Dear ,

Governor Youngkin wants the General Assembly to decide on a budget.  So does Virginia Interfaith Center. We should not have extra money sitting in public coffers when school districts, families with low-incomes, and Virginia's workers need it.

Just a reminder, we are in the middle of a two year budget, and so the budget changes being considered are amendments to the two-year budget because extra money is available due to increased tax revenues, lower costs in some areas and federal dollars.

There is approximately $3 billion available for allocation. Generally speaking, the House and the Senate agree on how to spend about $2 billion. In dispute is about $1 billion that the Governor and House leadership, supporting the Governor, wish to allocate for tax cuts to businesses and higher income earners. VICPP believes that this $1 billion in contention should be dedicated to help low-income families. 

In the news section below is a link to the new Virginia United Ways' ALICE report documenting the needs of low-income families. Families need jobs that pay higher wages and they are struggling with housing and childcare costs. We can do something about this. The General Assembly budget committee should allocate all of the $1 billion to helping struggling Virginians, including helping families earning low-wages with housing and childcare costs. 

Even though the elections are being held in the "new" districts, your "old" (existing) legislators officially still represent you in General Assembly business until the November elections.  We believe the General Assembly will likely reconvene after the June 20 primary elections. So click below to send your existing Delegate and Senator a message encouraging them to pass a budget and include money for housing and childcare assistance. 

Become a 100% Voting Congregation!

With important General Assembly elections coming up this fall, it’s key for faith communities to live out their values as faithful citizens and voters. Encourage your congregational leadership to sign the 100% pledge! Find out more at the button below.

If you aren’t sure about your new House and Senate districts, check today at the fabulous website run by the Virginia Public Access Project – VPAP. Simply type your home address and you’ll get info about your new House and Senate Districts and who is running in the primary election and the general election. Sometimes, only one candidate has declared for a particular party so there is no primary election. In other situations, especially when a district leans solidly one way or the other, the primary election may determine the outcome.

Or, if you are not sure if you are registered, you can confirm your registration by checking with the Virginia Department of Elections using the buttom below.