Members of the Virginia Governmental Employees Association (VGEA) team attended the opening of the Virginia General Assembly session on January 11, 2023, as the 45-day session officially gaveled in. We know that. The spending plan includes a historic investment in state funding of school construction. Inflation is running away, and were watching it steal the hard-working paychecks from Virginians, said Gov. Now fully approved, these benefits move from proposal to reality: The final budget signed today brings even more benefits to some Virginia employees as the House and Senate unanimously adopted the following amendments that the Youngkin Administration requested: Theres good news for Virginia state retirees as well, as investments this year in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) are projected to bolster the VRS and save state and local governments nearly $2 billion dollars over the next two decades. When the General Assembly originally approved and presented its proposed biennial budget on June 1, the VGEA highlighted some of the benefits to state employees. Thats a big chunk of change. It will be up to his successor, Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin (R), to propose changes and navigate the budget through the General Assembly once he takes office Jan. 15. Northam said he wanted to aim his proposed tax cuts at working families who have struggled to recover from the economic shutdown that accompanied the pandemic. As expected, Virginias money committees released their proposed biennial budget* for 2023-2024 (July 1, 2022- June 30, 2024) on the evening of May 29, 2022. Individuals undergoing mental issues have to be picked up, taken to a medical facility for diagnosis, then taken to a state mental health facility. His biggest win overall is about $4 billion in cuts to state income and sales taxes. More controversially, the budget sets aside $100 million toward laboratory schools K-12 schools affiliated with colleges and universities. I am grateful for the constant advocacy of Delegate OQuinn, and the bipartisan support, for this important funding stream. (This amendment provides $66.5 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2023 for a one-time bonus payment of $1,000 to state employees on December 1, 2022. And what I mean by that is that tax relief needs to be focused on those who need it the most workers who have lower incomes, workers who have struggled in this pandemic. With the budget, lawmakers cant pick and choose which items they want. That makes it sound like this was a big team effort. This extraordinary revenue situation has enabled us to address long-lingering, one-time investment needs, pre-pay upcoming commitments, fund capital projects with cash and not bonds, and remove the accounting gimmicks we used to balance our budget during the Great Recession, Knight said. u. included in the appropriation for this item is $6,591,337 the first year and $14,740,641 the second year from the general fund to provide a five percent increase in base pay effective july 10, 2022 and an additional five percent effective june 10, 2023 for adjunct faculty at virginia two-year and four-year public colleges and higher education This economy, this Joe Biden created economy, it requires us to do more, said Governor Glenn Youngkin, (R) Virginia. The end result is not only a structurally-balanced budget that protects our AAA bond rating, but a budget that funds our priorities while simultaneously providing tax relief," said Delegate Barry Knight, House Appropriations Committee Chair. The two-year, $158 billion budget takes advantage of massive surpluses that have resulted as the state emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. This budget would devote over $1 billion toward school construction projects. That said, we recognize that there is still much work to do. Where does money for education go in this plan? And while the gas tax holiday wasnt approved, other funding measures will bring good news to all Virginians including nearly $4 billion in income and sales tax cuts and $3 billion for education. We were a little concerned over the quick turnaround time, VGEA lobbyist Dylan Bishop said Friday.. A strong association with representative members is recognized and invited to decision-making tables in state government. We are proud of House and Senate Democrats tireless work to deliver vital funds for our schools, our police, healthcare facilities, and lower-income communities. The General Assembly is recommending a 5% statewide salary increase for eligible salaried employees and an 8% increase for sworn employees of the Virginia State Police effective June 10, 2021. This afternoon, Governor Youngkin gathered with hundreds of supporters, press, and witnesses, including our VGEA lobbyist, Dylan D. Bishop, for the ceremonial signing of the Virginia budget . May 31, 2022. This was a ceremonial signing because the actual budget documents arent fully prepared. Other lawmakers also applauded the