The Compromise State Budget

The General Assembly wrapped up its regular session last month, sending 917 bills to the Governor for action. In Virginia, the Governor has until the end of March to sign, veto, or recommend amendments to the legislation we pass.

That’s out of more than 2,000 bills that were introduced. 

I’m proud to report that the 2025 session was a highly successful one for me. According to a recent Virginia Public Access Project analysis, I was ranked the most effective legislator in the state, with 14 of the 16 bills I introduced passing both chambers.

One of the most critical responsibilities of the General Assembly during our short session is adjusting Virginia’s two-year budget. This year, we’re looking at a significant surplus, though the ongoing dismantling of the federal government and workforce could have major implications for those numbers.

I’ve been tapped by the Speaker of the House to serve on a bi-partisan Emergency Committee to work to ascertain exactly what the impact will be on Virginia’s budget and help make policy recommendations to address the potential loss of revenue, providing for the needs of newly unemployed federal workers, and long term strategies to allow our economy to adapt the reality of an eviscerated Federal Government. 

With that in mind, here’s a look at what we accomplished in January and February.

Putting money back in the pockets of hard-working Virginians

The House-Senate compromise budget includes over $1 billion in tax cuts for Virginians, including tax rebates of $200 per individual and $400 per couple by October 2025, plus a permanent increase in the standard deduction to help lower tax burdens.

We’re expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), providing more relief to lower-income households. 

Affordable Housing

I hear about this issue a lot – from constituents and in my day job as a real estate title attorney. To help address it, this budget has significant investments to help Virginians achieve homeownership, address high rental costs for low-income Virginians, and increase the state’s supply of affordable housing.

Specifically, there is a pilot program that will provide direct rental assistance to families in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, so that the cost of housing does not exceed 30% of their income. A new grant program for first-time homebuyers to receive a grant of up to $10,000 was also established to help offset the cost of homeownership.

Public Education

This budget includes a historic $782 million increase in state funding for our K-12 public education system. Along with the already promised 3% raise, teachers and support staff will receive a $1,000 bonus.

We also set aside $150 million to improve school facilities, ensuring safe and modern classrooms for Virginia’s students. And we’re investing in early childhood education by adding 4,500 new early childhood education slots while keeping childcare costs affordable for working families.

Healthcare & Mental Health Services

Better and sustainable healthcare for all Virginians is a top priority. As a result, the budget includes an $869 million investment in health and human services, ensuring more funding for Medicaid, maternal health, and mental health services.

Of this, $41.2 million is earmarked for behavioral health, including crisis services, mental health workforce support, and expanded psychiatric resources. There is also $32.3 million to address critical improvements in state mental health facilities.

In addition, there is $8.7 million to hire additional support coordinators at Community Service Boards to ensure individuals receiving a DD waiver get timely access to services and to help with the increased caseload due to the significant addition of DD waiver slots this biennium.

We added an additional $1 million to expand pilot programs to divert and discharge individuals with dementia from state hospitals to community placements. Fairfax County will be able to expand their pilot program that reduces the risk of social isolation among older Virginians, with the goal of expanding the program statewide.

Environment & Infrastructure

Protecting our environment and shoring up our infrastructure projects are critical to Virginia’s continued economic success. As such, we’re maintaining our commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup by fully funding agricultural best management practices for the biennium. 

The Stormwater Local Assistance Fund will get $40 million to cover projected costs and the we will fully fund the state share of costs for wastewater treatment plant improvements. We’re also adding $25 million for drinking water grants to localities to upgrade or replace existing drinking water infrastructure.

This budget includes restores $3.3 million for operating support for WMATA.

Safer Communities

There is an additional $5.9 million to support grants for local community violence intervention programs, plus an additional $3.5 million for sexual assault and domestic violence victim agencies and victim witness programs.

All I Do is Win

The 2025 General Assembly Session is officially over and I'm glad to be back in the 13th District! With over 3,000 bills and resolutions reviewed, it was a productive, short session.

