Your legislative majorities are delivering for the people of Virginia. As promised, the General Assembly wrapped up a short Special Session earlier this week with a diverse slate of new judges added to the expanded state Court of Appeals, a stimulus package that will send billions of dollars in relief to Virginia families and communities, and over $1 billion in federal aid set aside to address impacts of the Delta variant of the coronavirus.
As I shared on the Kojo Nnamdi Show yesterday,our stimulus budget makes transformative investments in every region of Virginia. It invests in Virginia communities through $411 million for clean drinking water, CSOs, and wastewater treatment. It sets Virginia on track to be the first state in the nation to achieve universal broadband service. It directs $250 million to Virginia’s public schools for HVAC upgrades so our children are breathing clean air in the classroom.
Despite Virginia’s rebounding economy, we know families are still hurting: Our budget includes utility assistance, rent relief, and funding for food access programs. It replenishes the Unemployment Trust Fund – ensuring no employer sees higher taxes in 2022 – and sends $73.6 million to modernize and improve the Virginia Employment Commission. It provides premium pay and expedites rate increases for personal care and community-based services providers. Read more about how our budget uplifts working families in my Richmond Times-Dispatch op-ed.
Virginia is the best state in the nation for business because we have grown our economy while supporting our workers. This budget maintains those priorities, sending millions to small businesses and Virginia’s Main Streets.
We will make these groundbreaking investments without touching state tax dollars in the General Fund or our historically high reserves. This relief package is for every family, region, business, and worker in Virginia that has been impacted by the pandemic.
If you have any questions or comments about the stimulus budget or Special Session, please reach out to my office at info@delegatetorian.com or 703-785-2224.