The governor is promising another billion in tax cuts in the future. State employees, including teachers, will get a 5% raise in 2022 and 2023, plus a $1,000 bonus in the first year. In remarks to reporters afterward, Youngkin thanked Northam for inviting him to the event, but he also said the tax cuts in the outgoing governors plan were insufficient. Reach out to the VGEA team at info@vgea.org with questions, comments, or concerns. However, if an incumbent is reappointed, his or her salary may be as high as his or her prior salary. Over 400 state employees responded to theVGEA Telework Survey, and we shared their stories with the Youngkin Administration on June 8, 2022, at the Virginia State Capitol. 4 % raise in July 2021 it & # x27 ; s budget would boost soon as Friday salary. Note: Most state employees pay increase will not become effective until August 1, 2022. This amendment requires the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) and Department of General Services (DGS) to review the feasibility of offering childcare services within the Capitol Square complex. A companion amendment to House Bill 30 includes additional contingent appropriation of $250.0 million to VRS. Although some lawmakers criticized the lack of transparency during the negotiations, conferees hailed the bipartisan nature of the agreement. VPM News state politics reporter Ben Paviour sat down with editor Sara McCloskey to discuss the agreement. - Pay raises for state and local law enforcement, correctional officers, local sheriffs deputies. We are proud of House and Senate Democrats tireless work to deliver vital funds for our schools, our police, healthcare facilities, and lower-income communities. Thats in addition to about $1 billion in federal coronavirus relief money that has been held in reserve, plus whatever funds come to the state from the infrastructure bill that passed Congress and the federal investment package now being debated. Youngkin. As always, thanks for partnering with the VGEA on behalf of all state employees. And finally, for the states share of teacher retirement, we can issue $200 million each year in literary fund loans, he said. 2023 VGEA, All Rights Reserved. NORFOLK, Va. Lawmakers in the Virginia General Assembly reached a compromise deal on the state's budget that would cut taxes, invest in infrastructure . Virginia residents will see some significant tax relief coming out of the budget deal. Teachers would also get a 10% boost, although localities have to chip in half of that. 27Tax rebates for citizens, a pay raise for teachers, eliminating the state's grocery tax and funding for law enforcement measures are all part of the new Virginia state budget recently signed into law by Gov. Some have also pointed out they do not actually have physical office space to which to return.. Youngkin. The Senate has sought a narrower approach that would amount to $2.5 billion of relief over the two years,. Nearly doubles the standard deduction to $8,000 for single filers and $16,000 for joint. House Majority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott County, said that Virginians can feel good about the budget compromise. Register Now for the 2022 VGEA Annual Meeting, The Virginia Governmental Employees Association collected responses from 708 members within the last week and the survey remains open. It will be up to his successor, Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin (R), to propose changes and navigate the budget through the General Assembly once he takes office Jan. 15. I think thats important. The VGEA also asked the administration to 1) delay the implementation of the new policy until September, 2) to reconsider the blanket nature of the telework policy in favor of returning to a policy that considers the complexities and nuances of all state jobs and trusts the administration of the policy to the individual agencies, and 3) to allow the VGEA to provide consultation on this policy and future policies., A new survey shows some state employees have significant concerns with Gov. Requires each public college to adopt an official policy on academic freedom and begin reporting on the state of free expression and diversity of thought on their campus. Custom Website Design by Key Web Concepts, 2020 VGEA, All Rights Reserved. That includes new criminal penalties for possessing more than four ounces of marijuana a proposal that had already been rejected by Democrats in the Senate. It doesnt hurt a thing to give [taxpayers] back some of their money back.. The VGEA has created two short online surveys to gather important feedback from state employees and retirees. In addition there are VRS (Virginia Retirement System) deposits of $1 billion, and in capital outlay there is $2.2 billion in cash rather than new debt, Howell added. Members and legislators are invited to meet and mingle as part of this exclusive event. The grocery tax cut and the tax credit for working families would cost the state about $419 million per year in lost revenue, Virginia Finance Secretary Joe Flores said in a briefing with reporters ahead of Northams presentation. Theres money for support positions and dedicated reading specialists as well as some funding for mental health programs although not as much as advocates had hoped. Inflation is running away, and were watching it steal the hard-working paychecks from Virginians, said Gov. Democrats are excited about a move to make the earned income tax credit partially refundable, which will help lower income households. The $4 billion in tax cuts, which will happen over three years, will