 

I’m proud to share that I was the most successful legislator this session in getting bills passed! Among lawmakers who introduced more than one bill, I had the highest batting average - meaning more of my legislation made it through the process than anyone else’s.

 

It’s not just about numbers - it’s about delivering real results for Virginians. I’ve worked hard to craft meaningful, effective legislation and build the support needed to get things done. I’ll keep fighting for the issues that matter to our community. Check out the stats for yourself: VPAP Legislator Batting Averages. Thank you for your support—I couldn’t do this without you!

 

The Last Week of Session

The 5th grade class from Oak Street Elementary School in Falls Church visited the Capitol to learn more about the legislative process and to visit with Senator Salim and myself. It was my pleasure to introduce them on the House Floor.

 

Early in the week, I participated in a press conference on campaign finance reform, specifically about legislation to prohibit the personal use of campaign funds. Although I have carried this bill for many years, my colleague, Delegate Josh Cole introduced it this year. And for the first time, the bill has passed both chambers, which means it is on its way to the Governor. The Washington Post also covered this monumental achievement.

 

On Wednesday, Delegate Webert and I presented a commending resolution for Col. Gary Settle who recently retired as the the Virginia State Police Superintendent. After nearly 50 years of service to the Commonwealth, his retirement is well-earned.

 

Emergency Committee on Impacts of the Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions

The Speaker appointed me to this special committee to study the potential impacts of the Trump Administration's cuts to the federal workforce and programs. The purpose is to ensure that the General Assembly can work to mitigate these impacts to Virginians and to the state budget.

 

Last Saturday, we had our first committee meeting. We heard presentations from the Washington Council of State Governments, the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, the Virginia Employment Commission, the Virginia Municipal League, and House Appropriations staff. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this critical issue as the uncertainty affects so many Virginians. You can watch the full stream of the meeting online.

 

For Fairfax County residents that are directly affected by this, the County has created a website of resources that may be helpful.

 

What's Next?

The 822 bills that the passed the House and the Senate will go to the Governor for his review, including 13 of my bills (more details below!). On April 2nd, we will return to Richmond to vote on the Governor's vetoes and recommendations.

 

We also passed a compromise budget that reflects many of our priorities. And I'm pleased to report that my budget request to provide $500,000 for the Lake Barcroft Dam to address critical infrastructure issues and maintenance is included.

 

Now, it's the Governor's turn. Over the next few weeks, we'll see what legislation he decides to sign, amend, or veto.

The End of the 2025 Session

This is the very last week of the 2025 General Assembly Session! With a short, 46-day session, it is always a challenge to make sure that we have enough time to review all the legislation that is introduced. I know it’s hard to focus on anything other than the chaos and constant stream of bad news coming from across the river in Washington, D.C, but I’m hoping that you’ll take a moment to look at what we’ve been able to accomplish so far down in Richmond.

Here in the State Capitol, the legislative branch still values the separation of powers and takes seriously its responsibility to provide a constitutional check on executive overreach. With the Governor also able to veto any bills we send to his desk and likely have them sustained, we’ve been forced to focus on items that don’t require his signature or items that are non-partisan. We’ve also been able to stop ill-advised ideas from advancing.  Here’s the round-up.  

Constitutional Amendments

One thing we can do without the Governor’s signature is propose amendments to Virginia’s constitution, enshrining personal freedom at the state level. Three constitutional amendments have passed the House and the Senate – the right to vote, the right to reproductive freedom, and the right to marriage equality. 

So, what’s next? Well, if we can keep the House majority after the election this November, then we’ll be able to pass these exact same amendments again during the 2026 Session. At that point, the last hurdle will be the 2026 ballot when voters will decide if these three constitutional amendments will become a part of Virginia’s Constitution. This means we’ve got a lot of work to do between now and then to ensure that happens! 

Northern Virginia Casino Bill Dies in Subcommittee

The bill to authorize a casino in Northern Virginia has officially died for this year. The only disappointment for me? It happened in a subcommittee I wasn’t on, so I didn’t get the chance to vote NO myself.

