RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia lawmakers recently convened in Richmond to address numerous legislative vetoes and amendments put forth by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. During the session, the Democratic-led General Assembly significantly dismissed the governor’s 205 proposed changes to the state’s budget bill.
The one-day assembly followed Youngkin’s veto of 158 bills and amendments to about 160 others, actions that blocked the Democratic party’s attempts to revive legislation that had previously met with resistance. Many of Youngkin’s revisions to the budget bill aimed to curtail state spending approved in February by redirecting an additional $300 million into Virginia’s funds, supplementing $295 million already designated for the state over a two-year period.
Despite this, the Democrats, holding power in both chambers, accepted only a fraction of Youngkin’s proposals. In total, just 33 of Youngkin’s suggested amendments were approved, while the rest were dismissed. Youngkin also introduced eight line-item budget vetoes, of which six were maintained by lawmakers. Two vetoes concerning funding for a manufactured home acquisition program and a mortgage assistance program were ruled out of order by Democratic House Speaker Don Scott.
In their efforts to adhere to their budgetary priorities, the Democrats maintained their plans to lift the spending cap on public schools’ support services and resisted Youngkin’s attempt to remove a $15 million provision for a first-time homebuyer program. Additionally, Youngkin included an amendment considering the establishment of Oak Hill, the home of former President James Monroe, as a state park. Despite a related House bill failing in the Senate, the House of Delegates decided against the governor’s amendment, thus halting the project for this budget cycle.
“We’re committed to prioritizing the matters significant to Democrats as reflected in the budget passed in February,” said Democratic Senator Mamie Locke. Senator Adam Ebbin added, “The amendments weren’t necessary, though they were suggested with a smile.”
The legislative body addressed a variety of the governor’s actions. While they did not overturn any of Youngkin’s vetoes, mainly due to requiring a two-thirds supermajority which Democrats do not have, they did attend to budget and other legislative amendments, where a simple majority sufficed. Youngkin now has a window of about a month to evaluate the remaining bills.
“I will carefully review and make final decisions on the remaining bills and budget amendments in the coming 30 days,” Youngkin expressed in a statement. He acknowledged the legislative efforts of the General Assembly members.
Among other measures, lawmakers dismissed Youngkin’s amendment proposing the study of a bill designed to increase oversight on pharmacy benefits managers, who influence prescription drug costs. His suggestion to delay a bill concerning tax exemptions for the United Daughters of the Confederacy until after a tax review next year was also rejected.
The governor holds the ultimate authority on bills that reach his desk, except in one scenario. If lawmakers pass a bill in its original form with a two-thirds majority after rejecting his amendments, they can preempt Youngkin’s decision. Following the rejection of Youngkin’s amendments, the House pursued this rare measure for bills establishing a women’s menstrual health program, studying insurance support for infertility treatments, and ensuring equal pay for midwives. However, as the Senate did not take similar action, the House’s efforts did not prevail.