Dear Friend,
I hope you had an enjoyable weekend celebrating the fathers and father figures in your lives as well as honoring the Juneteenth holiday. Since my last update, the General Assembly convened to vote on the state budget for the next biennium on June 1. They met again last Friday, June 17, to vote on the Governor’s amendments to the budget. Below I will provide details on what is included in the budget as well as other important state and community updates.
State Budget Update
The General Assembly passes a new budget every two years (i.e. the biennium). This year, the budget did not pass during the regular session, which is why the General Assembly met for a special session this June ahead of the July 1 deadline.
To review the budget’s conference report and the Governor’s recommendations on the budget, visit budget.lis.virginia.gov. You can review legislative actions taken on HB29 and HB30 (the budget bills) on lis.virginia.gov. The video recording of the House Appropriations Budget Briefing on June 1 is available here.
Additionally, I suggest reviewing the Commonwealth Institute’s side-by-side comparison of the House, Senate, and Conference budgets for a quick overview of the “big ticket” items in the budget.
What’s in the budget?
No budget is perfect, and even with the extra time, this budget certainly has its issues. With a Republican majority in the House and a narrow Democratic majority in the Senate, both sides fought hard for their values and compromises had to be made to complete the budget prior to July 1. The budget is certainly a bipartisan bill with wins and losses but ultimately a representation of the Commonwealth’s diverse population of varying needs and values.
I voted to support the budget even though I didn’t support every line. When voting on the conference report of the budget, you do not get to oppose individual items within it. Instead, you must vote either “yea” or “nay” on the whole budget.
Thankfully, the Commonwealth has benefited from two terms of Democratic governors, leaving Virginia with a strong financial position, economy, and billions in federal funding from the pandemic.
Pay Raises for State Employees
State employees, including teachers, will get a 5% raise each year, a $1,000 bonus, and targeted pay increases for certain law enforcement, behavioral health staff, and correctional officers. The first increase will be effective August 1, 2022.
K-12 Education
The budget includes historic levels of funding for our public schools.
$1.25 billion in new funding for school construction and upgrades
10% teacher raises and $1,000 bonuses
New funding to hire more support staff, reading specialists, and ensuring a full-time principal in every school
Tax Relief
I am glad that the budget provides real relief for Virginian families, particularly the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit, which has been a priority item for a long time and will be a new tool for targeted tax relief in the Commonwealth.
Standard deduction for individuals will increase from $4,500 to $8,000 and for couples it increases from $9,000 to $16,000
One-time tax rebate of $250 for individuals and $500 for couples
The grocery tax was not fully eliminated, but beginning in 2023, 1.5% (what comes from the state) will be eliminated. Localities will still be able to tax groceries at 1%. The state will offset the loss to local school systems using state revenues.
15% of the earned income tax credit will be refundable for low-income families who do not pay enough taxes to offset the entire credit.
Housing
$40 million to the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, totaling $150 million in the next two years
$250 million to the Virginia Housing Opportunity Tax Credit program over the next 10 years
$190 million to fund an energy efficiency program
This is progress for affordable housing after being underfunded for so long. However, there is still more work to be done to help families and individuals with the raising costs of homeownership and renting.
Environment
More than $250 million for Water Quality Improvement Fund
$25 million to DEQ Stormwater Local Assistance Fund
$332.6 million of ARPA funds for Combined Sewer Overflow (CSOs), wastewater projects, community waterworks and other upgrades
More than $40 million in investments for Virginia’s trail system
Delays the implementation of the ban on polystyrene food containers to 2028. I was very disappointed by this inclusion in the budget and strongly advocated to have this provision removed.
Health Care
$390 million to fund 600 additional Developmental Disability (DD) waiver slots in FY24 and increased reimbursement rate for additional DD waiver services
7.5% increase in Medicaid reimbursement for personal care services
Higher Education
$90 million to increase affordable access to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
$2 million to fund an innovation center at Virginia Union University
$28.3 million increase in annual TAG (Tuition Grant Assistance) program; new maximum award will be $4,500 in FY23 and $5,000 in FY24 with award amount set at 50% for new online students
Criminal Justice
$6 million to expand the Marcus Alert System to 5 additional localities
A new criminal penalty for marijuana possession was included in the budget. Possession of more than 4 ounces could result in a Class 3 criminal misdemeanor, which is a fine of up to $500 on the first offense. This does not apply to marijuana grown inside your home. I do not support the re-criminalization of recreational cannabis use or think this is an appropriate step forward for this issue.
