The Virginia House of Delegates today passed its version of the biennium budget, sending House Bills 29 and 30 to the Senate. Members of the House Republican Caucus submitted numerous floor amendments that were killed by the majority with no debate.
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah), Republican Caucus Chair Kathy Byron (R-Bedford), and Republican Whip Jay Leftwich (R-Chesapeake) issued the following statement:
“The current version of the House budget contains significant tax increases and increases state spending by over 18 percent — an increase of over $20 billion. While we were pleased to see Republican initiatives, such as the college tuition freeze, included in the budget, we’re concerned that the many new commitments will not be sustainable in a future down economy.
“We would like to thank the House Appropriations Staff for their diligent work. As always we are truly grateful for their assistance. We will evaluate the final product after budget conferees complete their work later in the Session.”