ROANOKE, Va. – Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly unveiled their budget proposals Sunday, and while they do include tax rebates, they do not include Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s plans for car tax relief or eliminating taxes on tips.
Instead, Democrats in the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate are proposing direct tax rebates this fall: $200 for individual filers and $400 for joint filers. Leaders argued it’s a better use of the state’s more than $2.5 billion budget surplus.
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“Our responsibility is to use that blessing to shore up our core services and use one-time revenues to provide financial relief,” said Del. Luke Torian, D-Prince William, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “The recommendations you will hear today focus on putting cash in our citizens' pockets.”
They would also raise the standard deduction but not as much as the governor’s proposal. The Democrats' budget plan also includes increased funding for schools, including teacher bonuses.
“Our budget will provide $140.5 million for $1,000 teacher bonuses to be provided this Sept. 1 in appreciation of the hard work of our educators as they kick off next year,” said Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke.
Over the coming weeks, lawmakers in the House and Senate will have to negotiate any differences in their respective plans ahead of final passage.