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GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2022 GOVERNMENT + POLITICS

Youngkin proposes budget changes on education, criminal justice and SCOTUS protests

Governor seeks to revise gas tax proposal Democrats rejected

BY: GRAHAM MOOMAW - JUNE 15, 2022 8:20 PM

Gov. Glenn Youngkin is proposing 38 changes to the bipartisan state budget lawmakers approved earlier this month, several of them dealing with hot-button conservative priorities that will be a tough sell in the Democratic Senate. ... Youngkin’s amendments would delay the imminent early releases of some Virginia prisoners under a Democratic-led reform meant to reward prisoners for good behavior, restrict public funding of abortion, expand alternatives to traditional public schools, push colleges and universities to enact plans to promote free speech, suspend the state’s gas tax for three months and create a new, state-level felony to deter disruptive or “intimidating” protests outside the homes of U.S. Supreme Court justices or courthouses.

Many of Youngkin’s proposals are sure to face stiff Democratic opposition. Some, such as the gas tax holiday now proposed to run from July 1 through Sept. 30, have already been defeated after much debate. But the final stage of the budget process gives Youngkin one last chance to press his first-year agenda, even if some of it appears doomed, before lawmakers wrap up their work for the 2022 session.

“My amendments primarily focus on expanding opportunities for education, keeping our communities safe, and making Virginia the best state for business,” Youngkin said in a budget message sent to the General Assembly. “I believe that my amendments are necessary in order to continue the work that can unite Virginians, Republican and Democrat alike.”

The General Assembly will return to Richmond Friday to vote on the governor’s proposals.

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