Regardless of where you stand on whether Northern Virginia should have a casino or whether we need the good union jobs a casino and entertainment district might provide, this bill was deeply flawed. Fairfax County never asked for the authority to put a casino referendum on the ballot. The bill’s restrictive language made it clear it was crafted to benefit a single landowner. Most importantly, I heard from thousands of constituents and neighbors opposed to it. I’m glad this bill won’t be moving forward this year. It would take a much different bill and much different circumstances to get me to a yes on a casino bill. It’s hard to imagine what those circumstances might be, but this iteration didn’t come close. 

Campaign Finance Reform

Some items take more than a session, or two, or even three to become law. For all 12 of my sessions, I was Chief Patron or Chief Co-Patron of bills to clean up what I thought was an obvious loophole in Virginia’s campaign finance laws – prohibiting the use of campaign funds for personal use. We are one of the last few states not to have laws to specifically regulate this.

This year, I worked with Delegate Josh Cole, who introduced the bill. It has passed the House and will have passed the Senate by the time you read this column. Next step is the Governor’s desk!

My Legislation

I’ve been fortunate that 13 of the 15 bills I introduced this year have passed both chambers, most with broad bi-partisan support making them unlikely to be vetoed. My resolution to study the effect of recent changes to Virginia law making it easier to challenge books in public school libraries will pass as well. 

Whether we like it or not, the level of government that may have the greatest ability to protect our personal freedom and our democratic way of life may be the state level for the next few years. I want you to know you have a strong and effective advocate in the General Assembly.

Community Meetings

As this is the last week of session, I’ll soon be heading back to Northern Virginia, my regular day job, and get to see my family. I’m looking forward to being back in the district and attending community events. If you have an HOA, community association, youth group, or local organization that would like me to give an in-person session update, please reach out to my office.

Representing the 13th District

For the first time in almost 30 years, the Commanders have a real shot at being in the Super Bowl. As a die-hard fan, I’ve been watching each game on the edge of my seat, daring to hope that this could be our year. And after the team’s tumultuous few years, I think we’ve earned a win.  

It reminds me a lot of the transformation of the Virginia House of Delegates. When I started in the House of Delegates, Democrats were a super-minority, with just 33 of 100 seats. Kind of like going 4-13 during and NFL Season. Then, in 2017 we got to 49, and, but for a random drawing, could have tied the House. The next cycle we took over in 2019. Through the height of the pandemic, we did our best to navigate those uncertain times while also fulfilling our campaign promises to our constituents. After losing the majority in 2021, we once again came out on top in the 2023 election with a 51-49 majority.  

 

We are accustomed to working hard, to keeping our commitments, and working to ensure that Virginia remains the best place to live, to work, and raise a family.  

 

We've got over 2,000 bills pending in the House and Senate, so we have our work cut out for us these few weeks before Crossover! 

 

Possibly the biggest news of the week was that the House passed our top three Constitutional Amendments - the right to reproductive freedom (HJ 1), the right to vote (HJ 2), and the right to marriage equality (HJ 9). For these Amendments to get on the ballot so that you can vote on them, we'll have to pass them all again during the 2026 Session. But we are that much closer to enacting these critical freedoms and protections. 

 

Adding to this, President Biden declared that the ERA is now the law of the land as one of his last official acts. This is largely thanks to Virginia becoming the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in 2020. 

The State Budget 

As Chair of the Freedom of Information Advisory Council, I submitted two budget amendments that will address the Council's increased workload while ensuring its ability to fulfill its duties. One provides increased funding to the Council’s base appropriation to reflect operational cost increases. The second provides funding for two positions to increase staffing to address growing workload requirements, particularly regarding the statewide training for state and local officials and requests for formal and informal opinions. 
 

Now that I represent Lake Barcroft and its watershed district, I submitted an amendment to address a critical infrastructure project. This amendment provides $500,000 of state funding for maintenance required at the Lake Barcroft Damn. This is a result of the Department of Conservation & Recreation's Division of Dam Safety’s updated certification regulations and is just a small part of the overall $8 million funding needed for this project.  

 

My Legislative Agenda 

 

During this 46-day short session (which has a bill introduction limit),  I submitted 15 bills and one joint study resolution. Here are a few highlights. 

