Gov. Youngkin touts financial results, renews call for tax relief

RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) - Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin touted robust revenues and a strong economy as he briefed lawmakers on the state’s finances Wednesday morning.

And he renewed his call for additional tax relief.

Youngkin was bearing good news when he arrived to address members of the House and Senate money committees.

“Let me summarize where we are,” Youngkin told committee members. “What we are doing is working.”

Youngkin said Virginia has delivered billions in tax relief and record investments in critical priorities, including education and mental health. He said the Commonwealth ended the fiscal year with a $1.2 billion surplus - the latest in a series, he said, that reinforces the fact that Virginians are overtaxed.

“We must continue to execute the playbook, and not take all of our revenue and spend it,” Youngkin said. “We should return a fair share to those who’ve earned it. As I’ve said many times, it’s not the government’s money; it belongs to Virginians.”

Senate Democrats issued a written statement after the meeting, echoing the governor’s praise of the strong results, but they also argued Democratic leaders in the House and Senate are responsible for the financial performance.

They also argued core services, including education, natural resources and mental health, remain underfunded by billions of dollars. They said additional tax relief must wait until those issues are addressed.

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