RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia lawmakers approved a new state budget Thursday that includes heavy new spending on public education, social services and other areas, despite protests from some Republicans that the legislature should wait to see what impact the deepening coronavirus crisis will have on the state’s economy.
Legislators approved a two-year state spending plan that includes raises for teachers and state employees and funds for a one-year tuition freeze at public universities. The measure now heads to Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, who can try to amend or veto parts of the budget.
The budget was supposed to be approved this weekend but lawmakers had to extend this year’s legislative session a few days to get all of the work done. In that time, the spreading coronavirus has panicked global financial markets and raised concerns about both the short-term and long-term health of the state’s economy.
There’s also been a cascade of cancellations around the globe and in Virginia, where several universities have suspended classes.
Republicans said lawmakers should take a few more days to reexamine their revenue assumptions and spending plans in the budget.
“I was very comfortable with it when I left here on Sunday but the world has changed,” said Republican Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment.
But the budget easily passed, and Democrats said their recent efforts to pad the state’s reserve funds will help the state weather the storm. Democratic Sen. Janet Howell, who leads the Senate Finance Committee, said it would send an “upsetting” message if the state delayed passage of the budget.
“I don’t think that there is any need for us to act precipitously, I think we’re in a good condition for the near future,” Howell said.
The short-term effects of the coronavirus on the state’s economy are not clear. But a prolonged economic downturn and slide in stocks could severely stretch both state and local governments, and force officials to confront painful options like slashing services or raising taxes.