bring one-time tax rebates of $250 for individual filers and $500 for families this year. Where does money for education go in this plan? Will Virginia state employees get a bonus in 2022? The standard deduction would increase from $4,500 to $8,000 for individuals and from $9,000 to $16,000 for joint filers. Public school teachers and state. It is one facet of a more comprehensive strategy, which includes accommodations, communication, education and awareness, compliance and retention of individuals with differing abilities, said Margaret Lyn McDermid, Secretary of Administration., Read the article from the VGEA and see the press release, State employees face a tight deadline on Friday (May 20, 2022) for getting permission to work from their homes under a new telework policy that Gov. During a ceremony last week, the Republican governor signed the Virginia state budget, which he said delivers on his promise to provide tax relief for Virginian . $1.25 billion in grants and loans to support school construction. On September 10, 2022, the VGEA team, along with members and special guests, gathered at the Richmond Marriott in Short Pump, VA. All rights reserved. June 21, 2022 - Richmond, VA. It's Official: Governor Youngkin Signs Virginia's State Budget Including Additional Benefits for Some State Employees. The spending bill includes a total of $4 billion in tax relief, a 10% pay increase for state employees and teachers, a partial repeal of the states grocery tax, plus record investments in public education, and $1.25 billion to leverage more than $3 billion for school construction and modernization projects. These initiatives include: Providing almost $4 billion in tax relief to Virginians. Companion Amendment to Lump Sum Payment to VRS in FY 2022 (Budget Item 269 #1c). - Eliminating the 1.5% state portion of the grocery tax. He also proposed the same increases for all state employees and state-sponsored local employees, at a cost of more than $1.5 billion. Virginia's Proposed Budget is Great News for State Employees If Passed As-Is. Once the campaigns are over, we all should work together to make Virginia succeed, Northam said, wishing Youngkin a good term in office. While there is still much work to be done, this is a very good start to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and better Virginia.. Glenn Youngkin (R). We know that Virginia is going to cut taxes in 2022, he said. - $1.25 billion for local school divisions to replace or repair outdated public school buildings. We have a long and storied history, and weve been advocating for current and retired state employee rights for over 50 years. The flush coffers allowed lawmakers to finally take on a challenge that has been decades in the making Virginias crumbling school infrastructure. Law enforcement, sheriffs deputies, corrections officers, and mental health workers will also get a salary raise. Additional topics: P.S. Lobby Day & Legislative Reception February 9, Membership Dues Will Increase Beginning January 1, Read the full article to find out more about what the VGEA really is, Were Asking for More Pay Raises + Talking Points, Breaking News for Retirees | Cost of Living Adjustment, Weve Been Meeting with an All-Star Cast of Legislators. Copyright 2022 WWBT. Roanoke labs project awaits final approval. This amendment provides $8.8 million the first year from the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Recovery Fund for air conditioning installation at several adult correctional facilities. Sincere thanks to VGEA lobbyist, Dylan D. Bishop, who reviewed the proposed budget in detail to identify the portions that are pertinent to VGEA members. Most disagreements were related to different versions of tax relief proposals an important staple of Youngkins campaign platform. It includes $42,000 starting salaries for sheriffs, deputies and department of corrections officers. This amendment provides $66.5 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2023 for a one-time bonus payment of $1,000 to state employees on December 1, 2022. Review of Return to Work Policies for Retired Employees (Budget Item 498 #2c). The update includes details about how VGEA members can mobilize to help advance legislation in 2023. Now fully approved, these benefits move from proposal to reality. DOC Air Conditioning Installation (Budget Item 486 #23c). During a ceremony last week, the Republican governor signed the Virginia state budget, which he said delivers on his promise to provide tax relief for Virginian families, increase funding for law enforcement, and support the development of lab schools, among other key initiatives of his Day One Game Plan. Space is limited. In addition, the budget provides about $4 billion in tax cuts. We know that. Supporters and several lawmakers packed the store and applauded as Youngkin put pen to paper. I could not be more excited to see the flood victims finally receive the help they need. This economy, this Joe Biden created economy, it requires us to do more, said Governor Glenn Youngkin, (R) Virginia. The VGEA took a look at the data. Provide Funding for Retiree Health Care Credit (Budget Item 483 #2c). This extraordinary revenue situation has enabled us to address long-lingering, one-time investment needs, pre-pay upcoming commitments, fund capital projects with cash and not bonds, and remove the accounting gimmicks we used to balance our budget during the Great Recession, Knight said. State employees would see a 10% pay increaseover two years. Theres no reason to be afraid. The VGEA Executive Committee met on May 25, 2022, to