Virginia lawmakers successfully passed a budget for the state, avoiding a shutdown despite earlier gridlock. Governor Glenn Youngkin signed the budget into law on Monday, reaching a compromise with Democratic leaders in the state House and Senate. The budget does not include any tax increases but does provide boosts to education funding and other areas over the next two years.
In a statement, Governor Youngkin highlighted the importance of coming together to deliver for the Commonwealth, citing the strength of the labor market and record revenues from business investments as key factors in empowering the budget resolution. Democratic leaders also praised the budget as a result of dedication and collaboration.
The compromise, announced last week with details revealed over the weekend, includes victories for Youngkin such as rejecting a proposed tax on digital downloads. Northern Virginia officials also secured state funding to help with Metro’s budget gap instead of tapping into local transit and transportation safety funds.
This successful budget agreement follows a war of words between Youngkin and Democrats over differing budget proposals, including the governor’s failed plan to build an arena in Alexandria to attract sports teams from downtown Washington.
