RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) — Governor Glenn Youngkin laid out his final budget plan on Wednesday, making his case for where Virginia stands financially and where he said it should go next.
Speaking before the General Assembly, Youngkin said Virginia is strong both financially and economically, arguing his budget keeps that momentum going as his term comes to an end.
Addressing lawmakers, Youngkin presented what he described as a turnaround for the commonwealth. “It’s a story of transformation, a story of promises made and promises kept,” Youngkin said.
The governor credited his administration with record business investment, job growth, and strong revenue. He said Virginia is in a better position now than it was four years ago.
“The pace has been fast, and the progress has been significant,” Youngkin said.
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In his budget proposal, Youngkin calls for cutting taxes, not raising them, urging lawmakers and the next administration to stay the course.
“Revenue growth that is driven by record economic development, record job growth, strong consumer, and giving me great confidence in the future of Virginia,” he said.
Youngkin said his plan funds key priorities, including education, public safety, health care, tax relief, and child care, while keeping Virginia competitive for business.
“The net of it is a budget that is structurally sound. A budget that can take Virginia into the future and keep her soaring,” Youngkin said.
Youngkin is now asking lawmakers to adopt his budget framework as negotiations begin, with debate shifting to the General Assembly and the incoming governor’s administration.
“I think that leaves considerable upside for the next administration, and we’ve used that strong underpinning to provide for everything that the commonwealth needs to do,” Youngkin said.
