Wednesday marked crossover at the General Assembly, the halfway point after which each house may only hear bills that originated in the other.
Yesterday was the last day for each house to complete work on their version of the budget bill. They now have until Wednesday, February 15 to act on the budget bill of the other house and appoint conferees. We’re monitoring a few big-ticket items in the budget, including the following:
- GO Virginia-both houses restored $7.5 million of the $15 million the Governor took out of the budget
- Grants-budget language to require state agencies to report when they return federal grants-in both the House and Senate budgets
- New economy workforce credential grant-Governor provided an additional $1 million to the program; Senate retained that amount in their budget
- Virginia International Trade Corporation-both houses removed budget language establishing VITC as an independent agency.
Below, you’ll find an update on where we are at the halfway point of session on bills we’re supporting, bills we opposed, and some other bills we’re monitoring that may impact your business. There are just two full weeks left before the 2017 General Assembly adjourns, but still much to accomplish. Our Government Affairs team continues to work hard on your behalf, and will continue to monitor the items below in addition to the budget and other Bills We’re Watching.
