Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia stated he won’t back the recently approved budget, citing a $2.6 billion tax increase over two years. He urged Democratic leaders to revise the plan, proposing the removal of a new sales tax on digital goods and corresponding spending cuts instead.
Youngkin emphasized the importance of crafting a budget without tax hikes while funding key priorities. He also reiterated his support for a $2 billion development district with a new arena, a proposal previously rejected by lawmakers.
The governor’s remarks sparked discussions with legislators to address the budget concerns. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers defended their proposal, highlighting its focus on working families and education.
However, Youngkin criticized the budget as “broken” and argued it would regress Virginia’s progress made through previous tax cuts. He opposed the expansion of sales tax and the state’s re-entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
The governor’s veto of 20 bills, including measures affecting small businesses and tuition fees, stirred further debate. Among them was a bill allowing class-action lawsuits and another aiming to narrow wage gaps.
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As discussions continue, legislators will reconvene in April to consider budget amendments and potential veto overrides, presenting an opportunity for bipartisan collaboration to shape Virginia’s fiscal policies.
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