Virginia Lawmakers End Session Without Final Budget

The 2026 Virginia General Assembly session has ended without a finalized state budget, meaning lawmakers will need to return to Richmond for a special session to complete the spending plan for the next two years.

Delegate Delores Oates of House District 31 shared the update in a message to constituents, explaining that negotiations over the state budget remain unresolved. Normally, the end of the legislative session includes final votes on the two-year budget that funds schools, public safety programs, transportation, and other state services.

This year, however, lawmakers left the Capitol without approving that plan.

According to Oates, the Democratic majority, which currently controls the House of Delegates, the Senate, and statewide offices, announced that they were unable to reach agreement on a final spending package before the session concluded.

Because of the delay, legislators will be called back to Richmond for a special session to continue negotiations and attempt to finalize the budget. Special sessions require lawmakers to return from their districts, which can add additional costs for taxpayers.

In remarks on the House floor, the chairman of the Appropriations Committee indicated that negotiations could continue for an extended period if necessary. Oates said the delay leaves many groups across Virginia waiting for answers about funding levels.

“Local schools, local governments, and state-funded programs across the Commonwealth are left waiting to learn what resources they will have available to conduct business for the next biennium,” she wrote.

Oates also raised concerns about legislation passed during the session that she says could increase costs for residents. She pointed to potential tax and fee increases, new requirements for local governments, and additional spending tied to newly created commissions and study groups.

Virginia currently has a $2.7 billion surplus that accumulated during Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration, which Oates said could be used to cover additional spending.

While the budget debate continues, another statewide issue is approaching voters this spring.

A special statewide referendum election is scheduled for April 21, 2026, asking voters to decide on a proposed constitutional amendment involving congressional redistricting.

The proposal, known as House Joint Resolution 4, would allow the legislature to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts. Oates criticized the proposal, arguing that it could allow the majority party to influence how districts are shaped.

Virginia’s current congressional delegation includes 11 members—five Republicans and six Democrats.

Early voting for the referendum began March 6, and voters will have until April 21 to cast ballots.

Despite the ongoing legislative debates, Oates also highlighted a moment of recognition at the Capitol this week. Members of the General Assembly honored the Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire Company for 50 years of service to Clarke County and nearby communities.

The department was founded in 1976 after a deadly fire the previous year prompted local residents to form a volunteer fire company to better protect the mountainous region of eastern Clarke County.

Over the decades, the volunteer department has responded to fires, rescues, and other emergencies while serving generations of residents.

Oates presented the department with a commendation from the Virginia House of Delegates recognizing its decades of service and dedication to public safety.

As the legislative session closes and a special session approach, Oates encouraged residents to stay informed and participate in upcoming elections.

“It is an honor to serve you in the Virginia House of Delegates,” she wrote to constituents.