October 13, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tega Orhorhoro, tega@vasenatedems.com
Morgan Hopkins, morgan@vahousedems.org
SENATE AND HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON TAX REBATES
Richmond, VA — The Virginia Senate and House Democratic Leaders released the following statements in response to today’s misleading press release from Governor Youngkin on the one-time tax rebates secured by Democrats:
“Make no mistake. The rebate checks that the Governor is claiming credit for were neither his doing nor his idea; they originated with Democrats in the Senate. The budget initially passed by House Republicans was a corporate tax scheme that would have disproportionately benefited the ultra-wealthy at the expense of our schools. Senate Democrats successfully fought for a final budget that invests over $900 million in public education and lets hardworking people keep more of what they earn through the tax rebates that families will be soon receiving,” said Senator Mamie Locke, Caucus Chair and Senate Finance Committee Conferee.
House Democratic Leader Don Scott said, “Surprise, surprise, the Governor is once again taking credit for the work of Democrats in the legislature. What he’s not saying is that his proposal would have severely underfunded our public schools, included tax cuts for big corporations, and made it virtually impossible for the poorest and most vulnerable women among us to access life-saving reproductive healthcare. It was the Democrats that prevented those things from ending up in the budget, pushing for school funding, benefits for our veterans, and money back in the pockets of hardworking Virginians.”
“We recognize the hardships many are facing, especially during this time of inflation. These rebates serve as a way to put some much-needed money back into the pockets of Virginians. If you haven’t done so already, I urge you to file your taxes by November 1 to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Senate Finance and Appropriations Co-chair Senator Janet Howell.
“Times are undeniably tough, and as the holiday season approaches, every bit of financial relief can make a difference. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Senate, we’re able to provide some relief to Virginians when they need it most,” said Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee Co-Chair Senator George Barker.
“Thanks to the Democrats in the Senate, we’ve prevented any financial harm to future generations. I am not shocked that the Governor would want to take sole credit for these funds that were the result of months of bipartisan negotiation,” said Budget Conferee Delegate Mark Sickles.
Members of the press interested in speaking to a member of House or Senate Leadership, should contact Morgan Hopkins at morgan@vahousedems.org or Tega Orhorhoro at tega@vasenatedems.com.