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With Sine Die Approaching, Legislators Advance Policies to Ensure Virginians Can Get Ahead
RICHMOND, Va. — Today, ahead of sine die on Saturday, February 22, the General Assembly released it’s final conference amendments to the 2024-2026 biennial budget. The final budget bill includes many Freedom Virginia “Get Ahead” agenda policies focused on affordability for hardworking Virginia families.
The General Assembly’s final conference amendments include a first-time homebuyers grant program, an increase to the state’s standard deduction, an increase in the refundability of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and expanded access to affordable child care. The budget amendments will also provide for the creation of a Paid Family and Medical Leave program so all Virginians can take up to 12 weeks off to care for themselves, a new child, or a sick loved one.
Freedom Virginia co-Executive Directors Rhena Hicks and Ryan O’Toole released the following statement today:
“The General Assembly has created a budget to guarantee a more fair and affordable economy that ensures Virginians can get ahead. We’re pleased that the General Assembly rejected corporate tax schemes that shady special interests had fought hard to include in the budget. As we’ve said before, hardworking Virginians need economic relief, and they need it now. But advancing a budget to ensure Virginians can get ahead through more affordable child care, housing, and tax relief is only the first step. Governor Youngkin now has a choice: prioritize hardworking Virginians and sign this budget or delay relief at a time when Virginians are under increasing economic assault from reckless federal cuts. We sincerely hope he chooses the former.”
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