collaborate on a plan to address the continued impacts and hardships caused by the Youngkin administrations new telework policy on state employees. Virginia Mercury The budget increases are in line with a $58.5 million proposal by the Republican-controlled House that will boost staff pay to the 50th percentile of the market. The budget also includes a refundable tax credit for low-income working families, a larger deduction for military retirement income and an increase of the standard deduction from $4,500 to $8,000 for individual taxpayers and from $9,000 to $16,000 for families. Of course, well be sure to keep you informed of any relevant policy changes should they develop. Northams administration touts the proposed budget as a road map for success that leaves the incoming governor in excellent financial shape, with record amounts in the states reserve funds. Get a full round-up of our stories delivered to your inbox, every weekday morning. May 31, 2022. More controversially, the budget sets aside $100 million toward laboratory schools K-12 schools affiliated with colleges and universities. Morefield said that tax rebates "will likely start to be made available to taxpayers this fall. It's an all or nothing vote. In no case shall any interest be paid on any refund due pursuant to this enactment. Whether its increasing salaries, improving work conditions or any of the many other employee issues, VGEA is here to help address them all. The VGEA will keep you updated as we get additional updates. Every time a Virginian goes to the gas pump and pays nearly $5 a gallon for a gallon a gas, they should think about Senate Democrats who kept prices high, said Gov. We strive to be relevant, from the 21-year-old new employee to the 100-year-old retiree. In short, The Commonwealth of Virginia works because we do! Officially signed into law today, the 2023-2024 biennial budget becomes effective on July 1 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2024. The governors office had been largely silent about the policys implementation since acknowledging that it had missed its own June 3 deadline for processing employee telework requests. 21, 2022 at 9:18 AM PDT | Updated: Jun. And what I mean by that is that tax relief needs to be focused on those who need it the most workers who have lower incomes, workers who have struggled in this pandemic. State employees, including teachers, will get a 5% raise in 2022 and 2023, plus a $1,000 bonus in the first year. In addition to the teachers raises, all state employees will receive the same pay increase and a one-time bonus of $1,000 in December of this year. Updated: 2:52 PM EDT May 27, 2022. We are proud of House and Senate Democrats tireless work to deliver vital funds for our schools, our police, healthcare facilities, and lower-income communities. This amendment requires the VRS to conduct a review of Virginias return to work policy regarding individuals who have retired and wish to return to work in a VRS covered position and compare it to policies in other states. The Senate version would spend about $2.2 billion on 5% pay raises in each year for state and state-supported local employees, including teachers, plus $1,000 one-time bonuses. and together, we are building an opportunity society, where Virginians can find the jobs they are looking for right here in the Commonwealth. The re-enrolled Virginia State Budget for Fiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Year 2024, HB 30, will be formally enrolled in the Acts of Assembly this week. VGEA lobbyist, Dylan D. Bishop, reviewed the proposed budget in detail and provided the portions that are pertinent to VGEA members.. Teachers would see this increase as soon as it is implemented into payroll schedules. Working together across party lines, we have made historic investments in our educational system from preschool through grad school, mental health services, economic development programs, and our park systems," added Senator Janet Howell, Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee Chair. - One-time rebates of $250 for individual taxpayers and $500 for families. This service was previously offered in the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) building on Broad Street. Join in supporting in-depth journalism for Southwest and Southside Virginia. We must meet those obligations, he said. Read the full article to find out more about what the VGEA really is. This amendment directs the DHRM to compile and report data on the number of employees for each agency working remotely and the days per week each employee remotely worked for the 2019 calendar year, during the Coronavirus pandemic and prior to July 5, 2022, and under the new Standard Telework Agreement effective July 5, 2022. This has always been about the movement we created together. In fact, the proposed spending plan would pump so much money into reserves leaving them at nearly $3.9 billion, or almost 17 percent of state revenue that the General Assembly would have to authorize the state to exceed legal limits on the amount of cash held in reserve. Were still trying to get the fine print, but the administration says for taxpayers filing a return before July 1, 2022, refunds due pursuant to this enactment shall be issued on or after July 1, 2022, but before October 17, 2022. Thanks to our sponsors Become a Sponsor. In a Monday interview, VGEA Lobbyist Dylan Bishop said he met with Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid earlier this month, but had low hopes the administration would push back its timeline. The Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) released