time for Youngkin to introduce his next proposal in December.
“This budget is the result of what we can accomplish when we put politics down and choose conservative commonsense solutions and make critical investments to ensure Virginia is the best state to live, work, and raise a family. I’m proud that we’re delivering on our promises to our veterans, our families, and fellow Virginians to lower the cost of living by providing an additional one billion dollars in tax relief on top of last year's historic four billion dollars,” Youngkin said. “This budget not only reflects our commitment to our students and teachers but also our law enforcement community in the Commonwealth. Together, we are accelerating results and building a Virginia that competes to win and gives the next generation of parents, teachers, students, farmers, law enforcement, nurses and first responders the tools needed to ensure their success and prosperity in the Commonwealth.”
Several members of law enforcement were in attendance on the steps behind Youngkin as well as activist groups like Moms For Liberty.
A few Democrats were in attendance; Sen. Monty Mason, Del. Rodney Willett, Del. Betsy Carr, and outgoing Sen. George Barker.
The House Democratic Caucus released a statement after the budget compromise was signed. “The final budget is a win for the Virginia families by putting money back in the pockets of hardworking Virginians, making historic investments in our public education system, and protecting abortion access for women who rely on Medicaid and experience tragic fetal abnormalities. Despite every House Republican voting in favor of a budget bill that would have deprioritized our public schools, Democratic conferees refused to leave the negotiating table until a deal was reached that put hardworking Virginians before profitable corporations.”
Sen. Scott Surovell (D) criticized the show put on by the Youngkin administration in the signing of the bill. “Gov Terry Mcauliffe used the steps of our historic Capitol to restore the voting rights for 200,000 Virginians - Glenn Youngkin uses it as a backdrop to sign a routine budget that was 10% of his demands - his need for attention is really unusual,” Surovell wrote on Twitter.
The Republican Party of Virginia applauded the signing and vowed to take control of the Senate to stop forcing Youngkin from having to compromise with Democrats. More wins for Virginia families thanks to the hard work of [House Republicans] and [Senate Republicans,]” they posted. But we can and will do more once we tear down Democrats' obstructionist ‘brick wall’ this November!”
The “brick wall” is what the Senate Democrats started calling themselves as they were the only force stopping Youngkin from implementing his full agenda. They currently have a 22-18 majority and are looking to keep it for another four years. The Republicans have a 52-48 majority in the House of Delegates.
Today’s signing was just an amended budget deal. The two-year budget will be completed (if done on time) during the next legislative session which begins in January. Youngkin is set to make his proposal to the General Assembly in December.
Related:
Youngkin signs Virginia budget offering tax reductions, major new spending
Youngkin signs much-delayed budget, with tax relief, boost for schools
Mason releases a new ad using abortion to attack his opponent
Sen. Monty Mason (D) released a new ad attacking his opponent, Danny Diggs, over his abortion stance.