Today, Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair L. Louise Lucas and House Appropriations Chair Luke Torian released the following statement:
“We are pleased to report that budget negotiations are moving forward and that we are making meaningful progress toward a final agreement that reflects the priorities of Virginians across the Commonwealth.
“From the outset, our goal has been to craft an Affordable Virginia budget that lowers costs where families feel it most — housing, healthcare, childcare, and energy — while making the investments our communities depend on, beginning with a strong commitment to K–12 education. Virginia’s public schools are the foundation of our Commonwealth’s future, and any responsible budget must ensure our students, teachers, and schools have the resources they need to succeed.
“Virginia is home to one of the most important technology corridors in the world, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs and driving economic growth across the Commonwealth. We are committed to getting our approach to data center taxation right. As we evaluate the exemptions and incentives currently in place, our focus is on preserving that competitive advantage and ensuring the policies we adopt remain transparent, fair to Virginians, and consistent with Virginia’s reputation as the best state for business.
“Equally important, we are mindful of the need to maintain the stable, predictable business environment that Virginia companies — and the workers they employ — rely on. Virginia’s reputation as the best state for business did not happen by accident. It is the product of decades of sound fiscal stewardship, and we will not put that at risk. As we work through the remaining differences, businesses across the Commonwealth can be confident that the final budget will preserve the certainty and economic conditions that allow them to grow, invest, and create jobs here.
“We expect to resolve the remaining outstanding issues soon and look forward to presenting a final budget that Virginia families, businesses, and communities can be proud of.”