VA Speaker Don Scott on House Passage of Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s Budget Amendments: “Virginia has shown what responsible leadership looks like”

With a day to go until tomorrow’s deadline to pass a new, biennial Virginia budget, the Virginia House of Delegates this morning rapidly passed all of Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s 14 proposed amendments, largely along party lines, and the State Senate is also moving expected to pass them all this afternoon. With that, apparently there is now “peace in the valley,” as the saying in Richmond goes, with Democrats having come together in the end – albeit not without some “drama” – and got the job done for Virginia.  See below for statements, video, etc. on today’s actions by the Virginia General Assembly.

First, from VA Speaker Don Scott: “At a time when too many people believe government cannot work, The Commonwealth of Virginia has shown what responsible leadership looks like. Read my full statement on the budget’s final passage”:

From the VA Senate Democratic Caucus:

Virginia Senate Democrats Complete Actions on Governor’s Budget Amendments, Finalizing and Passing a Robust Virginia Budget

RICHMOND, V.A. -— Today, the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus returned to the Capitol to continue a special session and consider Governor Abigail Spanberger’s proposed amendments to the Commonwealth’s budget following the successful conclusion of the 2026 legislative session.

Last week, the General Assembly passed a strong, hard-fought 2026–2028 biennial budget, House Bill 30 (HB 30). The budget passed last week reflects the Senate Democrats’ commitment to lowering costs for working families, strengthening public education, expanding access to healthcare, and making strategic investments in communities across the Commonwealth.

Today’s actions complete the Virginia General Assembly’s consideration of the Governor’s proposed amendments, finalizing the Virginia state budget.

“Last week, Senate Democrats passed a strong, bipartisan budget that reflects months of hard work and collaboration. Going into today’s special session to consider the Governor’s actions, our focus remained on the needs and priorities of the people we represent and ensuring the budget continued to reflect those values”, said the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus.

“As we leave Richmond today, we are proud of the work we’ve done. We stayed focused on affordability, made thoughtful decisions, and continued moving forward with a budget that serves the Commonwealth and the people of Virginia.”

Following today’s action, the budget will proceed through the remaining process before going into effect.