a telework report on September 30, 2022, that takes a look at telework numbers pre-COVID, during COVID, and present day. The final Virginia state budget has initiatives to ensure Virginia is the best state to live, work, and raise a family, Youngkin said. Tired of reading? Hackworth said the new budget provides funding to address an ongoing problem law enforcement agencies have when handling mental hygiene cases. Glenn Youngkins desk, who has seven days to amend, veto or sign it once it is formally presented to him, which is expected to happen sometime next week. (Video) Hiring and pay increases for federal employees + Restoring Capitol after Jan. 6 @Government Matters (ABC 7 News - WJLA) Provide $3,000 Salary Increase for Probation and Parole Officers (Budget Item 399 #3c). That didnt materialize like we thought it would, Sen. Obenshain said. UPDATE June 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. For taxpayers filing a return on or after July 1, 2022, refunds due pursuant to this enactment shall be issued on or after July 1, 2022, but no later than four months after such return is filed. That said, we recognize that there is still much work to do. His biggest win overall is about $4 billion in cuts to state income and sales taxes. Theres been lots of talk in Virginia over the last decade about the state of our public school buildings. Youngkin where we will decide to approve, made amendments, or veto the budget. Individuals undergoing mental issues have to be picked up, taken to a medical facility for diagnosis, then taken to a state mental health facility. One of the key issues they agreed on was a partial repeal of the states 2.5% grocery tax. This amendment directs the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to collect information from Community Services Boards and the Behavioral Health Authority on employee compensation to assist in developing a proposal to address compensation issues to be considered in the 2023 Session. Bishop says the administration did not agree but said that telework requests for those in need would be liberally granted. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, the lone House Democrat from Southwest Virginia, said that while the budget clearly has some room for improvement in the future, he urged Youngkin to sign it immediately. $ 48,000 to $ 51,000 statewide, get their raise through agency funding 26 or employees! If approved as-is, state employees will receive the following: The General Assembly is scheduled to convene Wednesday, June 1, 2022, to amend or approve the money committees proposed compromise. The governor is promising another billion in tax cuts in the future. His biggest win overall is about $4 billion in cuts to state income and sales taxes. Study of Compensation @ DBHDS (Budget Item 311 #9c). Workers who need it, not just who want it.. Though the Virginia House and Senate didnt give a thumbs up to all of the Governors amendments (including a gas tax holiday), they were finally able to come to an agreement and approve the budget. He has also called for increased funding for the states historically Black colleges and universities both public and private and on Wednesday announced that he wants to set aside $12 million to help the states Indigenous tribes purchase historically significant land and another $10 million for Black, native and other minority groups to fund historic preservation. The proposal, which now heads to the desk of Gov. "I'm very proud of the budget that we have put forward. Members of the Virginia Governmental Employees Association (VGEA) team attended the opening of the Virginia General Assembly session on January 11, 2023, as the 45-day session officially gaveled in. This process is only the beginning of our strategy to demonstrate our commitment to individuals with differing abilities to improve the state workforce. And while the gas tax holiday wasnt approved, other funding measures will bring good news to all Virginians including nearly $4 billion in income and sales tax cuts and $3 billion for education. RICHMOND Gov. All rights reserved. Senator Travis Hackworth, R-Tazewell, said he had spoken with Delegate James W. "Will" Morefield, R-Tazewell, and understood that teachers would not be receiving a 10 percent pay raise that's part of the new budget until August. The state will give out one-time rebates of $250 for individual taxpayers and $500 for couples. Reach out to us at any time with questions, comments, concerns, or updates at info@vgea.org. Lawmakers also agreed to raise the standard deduction to almost double what it is now. The current situation is "frustrating" for towns that have only one police officer," he stated. Eliminates the 1.5 percent state grocery tax. Published: Jun. Also learn how VGEA members can join a Member Cohort to discuss challenges and solutions with other members, attend the VGEAs Lobby Day and Legislative Reception (free for members) on February 9, contact legislators directly using helpful links, and more ways to stay connected and get involved to make a difference. Glenn Youngkins new policy limiting telework, with one unnamed respondent describing it as chaos., It comes as the Virginia Government Employees Association is asking the administration to delay implementation to Sept. 12, 2022, giving employees more time to address childcare and commuting needs. Copyright 2022 WWBT. The proposal, which now heads to the desk of Gov. VGEA Executive Director, Marshall Terry, will be there along with members, guests, and the VGEA team. This was a ceremonial signing