This past week was Budget Week at the General Assembly, meaning it has been a busy time here in Richmond. We areconcludinglegislative deliberation and finalizing the Commonwealth’s spending priorities for the upcoming biennium. There are two weeks remainingin the 2020 legislative session, but it’s not too early to express how proud I am of the steps forward thatwe have takenand ourinvestments in Virginia’s future.
Budget Updates
On Sunday, the House Appropriations Committee reported its biennial budget almost unanimously. The Washington Post reported on the contents of our reported budget on Sunday.
The House budget includes significant funding for Virginia’s public education system, affordable health care, and workers’ rights. Unlike the Federal government, Virginia cannot print its own money: This budget builds our reserves to the highest point in history for the inevitable rainy day. It is balanced, fiscally responsible, and will guard Virginia’s AAA bond rating while advancing equity of opportunity across the Commonwealth by helping rather than hindering every Virginian’s ability to succeed.
Click here to watch my remarks on the floor regarding passage of the House budget
The full House of Delegates passed the budget bill by a vote of 67-32 on Thursday. For more details on the contents of our budget you can read this summary from WTOP.
Visitors at the General Assembly
This week I met with Richard Mattox who is a constituent in my district, co-founder of the government relations firm Mattox Woolfolk, and adjunct professor at George Mason University. Mr. Mattox has also been an advisor to several members of Congress and served as President of the Washington Government Relations Group (Association of Black Lobbyists). Mr. Mattox was in Richmond to advocate for education and criminal justice reform.
I appreciate your ongoing support. Please contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns about the 2020 General Assembly session.