$8 million to fund the Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Fund; while this funding is a start, I supported the Senate’s original allotment of $22.4 million to this program.
The Governor’s Budget Amendments
After the General Assembly voted on the budget, the Governor had the opportunity to offer amendments, which the House and Senate voted on during the June 17 special session. The Governor made 38 amendments, most were non-controversial. Several amendments raised concerns related to limiting abortion access, rolling back Earned Sentence Credits, and creating a new felony for picketing. You can read a review here in the Virginia Mercury.
Amendments that were defeated:
Amendment 20: Related to Amendment 35; provides additional prison bed space for those who may be convicted of felonious picketing
Amendment 30: Prohibits any budget funding from being used for abortion services
Amendment 31: Restricts increases in gasoline and diesel fuel taxes to two percent annually and suspends state-wide taxes on wholesale distribution of gasoline and diesel fuel from July 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022.
Amendment 32: Creates a rebuttable presumption against bail for certain criminal offenses
Amendment 35: Creates Class 6 felony for picketing or demonstrating relating to a court or residence of a judge, juror, witness, court officer, etc.
You can review each of the Governor’s amendments here as well as their outcome here. The budget now goes back to the Governor to sign or veto.
Other Legislative Actions
Bills in Conference
There are still several bills in “conference committee,” meaning that the details of the final legislation is still being debated amongst a small, selected group of House and Senate members. During the June 17 special session, in addition to voting on the Governor’s budget amendments, the General Assembly also voted on bills in conference:
HB90/SB451: Eliminates state sales tax on hygiene products, like tampons, beginning January 1, 2023
SB47: Removes the $15 million credit cap on the Virginia Housing Opportunity Tax Credit
SB471: Amends the Literary Fund so more funding is available to local school divisions
Filling Judicial Vacancies
The General Assembly elected several judges to open positions:
Supreme Court of Virginia (12 year term)
Thomas P. Mann
Wesley G. Russell, Jr.
Court of Appeals of Virginia (8 year term)
Kimberley S. White
You can read more about the newly elected judges here.
Special Session Continued
Prior to adjournment, Speaker Gilbert announced to House members that the General Assembly will reconvene on September 7 at noon. More details to come.
New House Democratic Leadership
On Wednesday, June 1, the House Democratic Caucus held an election for the position of Minority Leader and Vice Chair of Outreach. Delegate Don Scott (HD80, City of Portsmouth) was elected as Leader and Delegate Dan Helmer (HD40, Fairfax & Prince William) was elected as Vice-Chair of Outreach. Delegate Charniele Herring continues her leadership as Chair of the Caucus. Congratulations to both Leader Scott and Delegate Helmer on their new positions, and thank you to Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn for her leadership as Speaker of the House and Minority Leader the past several years. You can read more about Caucus’ new leadership here.
Community News and Events
Ideas for Summer Activities
Farmers Markets
South of the James Farmers Market (Forest Hill Park) on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
RVA Big Market (Bryan Park) on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Carytown Farmers Market (City Stadium) on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
St. Stephen’s Farmers Market (6000 Grove Avenue) on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Arts & History
The Byrd Theatre: $8 movie tickets
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA): Free general admission
Virginia Museum of History and Culture: Join Tuesday mornings for Front Lawn Fun; free, family friendly program featuring outdoor games and toys; regular admission to the museum is $10
Science Museum: Tickets range from $10-16 depending on age; reduced admission available for low-income families starting at $1 for daily admission
Children’s Museum: Admission is $9 or $2 for SNAP and WIC recipients
Valentine History Museum: $10 general admission, free admission for SNAP recipients. Richmond History Tour tickets available as well.
Holocaust Museum: Free admission
Get Outside
Maymont: Visit the Japanese and Italian Gardens or go see the animals in the barn; free to tour grounds, tickets $6-8 for mansion tours and The Robins Nature Center
Flying Squirrels Baseball: Join the Squirrel Tails Kids Club by calling 804-359-3866 or visit squirrelsbaseball.com
James River Park System: Richmond is truly blessed to have the James River flowing through our city. Whether you want to relax on the rocks at Texas Beach or hike the 7 miles of trails, spend a day exploring our fantastic amenity. Visit https://jamesriverpark.org/ for more information. Note: Always check river conditions and follow water safety best practices.
Virginia State Parks: Virginia has 41 parks for camping, hiking, biking, boating, exploring nature and historical sites, or a simple picnic. Visit dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ to plan your next affordable and local getaway.
