Virginia budget

Two Weeks To Go, Important Work To Do

February 11, 2019 by David Toscano

Deal Emerging on Budget and Taxes?

Amidst all that is happening in Richmond, the legislature continues its work, most recently on the budget. You can see my opening remarks on the budget proposed by the House Appropriations committee here. In my view, although the proposed budget was a good effort, it missed historic opportunities to invest substantially in what Virginians desire and need, from K-12 education to environmental initiatives to affordable housing. I voted against this budget because I believe we can do better.

Instead of recognizing and addressing the regressive burden last year’s federal tax changes placed on our lowest income earners, our Republican colleagues doubled down on the Trump tax scheme, and left working Virginia families at the lowest end of the wage scale to pay the most (proportionally) in state taxes. House Republicans rejected a series of amendments to restore many of the progressive initiatives the Governor had proposed, as well as a Democratic initiative to provide an immediate tax refund to working families. The budget also cut efforts to dedicate funds for coastal resiliency as we fight the effects of global climate change; you can see the debate on this here. [Read more…]

An Early Look at Budgetary Prospects for 2019

December 21, 2018 by David Toscano

Perhaps the most important action we take as legislators is to pass a biennial budget. This is done in the even-numbered years and it is then modified in the next year. 2019 will be the year of budget modification. Governor Northam recently presented his proposals for changes we can make in our two-year budget during our session beginning January 9, 2019. I was impressed by several developments:

1. The Virginia economy is booming. Unemployment now stands at 2.9% and our revenue forecast has improved dramatically. The state ended the fiscal year on June 20, 2018, with a surplus of approximately $550 million. Typically, surplus revenues are either saved for a future year or expended on one-time investments, such as buildings, roads, or other infrastructure. [Read more…]

Independence Day

July 4, 2018 by David Toscano

Celebrating Our Nation of Laws on Independence Day

Happy Independence Day! As we endure this summer heat, I’d like to take the opportunity to make you aware of some important updates in our state and region.

As always on July 1st, a host of new laws went into effect in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I shared “In Due Course,” a summary of new laws published by our Division of Legislative Services, on social media Monday. I am often able to share news more quickly on my social media pages. I encourage you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to ensure you receive updates quickly and efficiently. [Read more…]

Medicaid Expansion: A Really Big Deal

June 7, 2018 by David Toscano

It’s Been A Long Time Comin’

Today was the final step in perhaps the most significant success in my thirteen years in the General Assembly. After five years of advocating, strategizing, cajoling, pleading, and fighting, last week we passed a budget that includes Medicaid expansion to about 400,000 Virginians; today, Gov. Northam signed it into law. It is an amazing feeling to cast a vote that will help so many. There are about 3,400 people in the 57th District who would be eligible for the expanded Medicaid program now, and as many as 10,000 additional people in the local region who would benefit. [Read more…]

Senate Goes To Richmond, But No Budget Vote

May 23, 2018 by David Toscano

I was planning to be driving to Richmond this morning for the next House floor session to pass a two-year budget for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Instead, I am writing about what didn’t happen yesterday in the Senate. For at least another week, Virginia will remain without a budget.

This impasse reminds me of my first session in 2006 when Republicans in the House and Senate deadlocked on a budget until June 28, the very last minute before the end of the fiscal year. That year, the prospects of a government shutdown were real; now, we have a different dynamic. The 2019-2020 budget legislation has been bottled up by the Senate’s Republican leadership, which is preventing it from getting to the Senate floor.

Here are critical things that you need to know: [Read more…]