budget. Virginia's Proposed Budget is Great News for State Employees If Passed As-Is. (Ned Oliver/ Virginia Mercury) The General Assembly is giving up on a bill related to a Washington Commanders stadium in Virginia after a coach called the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol "a dust-up.". Glenn Youngkins desk, who has seven days to amend, veto or sign it once it is formally presented to him, which is expected to happen sometime next week. We depend entirely on donations. The spending bill includes a total of $4 billion in tax relief, a 10% pay increase for state employees and teachers, a partial repeal of the states grocery tax, plus record investments in public education, and $1.25 billion to leverage more than $3 billion for school construction and modernization projects. Northam who has rolled out elements of his plan over the past two weeks proposed a total of about $2.1 billion in tax cuts. The state's law enforcement agencies will benefit from the new budget as well, he said. It is one facet of a more comprehensive strategy, which includes accommodations, communication, education and awareness, compliance and retention of individuals with differing abilities, said Margaret Lyn McDermid, Secretary of Administration., Read the article from the VGEA and see the press release, State employees face a tight deadline on Friday (May 20, 2022) for getting permission to work from their homes under a new telework policy that Gov. The budget will then go to Governor Youngkin for final amendments and approval. Other big expenditures include a deposit of more than $900 million in the state retirement fund, $500 million for school construction and $622 million for higher education. I could not be more excited to see the flood victims finally receive the help they need. Republicans had pushed to repeal the entire tax, but Democrats committed to slashing only the states 1.5% portion of the grocery tax while retaining the 1% portion that benefits local governments to fund schools. In addition to the teachers raises, all state employees will receive the same pay increase and a one-time bonus of $1,000 in December of this year. All rights reserved. Youngkin. Nearly doubles the standard deduction to $8,000 for single filers and $16,000 for joint. The VGEA Executive Committee met on May 25, 2022, to collaborate on a plan to address the continued impacts and hardships caused by the Youngkin administrations new telework policy on state employees. Later that evening, well gather (venue TBA) for the VGEAs first annual Legislative Reception! With the clock ticking, this year's . When the General Assembly originally approved and presented its proposed biennial budget on June 1, the VGEA highlighted some of the benefits to state employees. - $1.25 billion for local school divisions to replace or repair outdated public school buildings. On September 10, 2022, the VGEA team, along with members and special guests, gathered at the Richmond Marriott in Short Pump, VA. DOC Air Conditioning Installation (Budget Item 486 #23c). The VGEA team shared what theyve been doing to advocate for Virginias employees and retirees and let us know the plans for 2023. Lawmakers also compromised on tax rebates individuals will get $250 and families $500, which is slightly below the $300 and $600 that Youngkin proposed. "The budget nearly doubled the standard deduction for tax payers, provided an income tax subtraction for military retirees age 55 or older of $10,000 in tax year 2022 and $20,000 in tax year 2023, and provides 10 percent raises for state and state-supported employees including teachers and law enforcement," Morefield said. This amendment provides $66.5 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2023 for a one-time bonus payment of $1,000 to state employees on December 1, 2022. Review of Return to Work Policies for Retired Employees (Budget Item 498 #2c). State employees would see a 10% pay increaseover two years. Still, if this budget is signed by Youngkin, it will be the biggest K-12 budget the state has ever passed, even after adjusting for inflation. Also learn how VGEA members can join a Member Cohort to discuss challenges and solutions with other members, attend the VGEAs Lobby Day and Legislative Reception (free for members) on February 9, contact legislators directly using helpful links, and more ways to stay connected and get involved to make a difference. We emailed an important legislative update this week to members of the VGEA. This amendment directs the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to collect information from Community Services Boards and the Behavioral Health Authority on employee compensation to assist in developing a proposal to address compensation issues to be considered in the 2023 Session. Members and legislators are invited to meet and mingle as part of this exclusive event. We strive to be relevant, from the 21-year-old new employee to the 100-year-old retiree. ", "Most of the members would have