 

I introduced a bill authorizing localities to establish by ordinance a system of public campaign financing for local elected offices (HB 1761). This is part of my long-standing commitment to campaign finance reform. 

 

My HB 2039 requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services, in consultation with the FOIA Council, to establish a model policy on the use of encrypted telecommunications by law-enforcement agencies. Most likely, this bill will be referred to the FOIA Council for further review.  

 

At the request of the Falls Church City Council, I submitted HB 2137 to add the City of Falls Church to the list of localities with authority to create an affordable dwelling unit program. 

 

While it is already illegal to put swastikas in public areas with the intent to intimidate, HB 2783 simply adds private property to that list. 

 

For several years now, I’ve had a little banned book library outside my Richmond office. My joint resolution, HJ 440, directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study the removal of books from Virginia’s public school libraries. 

 

Just as the Commanders have worked hard to improve their standing in the NFL, we are working hard to represent our constituents and uphold our progressive values. While some of our goals may take some time to achieve, we will do what we can to make sure we ultimately come out on top.

Finding Light in Darkness

The winter solstice marks the darkest day of the year, when the sun seems furthest from our reach. Yet, it is also the turning point—when the days slowly begin to grow longer, and light begins its steady return. This natural cycle of darkness giving way to light feels particularly poignant right now for many Democrats as we process the disappointment of the recent presidential election.

There is no sugarcoating the loss: it is a setback, and it stings. But just as the winter solstice reminds us that light will return, history teaches us that progress, though often delayed, is never defeated.

Recent Virginia local election results tell a different story from the national picture. As recently as last year Democrats flipped the House of Delegates and maintained our Senate majority. Those victories mean we’ll continue to protect fundamental rights, like reproductive freedom, voting access, and support for public education—priorities that define who we are.

There’s another bright spot: Young people showed up in this election, and many of them took advantage of same-day registration and voting. That’s not just encouraging—it’s proof that when we remove barriers and meet voters where they are, they will participate.

We also don’t have to wait four years, or even two, to start changing the narrative. Virginia’s odd-year election cycle gives us an incredible opportunity to elect a Democratic governor and continue building on the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve. This momentum is real, and it’s ours to carry forward.

Looking Ahead to 2025

One of the very first things that we’ll see on the House Floor will be three amendments to Virginia’s Constitution, to enshrine a right to reproductive freedom, the right to vote, and the right to marry, as I detailed in last month’s column.

This year I’ll once again serve as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety, working on issues ranging from gun violence prevention to prison oversight.

Earlier this week, the Committee met to address deeply troubling reports of self-harm incidents in Virginia’s correctional facilities. These reports raise urgent questions about the well-being of those entrusted to our care and the systemic conditions that may contribute to these tragedies.

We heard from the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), the ACLU, The Humanization Project, the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and members of the public.

The hearing had two primary goals. First, it provided the VADOC an opportunity to offer transparency, share the facts of these incidents, and explain the measures already in place or plans to address them. Second, it allowed the Committee to exercise its critical oversight role by digging deeper into the root causes.

I was particularly interested in examining the role that restorative housing and isolation may play in these incidents. Studies consistently link prolonged isolation with severe psychological distress, and it is imperative that we consider whether current practices are exacerbating these issues. By listening to voices from both within the Department and from advocacy organizations working on prison reform, we can focus on how we can better ensure the safety, dignity, and rehabilitation of those in our correctional system.

We were also able to meet the recently hired Ombudsman for the Department of Corrections, a newly created position housed within the Virginia Office of the Inspector General (OISG). This office is tasked with improving transparency and accessibility by investigating complaints from inmates and providing information regarding their rights. They are in the process of hiring five additional employees for this office, allowing them to efficiently and effectively address complaints.

Ultimately, the meeting was a productive first step, bringing different parties together for a constructive conversation. The Director of the Department of Corrections asserted that he and his staff are committed to the well-being of those they are responsible for while advocates remain committed to acting as “watchdogs,” ensuring that promises are kept. While the loved ones of those incarcerated shared their skepticism about the process, the existence of the Ombudsman office offers some hope going forward.

