06/23/2026
Thank You, Delegate Pence!
I did not take my vote on the biennial budget lightly.
I understood from the beginning that the budget process would require hard work, negotiation, and compromise to develop a plan that invests in Virginia’s future while promoting stability and opportunity for all Virginians.
As I entered my first budget process, I expected transparency, open debate, and accountability to the people I serve.
Instead, I witnessed a process that stretched more than 100 days beyond the regular session, marked by political drama, and a final budget that was substantially rewritten at the last minute and presented for approval only after the most important decisions were already made.
My concerns were not limited to the spending levels. This budget went far beyond funding the core responsibilities of government. It included significant policy changes that should have been introduced as standalone legislation, debated publicly in committee, and voted on openly during the legislative session.
What made my decision tough is that the budget also contained various provisions I support. Investments in teacher pay raises, education funding, support for law enforcement, an increase in the standard deduction and other priorities that help strengthen our communities and improve the lives of Virginians.
Unfortunately, those positive investments were overshadowed by a budget that significantly increases spending, expands the size and scope of government, and provides far too little relief to the taxpayers who fund it. I was also troubled by the inclusion of an almost 200% pay increase for legislators. At a time when Virginia families are struggling with higher costs, increasing legislators’ pay by such a dramatic amount sends the wrong message and reflects misplaced priorities.
No budget is perfect. But every dollar spent belongs to the taxpayers of Virginia. Elected officials have a responsibility to carefully evaluate how those dollars are used, make wise investments, and ensure the government remains accountable to the people it serves.
The people of Virginia deserve a budget process that is transparent, accountable, and focused on taxpayer’s priorities. Because this budget failed to meet that standard, I voted no.
