State and National Government
A former Delegate himself, 6th District Republican Congressman Ben Cline took a minute away from discussing Israel, the budget funding bills and new speaker of the House Mike Johnson live on-air this morning to talk about Governor Youngkin and the upcoming Virginia state elections next Tuesday – in a General Assembly that currently has split Chambers:
Cline tells WFIR he thinks all of the appropriation bills for fiscal year 2024 will pass in the GOP-majority House by November 17, although Republicans may seek funding cuts in social programs that the Democrat-led Senate is likely to reject. Hear the complete conversation with congressman Ben Cline below:
Election day is two weeks away, and at stake in Virginia is party control of the General Assembly. Our political analyst says both Republican and Democratic insiders tell him one party appears more likely to gain full control — but it is hardly a given. Bob Denton says from all indications, control in the State Senate and House of delegates will come down to 11 contests or so that appear most competitive, mainly in the Hampton Roads and Richmond areas. In the Roanoke region, the State Senate race between Republican David Suetterlein and Democrat Trish White-Boyd appears tight, especially with the recent release of some negative TV ads. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones:
Ed Lynch- Hollins U. photo
The current violence in Israel, and its possible implications for the Biden Administration and US politics in the aftermath of a prisoner swap that included un-frozen Irananian assets. A local political science expert who has been there weighs in. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
ARPA funds have brought nearly 20 new affordable housing properties to Roanoke City. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has more $2.6-million-dollar grant that helped Habitat for Humanity help aspiring journeymen and homeowner’s alike:
The House and US Senate have a week from tomorrow to pass the spending bills agreed to in June for the new fiscal year. If not – or unless a short-term continuing resolution is passed to pay the bills – the Federal government could partially shutdown. What Virginia’s US Senators are saying, from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
Virginia now has a revised budget in place for the fiscal year that started July 1st. The General Assembly gave final approval Wednesday, ending a contentious process ahead of November’s elections. Among many other things, the new budget includes pay increases for state employees, teachers and law enforcement personnel along with increased spending for education. The package also provides for tax breaks. One of them is this year only — a $200 income tax rebate for single filers, $400 for those filing jointly. And starting with next year’s returns, there is an increase in the standard deduction to $8,500 for single filers and $17,000 for married couples’ returns. The budget now goes to Governor Youngkin for his signature. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones:
Virginia lawmakers now have a tentative budget agreement to vote on. Conferees from the Republican-controlled House of Delegates and Democratic-controlled State Senate have reached a deal. Officials say it includes a one-time tax rebate and an increase in standard deductions. A vote is needed in a special session, one that is not yet scheduled.
NEWS RELEASE: We are pleased to announce that we have a budget deal between the House and Senate budget conferees. While the major components have been agreed to, our conferees and staff will be completing the final touches in the days to come.
The deal is one that provides Virginians with additional tax relief and unprecedented investments in education, natural resources, and behavioral health. It is a win-win for the citizens of Virginia.
It includes a one-time tax rebate of $200 for individuals and $400 for joint-filers, increases the standard deduction ($8,500 for single-filers and $17,000 for joint-filers), removes the age requirement for the military retiree subtraction, and reinstates the sales tax holiday. Taken together, these actions provide relief to low- and middle-income Virginia citizens and Virginia businesses.
We also prioritized investments in education at all levels to ensure that our students recover from pandemic learning loss and are workforce ready. In higher education, we are providing additional operating support to maintain college affordability and increased financial aid to ensure access is not limited due to family income.
We were able to negotiate these investments while maintaining an eye on Virginia’s continued budgetary integrity. Virginia remains in a strong fiscal position based on these actions, which will continue to protect our triple-AAA bond rating.
While the negotiations have been deliberate and extended, we are very pleased that the outcome is both fair and balanced toward the priorities of the House and Senate. In an era when partisanship often prevails, the negotiations were cordial and respectful.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our dedicated conferees and talented staff.
Karen Hult (VT photo)
The Presidential primaries don’t get underway until early 2024 but the Republican party has a crowded field of contenders and many have qualified for the first televised debate tonight. A local analyst offers her preview; more from WFIR’s Gene Marrano: