Annual General Assembly Update 2025
For the SSV May 14th program, Board member Sandi Meadows welcomed everyone and introduced Board member Jim Nix, who invited Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Katrina Callsen and Delegate Amy Laufer to share the eagerly awaited General Assembly update.
With 25 years in the VA Senate, preceded by 9 years in the VA House, Creigh Deeds holds valued seniority in representing all of Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. He chairs the Commerce and Labor Committee and well as the Health and Human Services subcommittee. Service on the impactful Budget Conference Committee was noted.
Overview of the Budget:
Of the $161 billion two-year state budget, just $60 billion is discretional or general fund revenue. $101 billion is mostly federal funding. Virginia hosts 300,000 federal employees, the military installation in Hampton Roads, plus 100,000+ contractors who support federal/military services.
Virginia’s $4.7 billion “rainy day” fund is a “drop in the bucket” when you consider $101 billion in federal funds potentially at risk.
Senator Deeds stated that his areas of interest are: mental health, schools, energy, and solar. He said that, given the cuts made by the new administration, many representatives are looking for additional streams of revenue should a shortfall ensue. He addressed VA’s love affair with data centers. Loudon County is the world leader in data centers because of tax incentives given in the past. A bipartisan study group is looking at fixes should any of these data center operator’s flop.
Delegate Callsen highlighted several constituent amendments and pharmacy benefit manager legislation. This session she supported automatic placement in advanced math for those who score well on tests. She noted that the final budget has a record amount of support for education, including teacher raises. Delegate Callsen emphasized the importance of the Attorney General election.
Delegate Laufer expressed focus on tire and mattress recycling, asphalt recycling, and purchase of regional electricity purchasing. Another priority of hers is the “dam” bill as there are 1300 dams in the 55th Delegate District, with many along Highway 15. She also worked for confidentiality of personal information in the public-school enrolment process and continues to serve on the Rural Health Care subcommittee, where health care is a key.
Several questions were answered on Medicaid, teacher pay/retention, math teacher shortage, data centers, and car idling legislation.
Delegates Callsen and Laufer presented SSV a Resolution of Recognition in celebration of 30 years! SSV Founder Gene Ecton Davis was on hand to enjoy in the festivities.