"...supporting the families who count on their government to meet its most basic responsibilities." Virginia has become the welfare state based on Abigail's statement. USA can't survive if Democrats become the provider for everything.
Today, the General Assembly has moved forward with a budget proposal β and that means we are keeping our government open and delivering for the 8.8 million people who call our Commonwealth home.
There is a lot to be proud of in this budget. It delivers raises for our teachers and public employees, makes new investments in our schools, includes a RGGI credit for residential customers and small businesses, and takes other tangible steps to make Virginia more affordable β all while protecting families from the devastating cuts in the so-called βOne Big Beautiful Bill.β
Importantly, this budget positions the Commonwealth to be a national leader on data centers. For the first time anywhere in America, Virginia will institute a statewide energy consumption tax on data centers β an idea I first proposed this spring β to ensure this industry pays its fair share and does not drive up costs for Virginia families.
This is a compromise proposal β one my administration helped craft β and it builds a strong foundation for further discussions about the future of this industry in Virginia on issues like environmental and community impact.
Failing to pass a budget would have been unprecedented in the history of our Commonwealth β and it was never an option. My focus remains exactly where it has always been: lowering costs for Virginians, delivering for our schools and communities, and supporting the families who count on their government to meet its most basic responsibilities.