Budget battle on Capitol Hill: House and Senate proposals $1 billion apart
RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) — The Virginia General Assembly is up against the clock to finalize a budget before the end of the session, but there's currently a billion-dollar difference between the House and Senate proposals.
Delegate Sam Rasoul, 11th district, said the House is focusing on putting more money in your pocket, which is a priority for Governor Glenn Youngkin.
"There are a number of different tax cut proposals. There are some targeted ones, particularly for military families and veterans that we need to stay laser-focused on," Rasoul said.
Senator Steve Newman, 23rd district, said their chamber is spending more money on education.
SEE ALSO: Virginia Senate Democrats defeat bill allowing murder charges for drug dealers
"We have about a billion more dollars for public education. It's an extraordinary amount to try to get children to a point where the learning loss can actually be eliminated," said Newman.
Both budgets include a 2% raise for teachers and state employees, along with critical funding for mental and behavioral health care.
However, with that billion-dollar difference, both chambers are going to have to make some sacrifices to come to an agreement.
"The senate budget has a little more spending in it, but it also has about $2.2 billion dollars that is one-time money. That gives us a little more opportunity to work with the house to get us some of those tax reductions that the Governor desperately needs," Newman said.
SEE ALSO: Diesel prices at their lowest since March 2022, GasBuddy says
"A lot of people disagree with some of the tax cuts that are going to corporations and other wealthier members of society. That really needs to be targeted to our middle and working class that needs it the most," Rasoul said.
Both chambers will create committees to negotiate a budget agreement they both can support.
Lawmakers hope they can get a finalized budget in the Governor's hands by February 25, when the session adjourns.
Otherwise, they'll be forced to come back for a special session.
