In the final chapter of the long-running budget standoff between General Assembly Democrats and Governor Abigail Spanberger, the General Assembly returned to Richmond on June 29 to consider final budget amendments offered by the Governor. This meeting averted a government shutdown by a matter of 48 hours. The amendments offered to the budget were varied, to include a “sleight of hand” amendment that obscures the full cost of Virginia’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) membership on electric bills, an amendment that re-writes the 2026 paid-sick-leave law, a budget item that sends $5 million to create a new “state technology team,” and several others that I did not support. I did vote in favor of an amendment that establishes the Firefighter Cancer Screening Grant Program, as well as two budget amendments that address funding for recipients of Medicaid.
Rather than making a value statement on the budget as a whole – like I have in the past – I find it equally important to share how General Assembly Democrats are taking us down a dangerous road as it relates to legislating through the budget process. Virginia’s budget is the supreme law of our Commonwealth, so legislation that fails – or is not even introduced during a legislative session – can conceivably be inserted into the budget so that it becomes law while circumventing the traditional public hearing process. This is how legislation like the bill that legalizes retail marijuana – which was initially vetoed and failed – will still become law. This year, General Assembly Democrats used the budget as a major policy vehicle for legislation that may have otherwise failed, and in some cases did fail. By doing this, Democratic leaders used the state budget to pressure their counterparts in the House and Senate, as well as Governor Spanberger, to get what they wanted. The result was a budget showdown that almost resulted in a government shutdown. This is not good governance – it is part of a troubling trend of Washington, DC-style politics trickling into our Commonwealth that Virginians should want no part of.
On a separate topic, I would like to share a brief note about last week’s America 250 celebrations. Our region had many parades, festivals, and fireworks displays to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, and I was proud to see the displays of patriotism from all walks of life. I participated in many of these events; but in particular I was honored to take part in the Liberty Tree ceremony at the Giles County Courthouse to kick off the local festivities. The Liberty Tree honors the Giles County residents who fought at the Battle of Point Pleasant, which the Sons of the American Revolution recognize as the first battle of the Revolutionary War. I hope that everyone who passes the tree will pause to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our citizens over the past 250 years.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at DelJBallard@House.Virginia.Gov. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
