PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Senate Democrats including local lawmakers on Monday responded to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s speech about the state budget, saying the proposed budget puts families first.
Last week during a speech in Chesapeake, Youngkin pointed out reasons why he wouldn’t sign the bipartisan approved budget.
Surrounded by a podium, Virginia Democrats, Sen. Louise Lucas, House Speaker Don Scott, Sen. Mamie Locke and Del. Luke Torian held the press conference. All of them urged Gov. Youngkin to sign the budget.
"The commitment to working families is clear, we raised minimum wage, we gave teachers a pay raise, we expanded access to healthcare and education,” Scott said
"The Senate and the House Democrats proposed a serious structurally balanced, bipartisan budget on time,” Locke said.
Last week, Gov. Youngkin promised to veto the budget because of certain sections. He called the proposed budget "backwards," expressing that he didn't want to add extra taxes.
“This budget is not just backwards but literally undermines the tenants to the success that we’ve had over the last two years,” Youngkin said.
Gov. Youngkin has until April 8 to sign the budget and bills passed this lawmaking session.
Another obstacle is the lack of an arena in this proposed budget. The governor has expressed support for the potential stadium deal saying its impact could be felt statewide.
Sen. Louise Lucas has been a consistent opponent of the bill in the past. She reaffirmed her stance on Monday.
"With all of the information that you have read and heard. The arena deal is dead,” Lucas said.
Similar to the governor, the delegation will be traveling around the state showing their support for the budget. They’ve already made a stop in Williamsburg on Monday afternoon.