because the actual budget documents arent fully prepared. State employees including teachers will see a 10% raise over two years along with a $1,000 bonus. That makes it sound like this was a big team effort. We will continue to work closely with the Youngkin Administration in 2022 and beyond to do what we always do: advocate for excellent pay, health care, and retirement benefits for our state workers priorities that are the core of the VGEAs mission. A companion amendment in House Bill 29 provides a $750.0 million payment to the VRS in fiscal year 2022. With businesses rebounding faster than expected and the housing market booming, state revenue has far exceeded the pessimistic estimates of a year ago. In the interim, please refer to Item 477 #2c of the Budget Amendments - HB1800 (Conference Report) which . Were going to continue to push to bring the overall cost of government and efficiency in government more in line with where I think it should be, said Gov. Every school will be provided a significant grant, and high poverty school divisions will have access to an achievable financing solution for years to come, he said. We dont sell ads, or block you with a paywall. "Every day we have worked hard to build a more prosperous Virginia, with greater opportunity for future generations," Youngkin said after the June 22 ceremony. The introduced budget included funding to increase the starting salary for DOC correctional officers up to $44,000, and increase the starting salary for deputy sheriffs and regional jail officers to $42,000. Virginia's Proposed Budget is Great News for State Employees If Passed As-Is "As expected, Virginia's money committees released their proposed biennial budget* for 2023-2024 (July 1, 2022- June 30, 2024) on the evening of May 29, 2022. A strong association with representative members is recognized and invited to decision-making tables in state government. - Targeted tax cuts for lower-income families and communities, including a refundable tax credit for low-income working families allowing them to collect up to 15% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Prevents the early release of over 500 violent inmates. Its not enough. Va. lawmakers return to Richmond for budget vote Wednesday, Dad dies in house fire while trying to save family dogs, firefighters say, Woman accused of stabbing boyfriend for urinating in their bed after a night of drinking, Volunteer Fire Companies and Rescue Squads face ongoing struggles, Elkton rehires Greg Lunsford as Town Manager, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. DHRM Review of Providing Childcare on Capitol Square (Budget Item 86 #1c). be provided to all agencies. Learn what we found. Legislative Updates for VGEA Members Begin, RSVP Now! Lets just sign the budget and move on.. The following has been edited for length and clarity. Ralph Northam (D) has proposed the final state budget of his term in office, using massive surpluses to fund both pay raises and tax cuts. Those include one-time rebates of $250 per individual taxpayer or $500 for married couples filing jointly; eliminating the states 1.5 percent tax on groceries, but leaving the 1 percent local add-on tax unchanged; and allowing working families who meet certain criteria to get money back for the earned income tax credit. Also included are $400 million in cash grants in which each jurisdiction will receive at least $1 million to address planning and design needs as well as smaller capital improvements. Republicans are especially excited about the taxes. Copyright 2022 VPM, all rights reserved. - Teacher and state worker pay raises of 10% over two years, plus $1,000 bonuses. ET: The VGEA has heard that the budget was approved by the General Assembly this afternoon with no changes to state employee raises. The House. In short, The Commonwealth of Virginia works because we do! This includes $450 million for the House proposal to buy down project costs between 10 and 30% based on local fiscal stress, Knight said. And that led to complaints from some Democrats, including Delegate Marcus Simon, about the lack of transparency. This all has to be said and done by July 1, when the state begins a new budget year. Greg Jordan, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, W.Va. Polar bear kills woman, boy in remote Alaska village, Just hours before the Idaho murders, another grisly scene unfolded outside Bryan Kohberger's window, In Montecito, the Million-Dollar Views Still Come With Mudslide Risks, Channing Tatum says parenting with ex-wife Jenna Dewan made them realize they were so different, Hawaii fisherman overboard, missing after hooking large ahi, Prep highlights: Career-high night helps Brighton beat Hartland in boys basketball, LAPD widens investigation into source of racist City Hall leak. Whether its increasing salaries, improving work conditions or any of the many other employee issues, VGEA is here to help address them all. And the state has money to give. I fundamentally believe that the recognition of the need for tax cuts is understated in his budget, he said. Weve provided those below. In fact, my inbox is clogged with press releases from the parties and advocacy groups claiming victory. @NBC12 pic.twitter.com/EpvprUsIIL. The budget goes into effect July 1. Provides $400 million in compensation and additional support for law enforcement and public safety heroes. As expected, Virginias money committees released their proposed biennial budget* for 2023-2024 (July 1, 2022- June 30, 2024) on the evening of May 29, 2022. But to some, just hearing the word. This was a ceremonial signing because the actual budget documents arent fully prepared. The other, Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, who chairs the Finance Committee of the Senate, said that the amendments brokered by the 14 members of the budget conference represent a true compromise. She added that conferees were able to build a budget that ecompasses state spending priorities and additional tax policy relief while also upholding our traditionally strong fiscal management.. Thats a big chunk of change. Senate Democrats in Virginia dont want to do whats right for Virginians. Youngkin. Officially signed into law today, the 2023-2024 biennial budget becomes effective on July 1 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2024. With much-needed tax relief, record investments in K-12 education, funding for higher education and workforce development, well-deserved pay raises for public employees, and investments in the military and veteran community, it truly reflects our values as a people and as a commonwealth, Kilgore said in a statement. Northams spending plan, she said, sets up Virginia for continued success.. State employees including teachers will see a 10% raise over two years along with a $1,000 bonus. The General Assembly is recommending a 5% statewide salary increase for eligible salaried employees and an 8% increase for sworn employees of the Virginia State Police effective June 10, 2021. "The budget nearly doubled the standard deduction for tax payers, provided an income tax subtraction for military retirees age 55 or older of $10,000 in tax year 2022 and $20,000 in tax year. Those options include the expansion of remote and telework opportunities to help alleviate the states longstanding recruitment and retention challenges. Glenn Youngkin, includes pay raises for state employees and teachers, new money for school construction and funding for gun violence prevention. The loan rebate program they brokered will spur $3.5 billion in school construction activity where it is needed the most. Once the Governor receives the final budget from the General Assembly, he has 7 days to amend or approve it. The [surplus] money that exists in Richmond belongs to Virginians, not the government, and therefore, we need to do a much better job of giving it back to Virginians on a systematic basis.. All told, the tax relief packages will provide $1,008 for the average family of four. The end result is not only a structurally-balanced budget that protects our AAA bond rating, but a budget that funds our priorities while simultaneously providing tax relief," said Delegate Barry Knight, House Appropriations Committee Chair. An alternative proposal by the Democrat-controlled Senate would have boosted pay to the 75th percentile at a cost of $84 million. Invite the VGEA team out to share what were working on, whats coming up, and the many benefits of VGEA membership. PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. OQuinns bill was amended to require unobligated state gaming proceeds be directed to the construction fund for the purpose of awarding grants to local school boards a recommendation made in a Senate Bill 473 sponsored by Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, which the Senate conformed with OQuinns House measure. VGEA membership isnt scary: its empowering. In no case shall any interest be paid on any refund due pursuant to this enactment. The Administration is pushing for large numbers of employees to be in offices by July 5th. The Virginia State Police also saw an increase in its budget. Youngkin. As written, school divisions would not receive credit for giving more than a 5% raise in the first year of the biennium. That was a big priority forYoungkin and Republicans in the General Assembly. This amendment provides $3.3 million from the general fund the first year and $3.6 million from the general fund the second year to provide a $3,000 salary increase for probation and parole officers effective July 10, 2022 for the August 1, 2022 payday, and adds language directing the Department of Corrections to review staffing and compensation for probation and parole officers and deliver a report containing such information to the Governor and the Chairs of House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees by October 1, 2022. Together, we stood for greater accountability and transparency in government. Its not enough. Weve been reading through the stories of hardships related to the loss of telework rising costs, work/life balance, health and well-being, and stress as well as the frustrations about how the policy was implemented. This is a simple amendment that will benefit staff greatly without increasing the commitment from the State, he said. Lawmakers in Virginia's divided legislature approved a new two-year budget in Richmond on Wednesday after months of negotiations. Youngkin has praised elements of Northams plan but said it doesnt go far enough with tax cuts. - Targeted tax cuts for lower-income families and communities, including a refundable tax credit for low-income working families allowing them to collect up to 15% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. His proposal includes raises and pay adjustments for law enforcement and corrections officers. With the budget, lawmakers cant pick and choose which items they want. Virginia Gov. Invests $150 million in site development to attract job creators. Knight: "What I think we have done is we have got a good bipartisan budget.. They didnt get one of Youngkins other big priorities a gas tax holiday . Stories that explain the news