Last week, we not only dealt with finishing up all our Senate bills but we also had to vote on the Senate version of adjustments to the Governor’s 2025 State Budget. Since this year we are not dealing with a new budget but just amending the bi-annual budget that was approved last year, we are really talking about how to spend the surplus funds that were a result of revenues the state collected last year that were above what was expected.

Virginia's budget surplus can be attributed to several factors, including strong economic growth, a thriving job market, and prudent financial management. Unlike the federal government, Virginia always maintains a balanced budget. My predecessor, Senator Ruff, who served on the Senate Finance Committee for years, was a strong advocate for conservative spending and fiscal responsibility. I am proud to carry on those same standards in the seat he once held.

Virginia has seen increased tax collections due to post-pandemic economic recovery, especially in sectors like retail, technology, and finance. This has resulted in higher-than-projected state revenue. Our diverse economy—including strong defense, technology, healthcare, and education sectors—has driven growth and job creation, contributing to higher income and corporate tax revenues. Additionally, in some areas of the state, rising real estate values have led to increased property tax revenues.

As you can see, much of this surplus comes from Virginia citizens paying more into the state's tax pool. I believe that when we have a surplus, it is our duty as legislators to invest those funds wisely—supporting firefighters and EMS, public safety, and the mental health of our school-aged children. However, we must also recognize that the majority of this surplus should be returned to the Virginians through tax relief.

Virginia’s citizens are struggling and need relief! They are burdened with high grocery bills, rising gas prices, unaffordable child care, ever-increasing power bills, and the list goes on. No one deserves a share of this surplus more than the taxpayers of Virginia. The best way to ease their financial strain is through a much-needed tax break—returning their hard-earned money rather than recklessly spending it.

I ultimately voted for the Senate budget because it included important provisions, such as maintaining the standard deduction and funding for our state. However, there were also many aspects I strongly opposed. Fortunately, in the Senate, we have the ability to identify specific budget lines we disagree with and formally object to them.

Some provisions I opposed in the Senate budget include defunding the Virginia Israel Advisory Board (Item 16 #1) and reducing funding for school resource officers (Item 394 #4s). I am particularly disappointed in the Senate Finance Committee, led by Sen. Lucas from Portsmouth, for cutting even more funding from school resource officers. This decision follows the defeat of my bill, which would have expanded the pool of officers to help fill vacancies. Virginia Democrats seem to believe that the solution to school violence is to defund valuable resource officers—leaving not only students but also teachers and administrators more vulnerable.

These budget cuts were not my only concern—some of the proposed spending is equally troubling. The Senate budget includes funding for an expanded legal marijuana retail market (Item 92 #1s) and taxpayer-funded abortions (Item 4-5.04 #1s). These are not bipartisan, common-sense measures. They are far left-wing policies, and I am deeply disappointed to see them pass in the General Assembly.

This is not the final budget we will vote on this session. The House of Delegates will propose its own version, and conferees from both chambers will need to negotiate an agreement before our work concludes on February 22nd.

In the meantime, while we are still in Richmond, please do not hesitate to call our office at (804-698-7809), email ([email protected]), or visit our office (502 General Assembly Building). We are still considering important House legislation, and your input is invaluable. Please reach out if there are any bills you are concerned about or excited to support.