RICHMOND, Va. — Different state budgets by lawmakers in both the House of Delegates and the Senate showcase the Democratic Party's priorities, with few discrepancies between the two.
However, both versions cut down on Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin's aspirations for increased income and state taxes, more mental health services, and even a new arena promised to suburban Virginia.
13News Now breaks down some of the key takeaways.
Democrats split on Alexandria arena
Two months ago, Governor Youngkin sparked both interest and controversy with his plan to bring D.C.'s professional hockey and basketball teams -- the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards -- to a $2.2 billion suburban sports complex in Virginia.
Youngkin has assured Virginians the move would bring economic growth to the Commonwealth, but Democrats are split on the decision and it shows in the budget proposal.
In the Senate, legislators did not allocate any money for the promised sports complex. Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore, Louise Lucas, has repeatedly denounced the plan and said she would stand in opposition.
She opened the state's Finance and Appropriations meeting with fiery statements.
"For anyone who knows me, I'm sure that what you hear today will be no surprise," said Lucas. "My experiences have made me stronger and unafraid to stand up to anyone when I believe what is being proposed is not in the best interest of the Commonwealth."
While the arena is snubbed in the state's Senate, it is a different story in the House of Delegates.
Democrats paved a path for the arena in their version of the 2025 state budget, giving greater control to legislators for the "Sports and Entertainment Authority." It passed with bipartisan support one week before the meeting.
Tunnel Toll relief on the way to Hampton Roads
Senator Lucas, who is also the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee Chairwoman, did not mince words about toll relief she would like to see in both Portsmouth and Norfolk.
"I will reiterate that this will be my top priority over the next four years of this term," said Lucas.
Lucas has talked about bringing more tunnel toll relief to Hampton Roads for years. On Sunday she unveiled a plan to bring relief to families who make less than $50,000 a year. This includes:
- 14 free trips a week through the tunnels in Norfolk and Portsmouth
- Forgiveness of some individual toll debts
- Free transponders for those who live in the area
- A new study conducted by VDOT
"This is a study by VDOT on how to make HOV toll-free options available in the future," clarified Lucas.
The results are a proposed $92 million for two years of tunnel toll relief. The same measure is not found in the proposed budget from the House of Delegates.
"I really think this is a reflection of the fact of those legislative races we had in November where Democrats took control," said Dr. Leslie Caughell, a professor at Virginia Wesleyan University. "It really shifted the balance of power here, and because of that you are seeing many more Democratic bills than we would have otherwise seen."
As of early 2024, there is some tunnel toll relief available. Leaders with Elizabeth River Crossings extended their relief program to include drivers who make less than $65,000 a year.
These qualified drivers will have half off for the 14 trips through the tunnels.
Governor Youngkin undeterred by House and Senate proposals
Despite slashes to Youngkin's proposed tax plans, including sales and income taxes, the governor appeared hopeful about negotiating what the final budget would look like.
He released a statement that read:
"When I presented our budget in December, it was a bold, necessary plan forward with the goal of ‘Unleashing Opportunity’ for all Virginians,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “As I begin my review of today's proposals from the House and Senate it will be through the lens that structural balance matters, that Virginians can’t afford another tax increase and, in fact, need additional tax relief, and that we need to build on the work we’ve done investing in education, law enforcement, economic and workforce development, and behavioral health in the Commonwealth. Today is just the start, and I am confident that working together with the General Assembly we can continue the progress we’ve made in our first two years and move the Commonwealth forward together.”
Dr. Caughell told 13News Now it often takes legislators weeks to finalize the budget, and these negotiations could last until early March.