My hope is that we’ll work together to focus on rehabilitation, a safe environment for inmates and staff as well as reduce the rate of recidivism. As I said earlier, this is not a time for despair but for reflection, recalibration, and resolve. Even in the darkest of seasons, we can be the light for one another, for our communities, and for the principles we hold dear. Democracy, justice, equity - these are not seasonal values; they are enduring commitments.

 

 

The Election is over. What's Next?

If you’ve made it this far, you are still reading some news. And I’m glad my Richmond Report column has made the cut for you!  

In my family, it remains difficult to consume news from mass media sources as we are bombarded with breaking news alerts that would be shockingly atrocious if we hadn’t been told exactly what to expect.  

The silver lining, and I’ll concede it is the thinnest of thin silver linings, is that the party that wins the White House tends to suffer from a backlash in Virginia’s odd year elections the following cycle. 

So, the good news is we don’t have to wait two or four years to register our feelings about the incoming Administration and the policies they are likely to implement. We have an election in 2025 that will allow us to elect leaders that want Virginia to remain a safe haven for abortion rights in the south, a leader on voting rights, and a place that protects workers and their paychecks while maintaining an excellent business environment.  

Although the national results weren’t what most of us voted for, the state and local level results begin to tell us the story of what matters to Virginians. 

Election Statistics 

Perhaps because Virginia is considered safely blue, neither campaign devoted massive resources here. The result was that overall turnout fell off a bit from prior presidential years. Virginia had 69.8% voter turnout in 2024, below the 75% we saw in 2020 and 72% in 2016. 

The City of Falls Church saw a 76% voter turnout rate, with just under 80% of those votes case going to the Harris-Walz ticket. Not quite as high as 2020 or 2016, which indicates to me that many folks willing to vote for the GOP nominee in 2016 and 2020 couldn’t bring themselves to cast a vote after what they witnessed on January 6, 2021. 

What’s Next? 

As desperate as things may seem at the national level, we have an opportunity in 2025 to send a message that our values in Virginia haven’t changed. All three statewide offices – Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General – are up for election as well as all 100 members of the House of Delegates.  

We currently have the slimmest possible majority in the House and Senate, but Tim Kaine won 59 of Virginia’s 100 House of Delegates districts, and Harris-Walz won 58. That means we have a real opportunity to expand our House majority. 

Proposed Constitutional Amendments  

Starting in January, one of the very first things the 2025 General Assembly will take up will be three major constitutional amendments – codifying a right to an abortion (HJ 1), voting rights restoration (HJ 2), and repealing the same-sex marriage ban that is still on the books in Virginia (HJ 9). 

Last week, the House Privileges and Elections Committee voted to advance these amendments, first introduced during the 2024 Session and carried over, to the House Floor for 2025. 

HJ 1 enshrines the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, prohibiting the Commonwealth from penalizing or prosecuting an individual for exercising this right. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, we’ve seen how conservative states have severely reduced or eliminated abortion access.  

HJ 2 restores voting rights for those who have been released from incarceration after a felony conviction. This amendment restores their rights automatically upon their release. Currently, only the Governor has the power to restore voting rights once an individual has applied for restoration. As a result, the process is very opaque and applied sporadically without providing details for a denial.  

HJ 9 repeals the current constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex marriage and affirms the right to marry. The only reason that same-sex couples can get married in Virginia right now is because of the 2015 US Supreme Court case, Obergefell v. Hodges, which made this legal across the country. If that is ever overturned, then we will revert to the marriage prohibition that still exists. 

For these three constitutional amendments to appear on the ballot, we must pass the amendments during the 2025 Session, have the intervening 2025 November election, and then pass them again in the exact same format in 2026. Then, the amendments go to the voters in November 2026. This means Democrats must maintain control of the House in the 2025 election. If the Virginia GOP takes over again, none of these amendments will survive.  

You can view the full text of these proposed constitutional amendments by visiting lis.virginia.gov.