Richmond Public Pools: free and open to the public starting June 19
Battery Park Pool and Splash Pad, 2917 Dupont Cir
Hotchkiss Pool, 701 East Brookland Park Boulevard
Fairmount Pool and Splash Pad, 2000 U Street
Powhatan Pool, 5051 Northhampton Street
Woodville Pool, 2305 Fairfield Avenue
Randolph Pool, 1401 Grayland Avenue
Blackwell Pool, 238 East 14th Street
Tell Your Story with StoryCorps
Richmond is one of four communities across the country chosen to lead an initiative called “One Small Step.” You can apply to be matched with fellow Richmond residents from across the political divide for conversations about their lives - not about politics. The conversation invites two people who do not know each other to take a moment to discover their shared humanity. For more information visit here.
This program builds on the StoryCorps program’s success of building and affirming human relationships.
Baby Formula Resource
Earlier this month, Mayor Levar Stoney announced that the City is partnering with the non-profit, Urban Baby Beginnings to distribute $180,000 in aid to families who cannot afford baby formula. Families who apply will receive a $125 gift card to offset the rising cost and hard to find infant formula. To apply, click here.
COVID News
The City of Richmond community transmission level remains high. Please wear your mask indoors in public, stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines, and get tested if you have symptoms.
When traveling, you can check the community level of your destination here.
Recently, the CDC announced the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is available to children ages 6 months to 5 years old. You can contact your pediatrician’s office, make an appointment at a local pharmacy, or check out RHHD’s upcoming vaccination events.
Recently, President Biden announced that all households can request an additional eight free at-home COVID test kits. To order from USPS, click here.
If you would like the latest, up-to-date information on COVID, you can visit COVID.gov and the Virginia Department of Health’s website.
City of Richmond News
Personal Property Tax Deadline Extended
In case you missed it, Richmond City Council extended the due date for tangible personal property and machinery and tools taxes from June 6, 2022, to August 5, 2022. Real Estate Taxes were due on June 14. You can pay both real estate and personal property taxes here.
Summer Meals
RPS is offering free breakfast and lunch to students to be eaten inside of the school buildings listed below. No meals are allowed to be distributed or picked up.
Schools are open for dine in Monday through Thursday for breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cardinal ES, 1745 Catalina Drive
Miles Jones ES, 200 Beaufont Hills Drive
River City MS, 6300 Hull Street Road
Albert Hill MS, 3400 Patterson Avenue
Oak Grove-Bellemeade ES, 2409 Webber Avenue
Linwood Holton ES, 1600 West Laburnum Avenue
Woodville ES, 2000 North 28th Street
Henry Marsh ES, 813 North 28th Street
Additional free meals are available at the following:
FeedMore Hunger Hotline: 804-521-2500 x 631, feedmore.org/agency-network/agency-locator
2nd Presbyterian Church of Richmond, 5 North 5th Street, 804-649-9148, soup and sandwich lunches every Monday from 11:30-12:25pm
CCC Dibert Food Pantry, 1601 Rolling Hills Drive, 804-285-5986, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - noon
The Tabernacle Baptist Church Food and Clothing, 1925 Grove Avenue, 804-355-0134, Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Hand Up Community Resource Center, 6301 Old Warwick Road, Suite E, 804-269-4073, Mondays 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Faith Covenant Christian Fellowship, 1400 Spotsylvania Street, 804-363-0009, Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
To find free summer meal sites, text “FOOD” to 877-877 or call 211 or visit www.rvaschools.net/summerbreak.
Cooling Stations
The City has opened cooling stations through Richmond to help individuals get out of the heat this summer. If you or someone else is experiencing heat stroke, immediately call 911 and move to a cooler environment.
All public libraries, Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Marshall Plaza Social Services Building, 900 East Marshall Street, Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Southside Plaza Social Services Building, 4100 Hull Street Road, Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Bike Lanes Survey
The Department of Public works has identified 8 corridors that could be enhanced bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure as part of the City’s paving and resurfacing program. More information on all of the FY23 bike lane projects can be found here and you can share your feedback here until June 26th.
Maggie Walker Community Land Trust
If you are interested in homeownership, MWCLT will host a free homebuyer information session on June 27 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. There is no commitment to participate and the event is open to the public. There will also be an information session on July 19 and August 9 at 6 p.m. More information available here.
Thank You
It is an honor to serve in the House of Delegates. Please never hesitate to contact me at delegate.carr@betsycarr.org or 804-698-1069 if I can be helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Betsy