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Virginia lawmakers approved a two-year General Fund budget totaling just over $69 billion, directing more money than Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposed toward public schools, military survivor education benefits, Hurricane Helene disaster relief and community violence intervention programs.
The spending plan emerged from the 46-day 2025 General Assembly session, which concluded in February. Lawmakers were scheduled to return April 2 to consider Youngkin’s vetoes and amendments.
Youngkin received 1,895 bills from the legislature and faced a midnight March 23 deadline to act on them, 30 days after adjournment.
One state senator reported guiding 19 bills and a constitutional amendment through both chambers, with most receiving bipartisan support. The Marriage Equality Constitutional Amendment did not require action by the governor, while the other 19 measures were sent to Youngkin.
Tax relief, health care and schools
The General Assembly budget provides $1.1 billion in immediate and continuing tax relief. Individual taxpayers would receive $200 rebates, while joint filers would receive $400 by Oct. 15, 2025.
Another $686.1 million over the biennium would fully cover projected costs for Medicaid and children’s health insurance.
State funding for public education would rise by $728.4 million over two years. That includes $222.9 million to fully fund school support staff and $310 million in school construction grants, with an additional $150 million intended to modernize and repair buildings.
The plan also sets aside $134.4 million for $1,000 bonuses for instructional and support employees in June 2025. Special education funding would increase 10%, or $52.8 million.
Lawmakers approved a $25 million public-private partnership to expand early childhood education and dedicated $12 million to programs designed to improve student performance and narrow learning gaps.
Colleges and public employees
The proposed budget includes $55 million to help keep Virginia’s public colleges and universities affordable, along with $20 million for the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
It also appropriates $83.1 million for 1.5% bonuses for state employees and state-supported local workers.
Beyond education, the General Assembly devoted more funding than the Youngkin administration proposed to the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene victims and community violence intervention efforts.
Lawmakers were awaiting the governor’s decisions on the budget and other legislation ahead of the April 2 reconvened session.
Separately, concerns about Trump administration cuts affecting federal employees prompted the creation of a resource page for displaced workers. Legislation addressing unemployment benefits also advanced during the session.