preferred the budget be adopted several months ago, but considering the number of accomplishments we were able to achieve, I am confident it will be good for all Virginians," Morefield added. For more on the state budget, including specifics such as funding for the Central Virginia Training Center in Amherst County, life sciences labs in Roanoke, and flood relief in Hurley, see our previous coverage. Every school will be provided a significant grant, and high poverty school divisions will have access to an achievable financing solution for years to come, he said. Stories that explain the news through charts, maps, photography and videos. High poverty schools, especially small and rural divisions, now have hope and opportunity to improve school facilities.. Prevents the early release of over 500 violent inmates. Weve provided those below. If you are [successful], Virginia will continue to be successful.. But the reality is only a few lawmakers were in the room. Requires each public college to adopt an official policy on academic freedom and begin reporting on the state of free expression and diversity of thought on their campus. The governor did not get his three-month gas tax holiday, which would have shaved about 26 cents of the cost of a gallon of gas. He has also called for increased funding for the states historically Black colleges and universities both public and private and on Wednesday announced that he wants to set aside $12 million to help the states Indigenous tribes purchase historically significant land and another $10 million for Black, native and other minority groups to fund historic preservation. During a ceremony last week, the Republican governor signed the Virginia state budget, which he said delivers on his promise to provide tax relief for Virginian . "Every day we have worked hard to build a more prosperous Virginia, with greater opportunity for future generations," Youngkin said after the June 22 ceremony. The standard deduction would increase from $4,500 to $8,000 for individuals and from $9,000 to $16,000 for joint filers. - Eliminating the 1.5% state portion of the grocery tax. NOW: @GovernorVA signs two-year state budget. Simon: "God forbid, they actually had to have a public meeting, and invite the press and the public and the rest of us in to know what it was they were talking about, Mr. Speaker.. Space is limited. I hope that without delay there will be a signature on the budget and that way we can move forward, and I hope that we will not have to go through more politics, more amendments, even a potential veto, Rasoul said. "My top priority during the session was to ensure the flood victims of Hurley received the assistance they needed to help rebuild their lives. Lawmakers in Virginia's divided legislature approved a new two-year budget in Richmond on Wednesday after months of negotiations. The new state budget adds money to mental health facilities, offers bonuses and raises to retain and recruit personnel, and helps to assist "with the mental health crisis we are experiencing," Hackworth said. Register Now for the 2022 VGEA Annual Meeting, The Virginia Governmental Employees Association collected responses from 708 members within the last week and the survey remains open. The new budget also includes rebates for Virginia taxpayers, $250 payments for single filers and $500 payments for joint filers, which could start arriving later this summer, Hackworth said. GLEN ALLEN, Va. (WWBT) - Tuesday afternoon, Virginias governor held a ceremonial signing of the states two-year budget totaling $165 billion at Tom Leonards Farmers Market in Henrico County. In short, The Commonwealth of Virginia works because we do! You may recall that Virginia closed 2021 with a $2.6 billion surplus the largest surplus in state history and a surplus that was far above any forecasts so it makes sense that some of the surplus would be given back to Virginians. Inflation is running away, and were watching it steal the hard-working paychecks from Virginians, said Gov. School construction is something that is totally unprecedented in Virginia, Knight said. I am proud that even as we weathered the worst pandemic in our lifetime, weve rebuilt our reserves so that Virginia is prepared against future downturns, Northam said. The introduced budget included funding to increase the starting salary for DOC correctional officers up to $44,000, and increase the starting salary for deputy sheriffs and regional jail officers to $42,000. While there are more than 160,000 of us working in a vast array of professions and jobs, we unite in a desire to be recognized for our dedication to making Virginia a great state. ET: The VGEA has heard that the budget was approved by the General Assembly this afternoon with no changes to state employee raises. Every employee benefits from the experience and dedication VGEA brings. 