Both chambers of Virginia’s legislature passed separate revisions to their two-year state budget today.
The House of Delegates and Senate accepted unique budget amendments - for instance, senators suggest a three percent pay raise for teachers, while delegates are calling for five.
Money set aside for COVID-19 vaccinations and relief has also been a main focus for lawmakers, as they weigh how to spend federal funds.
Budget proposals for some big ticket policy items - such as repealing the death penalty and automatic expungement - drew floor debate in the House, and were accepted along party lines.
Lawmakers will have to work out differences in the two versions of the bill in a conference committee of certain Senators and Delegates, before submitting it to Gov. Ralph Northam for his review and eventual signature.
