RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia Democrats brought their “Virginia Families First Tour” to the State Capitol on Tuesday.
The tour, which Democrats say was to “counter misinformation” about the budget passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, comes after Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) criticized the budget, calling it “backward.”
“What is ‘backward’ about supporting the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia?” said Del. Luke Torian (D-Prince William), who chairs the House Appropriations Committee.
Democrats are frustrated with how many vetoes Youngkin has issued this session.
“Governor Youngkin has issued an unprecedented number of early vetoes and is on track to veto more bills than any other governor in Virginia history — which will certainly not help finalize our state budget in a timely fashion,” Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Hampton) said. “That is what spoiled brats do when they don’t get what they want.”
The Democrats’ rally follows similar events held by Youngkin, where he blasted the Democrats’ budget.
“The budget that they have sent imposes taxes on [Virginians] that are unnecessary, at a magnitude that is unprecedented,” Youngkin told 8News after a non-related event on Monday.
One of Youngkin’s problems with the passed budget is its included new tax on digital goods like streaming services. Youngkin had originally included this tax in his budget proposal, but only included it to offset other tax cuts.
Democrats said the money is needed to fund their priorities, including 3% pay raises in each of the next two years for teachers and state employees.
“I have reached out to leadership on the other side to invite a collaborative effort to come up with a compromise budget,” Youngkin said. “We are not going to have tax increases, but I believe we can meet many of their priorities.”
At the event on Tuesday, Democrats were asked about negotiating with Youngkin. Torian said the General Assembly has already done their part and will consider the governor’s amendments when the General Assembly reconvenes in April.
“I am not going to own his cuts to my budget — plain and simple,” said Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee Chair Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth).
Youngkin has until April 8th to amend the budget. Lawmakers will reconvene on April 17 to either approve or reject Youngkin’s amendments before sending it back to his desk for his final consideration.
