In Virginia, the General Assembly long sessions last 60 days, only two weeks more than the short sessions but, it seems like the days last forever. Time moves quickly, and my legislative work moves with it, driven by the real consequences of every action taken here.
Budgeting for a New Year
2026 is the first year of the biennium, and we are busy producing a new budget that will take effect on July 1, 2026. There are incredible budget pressures. Our state economy was strong coming out of the pandemic in part thanks to monetary support from the federal government. However, former Governor Youngkin has inflated the reality of the Commonwealth’s economy in his introduced budget.
As we continue to face upward pressure from recession threats due to the federal government’s actions on spending cuts and layoffs, our budget priorities remain focused on incorporating the new funding forecasts for Medicaid ($3.2 billion), SNAP (over $300 million), and education. This year we also have a re-benchmarking of K-12 education that annually accounts for upwards of $400 million. Even with this additional spending, we are still underfunding public education by about a billion dollars based on the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission report from several years ago.
While bills generate the most press coverage and lengthy floor debates, the budget discussions undergird everything else. Governor Youngkin incorporated a lot of budgetary strategies that will produce savings. And many of those strategies are not going to be popular, but the reality is that if we don’t adopt those strategies, we will have to come up with some of our own. That process is ongoing.
In the long term, there is a structural imbalance between revenues and expenses. We, as a legislature, both the House and Senate, need to work with Governor Spanberger to maintain stability with our spending plan. Despite the tough budget, we continue to be diligent and intentional with the proposed budget amendments.
Behavioral Health
One of my areas of focus remains on improving our behavioral health system for every Virginian. This past week saw two bills I am carrying as chair of the Behavioral Health Commission pass the Senate. Both bills seek to improve the effectiveness of the Marcus Alert System. I also partnered with a coalition of providers on legislation to strengthen our mental health parity law. Senate Bill 524, which is awaiting action in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, will put some teeth into our law and reduce unnecessary barriers to care.
I am also carrying a number of budget amendments, including to keep evidenced-based prevention services operating statewide and to provide discharge planning services for patients with complex needs. I am also carrying a language amendment to allocate funding for STEP-VA in a way that provides more flexibility to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and our local Community Services Boards to best meet the needs of each community.
Redistricting Maps
On February 5th newly proposed congressional redistricting maps were released. This is a process that has been driven by President Trump’s action to compel other states – like Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri – to draw districts that are favorable to the Republican Party. His motivations are personal, simply because he fears losing the GOP hold on the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite the bluster that comes from Washington, the President knows how unpopular he and his plans are.
Initially, there was a lot of reluctance to approach this subject. After all, we just passed the redistricting amendment in 2020 establishing a bipartisan redistricting commission. Although the Commission failed in its work in 2021, as the maps were drawn by special commissioners appointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia, it is still a laudable goal to reform how our lines are drawn. But the question before Virginians this year is simple: do we protect democracy by entrenching a ten-to-one Democratic advantage for the next four years, or do we trust that our democracy can survive Donald Trump?
The Constitutional Amendment that has passed the House and Senate keeps the Commission in place and includes temporary provisions allowing for mid-decade redistricting once before the next regularly scheduled redistricting process after the 2030 U.S. census. The maps, which were drawn by experts to meet constitutional criteria, will be approved should the referendum go forward in April. Ultimately, the people will decide.
Complications have emerged as Republicans filed suit in Tazewell County alleging that the Virginia General Assembly acted illegally in advancing this proposed constitutional amendment. On February 1st a Tazewell County Circuit Court judge ruled in their favor. The ruling has been appealed to the Supreme Court of Virginia, and I am hopeful we will have a resolution soon.
A Pause for Peace
This past Tuesday, Walk for Peace came through Richmond on its way from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, DC. The walk is a 2,300 mile pilgrimage by Venerable Monks of the Dhammacetiya to send a message of peace and compassion throughout the U.S. and worldwide. The monks’ stop in Richmond marked their 100th day of walking and was met with massive crowds and a warm welcome from Governor Spanberger, who designated Tuesday, February 2 as “Walk for Peace Day” in her first official proclamation as Governor. Seeing the overwhelmingly positive response from the people of Richmond was truly heartwarming, and a great reminder of the Walk’s message.
As always, it’s a privilege to serve you in the Senate of Virginia. I look forward to using these newsletters to keep you up to date on my work in the coming weeks. If you would like to visit the Capitol or the General Assembly Building, you can find information on tours and visiting hours here. If I can be of service or if you have questions or comments, please contact us at (804) 698-7511 or senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov.
Sincerely,