2023 VGEA, All Rights Reserved. Whether its increasing salaries, improving work conditions or any of the many other employee issues, VGEA is here to help address them all. Published: Jun. In May, the VGEA had asked members who are current state employees to share their hardships related to the new telework policy so that we could compile and present the concerns directly to the administration. Lobby Day & Legislative Reception February 9, Membership Dues Will Increase Beginning January 1, Read the full article to find out more about what the VGEA really is, Were Asking for More Pay Raises + Talking Points, Breaking News for Retirees | Cost of Living Adjustment, Weve Been Meeting with an All-Star Cast of Legislators. Youngkin. The re-enrolled Virginia State Budget for Fiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Year 2024, HB 30, will be formally enrolled in the Acts of Assembly this week. The Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) released a telework report on September 30, 2022, that takes a look at telework numbers pre-COVID, during COVID, and present day. Virginia residents will see some significant tax relief coming out of the budget deal. 2023 VGEA, All Rights Reserved. As always, were listening and advocating for you. Hackworth said the new budget provides funding to address an ongoing problem law enforcement agencies have when handling mental hygiene cases. Northam unveils budget plans with increases for Black universities and teacher raises. It doesnt hurt a thing to give [taxpayers] back some of their money back.. While there are more than 160,000 of us working in a vast array of professions and jobs, we unite in a desire to be recognized for our dedication to making Virginia a great state. Additional topics: P.S. Those include one-time rebates of $250 per individual taxpayer or $500 for married couples filing jointly; eliminating the states 1.5 percent tax on groceries, but leaving the 1 percent local add-on tax unchanged; and allowing working families who meet certain criteria to get money back for the earned income tax credit. In no case shall any interest be paid on any refund due pursuant to this enactment. If the proposed budget is approved without additional changes by both the General Assembly and Governor Youngkin (which the VGEA expects at this time), it will be great news for state employees. Teachers would see this increase as soon as it is implemented into payroll schedules. Provides almost $900 million in funding to Virginia's HBCUs. Glenn Youngkin. $1.25 billion in grants and loans to support school construction. A strong association with representative members is recognized and invited to decision-making tables in state government. Meanwhile, The Democratic Party of Virginia released the following statement from spokesperson Gianni Snidle: Through this budget, Virginia Democrats have reaffirmed their commitment to fighting for Virginia families, children, and communities across the Commonwealth. For the negotiators, its been no walk in the park after the General Assembly in March adjourned its regular session without a budget. Weve seen a partial elimination of [the grocery tax], but not total elimination., I think the thing thats attractive to me is giving back with all the revenues we saw, giving back some of the tax money the citizens paid in, Republican Del. Reach out to us at any time with questions, comments, concerns, or updates at info@vgea.org. (This amendment provides $66.5 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2023 for a one-time bonus payment of $1,000 to state employees on December 1, 2022. Although some lawmakers criticized the lack of transparency during the negotiations, conferees hailed the bipartisan nature of the agreement. For taxpayers filing a return on or after July 1, 2022, refunds due pursuant to this enactment shall be issued on or after July 1, 2022, but no later than four months after such return is filed. 4 % raise in July 2021 it & # x27 ; s budget would boost soon as Friday salary. We dont sell ads, or block you with a paywall. Va. lawmakers return to Richmond for budget vote Wednesday, Dad dies in house fire while trying to save family dogs, firefighters say, Woman accused of stabbing boyfriend for urinating in their bed after a night of drinking, Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads face ongoing struggles, Elkton rehires Greg Lunsford as Town Manager, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. 21, 2022 at 9:18 AM PDT | Updated: Jun. We must meet those obligations, he said. In a Monday interview, VGEA Lobbyist Dylan Bishop said he met with Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid earlier this month, but had low hopes the administration would push back its timeline. The proposal, which now heads to the desk of Gov. statewide salary increase for eligible salaried employees and an 8% increase for sworn employees of the Virginia State Police effective June 10, 2021. - Eliminating the 1.5% state portion of the grocery tax. The VGEA took a look at the data. The governor did not get his three-month gas tax holiday, which would have shaved about 26 cents of the cost of a gallon of gas. Bishop says the administration did not agree but said that telework requests for those in need would be liberally granted. 