Youngkin unveils his final proposed budget

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For the final time, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) presented his proposed budget to the General Assembly on Dec. 17.

Youngkin’s proposal includes a 2% one-time bonus for teachers, support staff, and state employees in the current fiscal year, along with 2% pay raises in each of the next two fiscal years.

“I think it’s important to recognize not just for our teachers, but also for all of our state workers, the tremendous work that they have done over this past year, and in the past four years,” Youngkin told reporters.

Youngkin’s proposal also includes language to reduce the amount of taxes Virginians pay on tips and overtime.

"The strength of our financial profile allows us to continue record funding across so many areas, and on top of that, incremental tax relief, in order to make sure that Virginians know, we’re working for them,” Youngkin said.

However, Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) said Youngkin is overstating the strength of Virginia’s economy. Surovall added that if Virginia brings in less tax revenue than Youngkin is projecting, lawmakers will be forced to make tough decisions about which priorities to fund.

“Unemployment is rising, the federal cuts are killing Northern Virginia, and we have a general economic slowdown going on in this state, but you didn’t hear a word about it from this team,” Surovell said, referring to the Youngkin administration.

Surovell added that with Youngkin leaving office next month, Democrats might ignore his recommendations and craft a budget of their own.

“That’s not an uncommon thing in Virginia, is that the outgoing governor’s budget gets pretty heavily rewritten by both the new governor and the legislature," Surovell said. "We’re here forever. These guys come and go."

Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D), who will be in office by the time the General Assembly actually passes a budget for the governor to consider, attended Wednesday’s meeting. She released the following statement.

“Virginians made clear this November that they want leaders focused on lowering costs, creating good-paying jobs, and making Virginia’s schools the best in America. The biennial budget is a critical opportunity to deliver on those priorities and position Virginia for success in the years to come. As the next Governor of Virginia, I look forward to working with the General Assembly to lower costs for Virginia families, invest in Virginia’s public schools, and protect access to critical healthcare services. My team and I are already digging through the details of this proposal, and I look forward to working with Chair Lucas, Chair Torian, and their committees to make sure that Virginia’s best days are ahead.”