Budget Negotiations Take a Surprising Turn

April 19, 2024 – Virginia Governmental Employee Association (VGEA)

Richmond, VA – In an unprecedented twist in Virginia’s budget negotiations, the General Assembly’s decision to reject the existing budget proposal has put the planned salary increases for state employees in jeopardy. The entire budget is being redrafted, prompting concerns and calls for advocacy among public sector workers.

Dylan Bishop, a lobbyist for the Virginia Governmental Employees Association (VGEA), alerted members to the sudden change. “The General Assembly met for its Reconvene or ‘Veto’ Session. During the Veto Session, the legislature has the opportunity to accept or deny the Governor’s proposed amendments to bills passed earlier this year, including the budget, which requires a simple majority of both chambers. The General Assembly also may override the Governor’s vetoes, which requires a two-thirds vote of both chambers and is exceptionally rare. Since things are moving quickly, I’ll cut straight to the big-ticket news: The budget is dead. Yes, this means our 3% + 3% raises for the next biennium are dead – at least for now. The entire budget process will start afresh from a blank slate,” explained Bishop.

The decision comes after the General Assembly and Governor Glenn Youngkin concluded that starting anew would be the best approach to resolving the budget deadlock. This move, although drastic, is seen as a necessary step to address over 200 proposed amendments and several contentious policy areas like marijuana legalization, family leave acts, and minimum wage adjustments.

In response to these developments, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that legislative leaders are pushing for a fresh start in the hopes of achieving a more agreeable budget before the fiscal deadline on June 30.

“This is a critical moment for our organization and all public employees across the Commonwealth,” stated a VGEA spokesperson. “We must ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear in the coming special session to secure the pay raises our members rightly deserve.”

The VGEA is now mobilizing its members to stay informed and engaged as the budget re-negotiation process unfolds. The association emphasizes the importance of collective advocacy to influence the outcome favorably.

For more information, updates on the budget negotiation process, or to express concerns, VGEA members are encouraged to reach out through the association’s contact channels. The VGEA remains committed to supporting its members’ interests, advocating for equitable compensation, and ensuring professional dignity for all public employees in Virginia.

Email the VGEA team at info@vgea.org or reach out at vgea.org/contact.

Read more VGEA news stories