In an unexpected turn of events, leaders of the Democratic-controlled Virginia General Assembly announced on Wednesday that they had reached a last-minute compromise with Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin to extend negotiations over the state budget into a special session. This decision was made in an effort to avoid gridlock and reduce tension surrounding the budget negotiations. Previously, Youngkin and Assembly Democrats had been at odds over tax policy and other provisions of the next two-year spending plan, leading to partisan attacks and the possibility of a government shutdown if a deal could not be reached by the end of June. House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert emphasized the need to put aside posturing and focus on reaching a resolution.
Members of the part-time Assembly reconvened for a short session to consider Youngkin’s vetoes and proposed amendments to legislation. They voted to use a procedural maneuver to effectively scrap the current budget bill, allowing them to start fresh in negotiations. House Speaker Don Scott explained that the decision was made with the hope of restarting talks in a more conciliatory manner, ultimately aiming to bring lawmakers back to the Capitol in May for a vote on a compromise spending plan. Previously, Democratic leaders had planned to reject most of the governor’s proposed budget amendments, which could have led to a veto and heightened tensions. After last-minute meetings between Youngkin and Assembly leaders, a change in course was agreed upon.
Lawmakers were expected to begin working through numerous other bills that Youngkin had returned to them with suggested changes, including a measure dealing with skill games, gambling machines that were banned in 2020 but may be legalized, regulated, and taxed under the proposed legislation. Youngkin’s suggested changes to the bill included stricter limits and a higher tax rate than what was initially proposed by the Assembly. Convenience stores around the state staged demonstrations to draw attention to this issue and urge lawmakers to reject the governor’s amendments. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell identified the skill games bill as one of two that could face a veto override, along with a measure that would allow localities to hold a referendum on raising sales taxes for school construction.
Virginia’s reconvened sessions can last up to 10 days but are typically single-day affairs. These sessions provide an opportunity for lawmakers to review and potentially override the governor’s vetoes and proposed amendments to legislation. The decision to extend negotiations into a special session reflects a willingness on both sides to find common ground and avoid a prolonged standoff over the state budget. With tensions running high and partisan attacks escalating in recent weeks, the compromise reached between Youngkin and Assembly leaders offers a glimmer of hope for a resolution that will benefit all Virginians. By coming together to restart talks and work towards a compromise spending plan, lawmakers demonstrate their commitment to serving the best interests of the state and its residents.
