James Thomas: It’s Time for Tax Reform in Virginia
For too many families in Virginia, particularly Northern Virginia, the overall cost of living and the stresses incurred from historic pressures of inflation have made it difficult to live in the Commonwealth. The numbers don’t lie; for nine straight years, Virginia has seen a net out-migration. That means more individuals and families are choosing to leave the Commonwealth than stay, and the deficit is only increasing. Most of this loss is from Northern Virginia, and for the first time, it seems those making the move are working-age adults, not retirees.
Now, the reasons for this migration out of Virginia vary; however, we know that the most significant contributing factor is the overall cost of living—the ability to afford basic staples such as housing, food, and fuel.
Tax Reductions Under Youngkin Have Been Significant
Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) and the legislators of both parties who have given him at least some of the tax reforms he asked for need to stop being shy and take a real victory lap. He has been in office less than two years and has diverted $5 billion from tax coffers back to Virginia’s citizens so far, with more to come in 2024 and beyond.
Most of that was approved by the 2022 General Assembly and is now in effect for a second full tax year, but the 2023 General Assembly just sweetened the pot.
‘Plenty of Money’ for Tax Relief, Youngkin Says
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the general fund revenue collections for March 2023 unadjusted for policy or timing impacts, fell by 3.8 percent compared to March 2022 mainly due to higher refund issuance. On a fiscal year-to-date basis, revenues are 0.6 percent higher than the same period last year. Relative to the official forecast updated in December, unadjusted general fund revenues are ahead of forecast by $124.2 million year-to-date.
“March’s revenue numbers, once again, demonstrate there’s plenty of money available to lower costs for families and local businesses. We can also fund those most critical investments in education, safer communities and transforming the way behavioral health care is delivered for Virginians,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Youngkin Unveils Budget to Accelerate Results for Virginians
Governor Glenn Youngkin addressed the Joint Meeting of the Senate Finance, House Appropriations, and House Finance Committee and announced his amendments to the Biennial Budget.
“Together we can accelerate results for Virginians and my administration is committed to going faster and getting the job done, so buckle up because we’ve got a lot to do,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This budget provides record funding for behavioral health, law enforcement, education, economic development, and conservation efforts and also cut taxes to put more money in Virginians’ pockets.”
Jeff Dove Is the 11th District Nominee to take on Connolly
Jeff Dove has made history in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
Dove, Republican Congressional Candidate for VA-11, officially clinched the Republican nomination. Jeff Dove will now be able to spend his time and resources on defeating career insider Rep. Gerry Connolly.