2026 Session Update - Week 7

To the Constituents of the 37th House District: 

The seventh week of the 2026 General Assembly Session has concluded, and we are now entering the final stretch of the 60-day legislative calendar. This week, the House completed work on its version of Virginia’s $210 billion biennial budget.

As the Ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, I take seriously the responsibility not only to advocate for our region’s priorities, but also to ensure the budget process advances in a responsible and timely manner. While I do not agree with every provision in the House budget, Virginia is constitutionally required to adopt a balanced budget. It is essential that we complete this work while preserving the Commonwealth’s strong financial standing, including our AAA bond rating, which saves taxpayers money. 

At the same time, the near supermajority held by Democrats means they largely determine the overall policy direction and final structure of the budget. This reality shapes what will ultimately be included in the final product, but it does not diminish Republicans’ responsibility to engage fully in the process, advocate for fiscal discipline, and work to protect Virginia families and taxpayers.

Throughout the session, affordability has remained a guiding principle for House Republicans. We introduced budget amendments designed to provide practical, direct relief to working families. These proposals would have lowered electric bills by reducing mandates and penalties that are passed on to ratepayers; expanded car tax relief on the first $5,000 of vehicle value; and eliminated the remaining state tax on groceries while keeping localities whole. Unfortunately, those amendments were rejected by the majority. While the budget may not include new direct taxes, numerous policy decisions carry indirect costs that will eventually be borne by Virginians and employers.

As final budget negotiations continue, several issues remain concerning, including expanded employer mandates, prevailing wage requirements, collective bargaining for state employees, and potential reentry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). My Republican colleagues and I opposed these measures because of their long-term cost implications.

Mandated benefits increase payroll expenses for employers. Prevailing wage requirements can drive up construction costs, straining budgets and placing some projects at risk of moving forward. Expanding collective bargaining for state employees carries significant fiscal implications for taxpayers by increasing long-term personnel and benefit obligations. Energy policies, including participation in RGGI, increase end-user electricity rates, which then filter through the broader economy and dampen growth. Each of these proposals may be well intended, but they add cost pressures that impact families, businesses, and taxpayers across the Commonwealth.

These are not abstract ideas and have direct consequences for household and business budgets, which is why I oppose them. Virginians are already dealing with higher expenses for utilities, transportation, housing, and groceries. We should focus on easing those burdens wherever possible while maintaining fiscal discipline and long-term stability. Affordability means stable energy costs and a predictable economic environment where consumers and businesses can save, spend, invest, grow and hire without excessive cost pressures or uncertainty.

On another front, litigation continues over the proposed constitutional redistricting amendment. The issue is currently before the Supreme Court of Virginia, with additional legal challenges pending across the Commonwealth. With voting preparations underway, the situation remains fluid, and I continue to urge everyone to make plans as if the referendum will be held on April 21. Information on voting options, including permanent absentee status, is available through the Virginia Department of Elections.

This week, we were pleased to welcome constituents Angela Baldwin and Brandon and Haylee Evans to the Capitol representing the Virginia Health Care Association. I also enjoyed catching up with my good friends Al Sotis with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Virginia Military Institute and William Farrell of Berglund Automotive representing the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association. It is always encouraging to see members of our district actively engaged in the legislative process.

It is an honor to serve you in the Virginia House of Delegates. If I may be of assistance, or if you would like to share your views on any legislative matter, please contact me at DelTAustin@House.Virginia.gov or 804-698-1037.

Thank you,

Delegate Terry L. Austin

37th House District