804.320.1301. Watch the replay of the live event on the VGEA YouTube Channel. Northam unveils Virginia budget plan, with raises for public employees and tax cuts aimed at working families, Photos of closed businesses show how the world is getting more isolated, 'Mud wizard' taunts German police stuck at coal protest. So, the ball is now in Youngkins court. He also proposed the same increases for all state employees and state-sponsored local employees, at a cost of more than $1.5 billion. Ralph Northam (D) has proposed the final state budget of his term in office, using massive surpluses to fund both pay raises and tax cuts. This all has to be said and done by July 1, when the state begins a new budget year. Officially signed into law today, the 2023-2024 biennial budget becomes effective on July 1 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2024. In December then-Gov. But it doesnt sound like the state is also talking about cutting services? The VGEA also asked the administration to 1) delay the implementation of the new policy until September, 2) to reconsider the blanket nature of the telework policy in favor of returning to a policy that considers the complexities and nuances of all state jobs and trusts the administration of the policy to the individual agencies, and 3) to allow the VGEA to provide consultation on this policy and future policies., A new survey shows some state employees have significant concerns with Gov. Officially signed into law today, the 2023-2024 biennial budget becomes effective on July 1 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2024. The [surplus] money that exists in Richmond belongs to Virginians, not the government, and therefore, we need to do a much better job of giving it back to Virginians on a systematic basis.. Perrigan also praised the legislatures decision to increase teacher salaries by 10% over two years, calling it an unprecedented investment in our teachers and staff. The pay raise will go a long way into making Virginias pay scales more competitive with neighboring states, Perrigan said. Its not enough. Each year the Governor prepares the proposed budget bill for introduction by the General Assembly. Sen. Obenshain said that, at this point, he thinks the budget will pass, but then it heads to Gov. And finally, for the states share of teacher retirement, we can issue $200 million each year in literary fund loans, he said. Last week, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the Virginia state government has implemented an alternative hiring process for individuals with disabilities, serving as a model for inclusive employment practices. Want NBC12s top stories in your inbox each morning? Together, we stood for greater accountability and transparency in government. @NBC12 pic.twitter.com/EpvprUsIIL. Were not. "We have also made unprecedented additions to our reserves, thus protecting our AAA bond rating.". The VGEA will keep you updated as we get additional updates. Working together across party lines, we have made historic investments in our educational system from preschool through grad school, mental health services, economic development programs, and our park systems," added Senator Janet Howell, Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee Chair. - Pay raises for state and local law enforcement, correctional officers, local sheriffs deputies. This includes $450 million for the House proposal to buy down project costs between 10 and 30% based on local fiscal stress, Knight said. This amendment adjusts the funding to set the new starting pay at $42,000 equal to the level for deputy sheriffs and regional jails. Ralph Northam proposed to contribute $500 million from the states flush coffers toward repairing or replacing outdated public school buildings. Over 400 state employees responded to theVGEA Telework Survey, and we shared their stories with the Youngkin Administration on June 8, 2022, at the Virginia State Capitol. Virginias governor signs states two-year budget including $4 billion in tax cuts, Dad dies in house fire while trying to save family dogs, firefighters say, Woman accused of stabbing boyfriend for urinating in their bed after a night of drinking, Wiik, Fitzgerald selected to lead South Dakota GOP, Upper South Dakota Republican Party leadership wants convention process changed, South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson looks ahead at legislative session, 2023, Governor Youngkin delivers the State of the Commonwealth, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. The update includes details about how VGEA members can mobilize to help advance legislation in 2023. During a ceremony last week, the Republican governor signed the Virginia state budget, which he said delivers on his promise to provide tax relief for Virginian families, increase funding for law