through charts, maps, photography and videos. The amendment also adjusts funding to reflect a July 10, 2022 effective date. The two-year, $158 billion budget takes advantage of massive surpluses that have resulted as the state emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. The Virginia Governmental Employees Association has met with the Youngkin Administration over the controversial return to office policy. Were thankful for a *lot* of things, but Virginia employees and retirees are definitely at the top of the list. Still, if this budget is signed by Youngkin, it will be the biggest K-12 budget the state has ever passed, even after adjusting for inflation. Were not. Perrigan also praised the legislatures decision to increase teacher salaries by 10% over two years, calling it an unprecedented investment in our teachers and staff. The pay raise will go a long way into making Virginias pay scales more competitive with neighboring states, Perrigan said. The amendment includes $250,000 from the nongeneral fund to support costs incurred in conducting the review. Were going to continue to push to bring the overall cost of government and efficiency in government more in line with where I think it should be, said Gov. If you didnt get a chance to read the VGEA newsletter, ForeSight, when we mailed to our members in August, weve updated it, and you can now read it online. The proposals would amount to an estimated $5.3 billion in tax relief over the biennium. Israel OQuinn, R-Washington County, that would create a competitive matching grant fund and program providing up to $2 billion in bonds to help localities repair aging and crumbling schools. We occasionally hear stories that some state employees and human resources managers believe that the VGEA is a union. Its an event you wont want to miss. Every time a Virginian goes to the gas pump and pays nearly $5 a gallon for a gallon a gas, they should think about Senate Democrats who kept prices high, said Gov. $2,255,537 the first year first year from the general fund is provided for a one-time bonus equal to one percent on December 1, 2022 for adjunct faculty and graduate assistants at Virginia two-year and four-year public colleges and higher education institutions. For the negotiators, its been no walk in the park after the General Assembly in March adjourned its regular session without a budget. While much of the existing budget language remains in place, there were some additions. Youngkin. Whether its increasing salaries, improving work conditions or any of the many other employee issues, VGEA is here to help address them all. 2023 VGEA, All Rights Reserved. A copy of the House version of the budget bill and amendments on a member's desk during the floor session of the House of Delegates at the State Capitol in Richmond, Va. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. While there are more than 160,000 of us working in a vast array of professions and jobs, we unite in a desire to be recognized for our dedication to making Virginia a great state. Every employee benefits from the experience and dedication VGEA brings. This amendment adjusts the funding to set the new starting pay at $42,000 equal to the level for deputy sheriffs and regional jails. It's a budget we can all be proud of. (Ned Oliver/ Virginia Mercury) The General Assembly is giving up on a bill related to a Washington Commanders stadium in Virginia after a coach called the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol "a dust-up.". It's the people who sent us all to Richmond who make this Virginia we love so great.". Last week, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the Virginia state government has implemented an alternative hiring process for individuals with disabilities, serving as a model for inclusive employment practices. The budget goes into effect July 1. RICHMOND Four weeks before deadline and after almost three months after adjourning its regular session, the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday adopted the conference reports for the states biennial budget for fiscal year 2022-24 that is set to take effect on July 1. If he does, the legislature has to come back and vote on those amendments. ", "The delayed budget pushed back the timing for the Department of Taxation," he stated. This is a great opportunity to come together to cultivate relationships, discuss issues, collaborate, and explore solutions as we work together to advocate for positive change on important issues facing our state employees and retirees. Every employee benefits from the experience and dedication VGEA brings. UPDATE June 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. The governor did not get his three-month gas tax holiday, which would have shaved about 26 cents of the cost of a gallon of gas. We emailed an important legislative update this week to members of the VGEA. Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin (R) will have to . Other lawmakers also applauded the budget. Markus Schmidt is a reporter for Cardinal News. As always, were listening and advocating for you. I think we have put forward in supporting in-depth journalism for Southwest and Southside Virginia and opportunities... Commonwealth of Virginia works because we do deputies, corrections officers, and mental health workers also! The Key issues they agreed on was a big team effort issues they agreed on was partial... Employees get a salary raise lot * of things, but Virginia employees and teachers, new virginia budget state employee raise 2022! 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