Without a budget, the Democratic-controlled Virginia General Assembly adjourned the 2026 Regular Session. Democratic leaders in the 21-19 Democratic-controlled Senate and the 64-35 Democratic-controlled House of Delegates hope they will be able reconcile their differing budget proposals before their planned April 23 Special Session.
Democrats v. Democrats Budget Debate
Our public schools, police, and other important government services rely on timely budgets to make wise decisions for each budget year that begins July 1. With a completely Democratic-controlled state government and no state-equivalent of the filibuster to frustrate the majority, the Democratic leadership should have been able to come to a compromise on time.
Unfortunately, much of the General Assembly Regular Session’s time was squandered on Democratic party line votes to pass a 10-1 Democratic gerrymandered map, an absolute right to abortion constitutional amendment, and more than 20 bills restricting gun ownership by law abiding Virginians. These were passed on party-line votes, where I was among the No votes.
Both competing Democratic budget proposals include tripling legislative pay (which I strongly oppose), but there are significantly different tax provisions creating an impasse. The Senate budget proposal repeals the sales tax exemption for data center equipment and would require data centers to pay sales tax like most other businesses and families (I support this), while the House budget maintains the tax preference for some of the world’s largest corporations.
The Senate also includes income tax relief while the House does not despite record income tax collections. The Senate increases the standard deduction to $9,200/taxpayer while the House maintains the current $8,750 (I support the enhanced deduction), and the Senate includes a $100/taxpayer special income tax rebate to be paid out this year (I support this) while the House does not. Both the Senate standard deduction and tax rebate provisions are doubled for married couples.
Eleven Suetterlein Bills Heading to Governor’s Desk
The Virginia Public Access Project’s early data reviews suggest the 2026 General Assembly was one of the most partisan, but I’m glad we were still able to build bipartisan majorities that advanced 13 of my bills through the Democratic-controlled Senate. Eleven of these bills further passed the 64-35 Democratic House of Delegates and are now on Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk for her signature, veto, or suggested amendment before the April 22 Reconvene Session.
Among my 11 bills on Governor Spanberger’s desk are my Senate Bills 10 and 203 to expand career and technical education opportunities in Virginia; SB692 to enhance the Western Virginia Education Consortium that helps our local schools; and SB818 that makes easier for very large electricity purchasers to go outside of the current electric monopoly. In the coming weeks, I’ll plan to update you on these and other items as they receive executive attention.
Roanoke and New River Valley Judges Elected
On the penultimate day of the 2026 Regular Session, new Judges were elected from across the Commonwealth. Election to a judgeship in Virginia requires a candidate to simultaneously win a majority vote in the Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates.
Roanoke City Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jason Morgan was elected to serve as Judge Skip Burkart’s successor on the Roanoke Valley’s General District Court. The GDC is often called “The People’s Court” and the “Front Door to the Judiciary” since it deals with all misdemeanor crimes, all speeding tickets, and civil disputes concerning less than $50,000. I was happy to nominate Judge-elect Morgan in the Virginia Senate and believe his commitment to the rule of law, VMI education, and prosecutorial experience will serve the Roanoke Valley well.
Current 27th General District Court Judge Gerry Mabe was elected to a newly created Circuit Court judgeship to serve Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Galax, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Radford, and Wythe. Judge Mabe was one of the highest rated judges in the entire Commonwealth and I look forward to him serving in this new role.
Robin Kegley of Bland County was elected to succeed Judge Mabe on the General District Court after decades of experience in private practice. I was happy to join my colleagues in nominating her in the Senate.
Share Your Views
It is important that people continue to share their views with the budget still being actively negotiated and many executive amendments expected on the 1,074 bills currently on Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk. The best ways to share your thoughts with me continue to be emailing David@Suetterlein.com and calling 540-302-8486.