enforcement, and support the development of lab schools, among other key initiatives of his Day One Game Plan. Every employee benefits from the experience and dedication VGEA brings. Custom Website Design by Key Web Concepts, 2020 VGEA, All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. Though the Virginia House and Senate didnt give a thumbs up to all of the Governors amendments (including a gas tax holiday), they were finally able to come to an agreement and approve the budget. This amendment requires the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) and Department of General Services (DGS) to review the feasibility of offering childcare services within the Capitol Square complex. Now, lets be straight with each other. On the spending side, Northam proposed 5 percent pay raises for public school teachers in each of the budgets two years, for a 10 percent total raise that would cost about $750 million. By: Staff Report - June 10, 2022 7:48 am. And the state has money to give. Heres your quick look at whats coming up as we begin the new year: RSVP for the Lobby Day and Legislative Reception soon! As expected, Virginias money committees released their proposed biennial budget* for 2023-2024 (July 1, 2022- June 30, 2024) on the evening of May 29, 2022. The flush coffers allowed lawmakers to finally take on a challenge that has been decades in the making Virginias crumbling school infrastructure. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com. If the proposed budget is approved without additional changes by both the General Assembly and Governor Youngkin (which the VGEA expects at this time), it will be great news for state employees. Were still trying to get the fine print, but the administration says for taxpayers filing a return before July 1, 2022, refunds due pursuant to this enactment shall be issued on or after July 1, 2022, but before October 17, 2022. Morefield said that tax rebates "will likely start to be made available to taxpayers this fall. The . Again, the VGEA doesnt anticipate that the budget will change significantly from the proposed compromise released on May 29, 2022, but it remains a possibility. Its not enough. VGEA matters because you matter! Theres lots of support for various pay increases. GLEN ALLEN, Va. (WWBT) - Tuesday afternoon, Virginias governor held a ceremonial signing of the states two-year budget totaling $165 billion at Tom Leonards Farmers Market in Henrico County. - One-time rebates of $250 for individual taxpayers and $500 for families. More by Markus Schmidt. The total cost of the across-the-board salary adjustments is $223.1 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2023 and $523.6 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2024. Join us on Thursday, February 9, 2023, for one of our highlight events of the year: the 2023 VGEA Lobby Day & First Annual Legislative Reception. They wont. Earlier Wednesday, Northam announced that he is seeking spending for projects related to water quality and the health of the Chesapeake Bay that total more than $1 billion. - Teacher and state worker pay raises of 10% over two years, plus $1,000 bonuses. June 21, 2022 - Richmond, VA. It's Official: Governor Youngkin Signs Virginia's State Budget Including Additional Benefits for Some State Employees. The amendment includes $250,000 from the nongeneral fund to support costs incurred in conducting the review. State employees including teachers will see a 10% raise over two years along with a $1,000 bonus. Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin (R) will have to . VGEA is the only statewide organization for the broad range of Commonwealth employees. Jun. Some professions would get salary increases. Teachers would also get a 10% boost, although localities have to chip in half of that. Get a full round-up of our stories delivered to your inbox, every weekday morning. 23 Sesame Street That concerns only continued to grow, he said. While there is still much work to be done, this is a very good start to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and better Virginia.. Supporters and several lawmakers packed the store and applauded as Youngkin put pen to paper. GEA membership isnt scary: its empowering. ", "After months of effort we have successfully completed the state budget process. Making the payment a year earlier than originally proposed will allow the funds to be invested a year earlier and realize an additional year of investment returns prior to the next valuation. I fundamentally believe that the recognition of the need for tax cuts is understated in his budget, he said. Check your junk/spam folder, update your email preferences by logging into the member-only portion of the website, or contact info@vgea.org for help. Well talk about all of that as well as the continued need for salary increases, retiree benefits, and our plans for additional telework advocacy based on recent feedback from 1,222 employees.
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