As March came to a close, I returned to Prince William County energized and focused after the General Assembly wrapped up work for the 2025 Legislative session in Richmond. April has already brought more key developments for Virginia including the annual Reconvened Session. I’m pleased to highlight our updates on legislation and the state budget as well as provide useful information that may support you and your family.
General Assembly 2025 Reconvened Session
On April 2nd, legislators returned to Richmond for the 2025 Reconvene Session, often referred to as the “Veto Session.” The purpose of this session is to give the General Assembly the opportunity to review and act on any amendments or vetoes to legislation proposed by Governor Youngkin.
Governor Youngkin submitted 157 vetoes and 159 proposed amendments to legislation passed earlier in the year. Of those amendments, the General Assembly rejected 57 House Bills and 33 Senate Bills, sending the original versions back to the Governor’s desk exactly as they were passed by the General Assembly in February.
Now, the ball is back in the Governor’s court. He has until Friday, May 2nd, to make his final decisions on the bills that were returned without his changes—either by signing them into law or issuing another round of vetoes.
Budget Update
On March 25th, Governor Youngkin communicated his 205 amendments and eight vetoes to the state budget passed by the General Assembly in February.
During our reconvened session, we voted to adopt 41 of his amendments that were considered technical or attached to other pieces of legislation that the Governor vetoed. The other 164 amendments were passed by for the day and not considered. Speaker Don Scott ruled that two of the Governor’s vetoes were out of order and were not considered. The other six vetoes did not obtain enough votes to override the action and were sustained.
The Senate of Virginia concurred with our action, and now the Governor has another opportunity to review the state’s budget over the next 30 days.
Recognition from George Mason University
Last month, I and other members of the Prince William County General Assembly delegation took part in the ribbon cutting for the Life Sciences and Engineering Building at George Masons’ SciTech Campus in Manassas. This state-of-the-art facility, featuring over 30 specialized labs and classrooms, stands as a testament to Mason’s unwavering commitment to advancing STEM education, fostering innovation, and enriching our community.
As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, it was both a responsibility and a privilege to play a role in securing funding for such a transformative project. I am deeply honored and humbled to have been recognized by George Mason University, particularly through the naming of the fourth floor of the new building as the Torian Floor.
Thank you to George Mason University for this recognition and your continued dedication to excellence in education, research, and public service.
Resources for Federal Employees
Virginia is home to one of the largest populations of federal employees in the nation. Like many parts of the Commonwealth, the 24th district is being affected by mass federal employee layoffs. My office is prepared to connect anyone affected with resources and guidance during this uncertain time.
Speaker Don Scott and the Virginia House of Delegates established an emergency committee to assess the potential impact of major federal funding and staffing cuts. The Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions is a bipartisan effort composed of 12 members of the House of Delegates. It is charged with identifying strategies to mitigate these effects while ensuring continued support for Virginia families and businesses.
Below is a list compiled of resources for those impacted by these drastic federal workforce actions. Prince William County has also created a website with resources for those affected; please click here.
Applying for Unemployment
Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE)
Virginia Employment Commission Site for Federal Employees
Finding a New Job
Federal Resources
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Reemployment and Transition Programs
State Resources
Local Resources
PWC Resources for Federal Workers
Prince William County Chamber of Commerce Job Board
Prince William County Public School Openings
Prince William County Government Job Openings
Health Care Resources
Virginia Health Benefit Exchange
Apply through your local Department of Social Services agency; you can find that here.
Neighborhood Health (Federally Qualified Health Center that takes patients on a sliding fee scale)
Prince William County Community Services Board (provides primarily mental health and substance use disorder crises)
Other low-cost or free medical providers in the Prince William County
Family Services Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
Housing and Rental Assistance Agencies
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
Prince William County Housing and Community Development
Other Resources
Virginia Department of Social Services
Prince William Department of Social Services
Local Community Organizations
Capital Area Food Bank (partners with local food banks)
Northern Virginia Family Service
Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
Last week, my colleagues in the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) voted for me to serve as Chair. The election follows the leadership of outgoing Chair, Senator Lamont Bagby, who has served in this role since 2017.
The VLBC is stronger, better equipped, and more determined than ever to fight for those who have been overlooked for too long. Our priority remains on addressing issues Virginians face every day—from cuts to healthcare benefits to underfunded schools and wages that don’t meet the cost of living. It is an honor to step into the role of Chair, and I look forward to working alongside Senator Bagby as we elect leaders who are ready to work for the people of Virginia.
