Delegate Delores Oates Highlights Budget Debate, Tax Policy Dispute, and Upcoming Referendum

Delegate Delores Oates (R–31st District) provided constituents with a Week 7 update from the Virginia General Assembly, focusing on budget negotiations, differences in tax policy between the parties, and an upcoming statewide referendum on congressional redistricting.

Budget Negotiations Enter Critical Phase

With crossover complete, the General Assembly has shifted into the next stage of the legislative process, as bills passed by one chamber move to the other for consideration. At the same time, the House and Senate are advancing their respective budget proposals and preparing to enter conference negotiations to reconcile differences.

“This is where legislation is tested, debated, amended, and, in many cases, reshaped,” Oates said. “It’s detailed, sometimes messy work, but it’s also where thoughtful compromise can lead to better outcomes.”

Oates said she remains focused on affordability for families and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars as the conference process begins.

Dispute Over Tax Relief and “Affordability”

In her update, Oates argued that the House Democratic budget proposal does not provide meaningful tax relief.

“Now that we have our first look at what the House Democrats have put forward in their budget, it’s clear that there’s no tax relief here,” Oates said, citing remarks from Del. Joe McNamara (R–Roanoke).

Speaking on the House floor during a point of personal privilege, McNamara referenced the state’s January revenue report, noting that revenues during the first seven months of the fiscal year were up nearly 7 percent.

“Our revenues in the first seven months of our fiscal year that started July 1 are up almost 7 percent — 6.9 percent,” McNamara said. “That’s almost three times the rate of inflation that was reported last week at 2.4 percent.”

McNamara characterized Virginia’s financial position as strong and questioned why tax reductions were not included in the proposed budget.

“If it is our goal … to make life more affordable for Virginians, and recognizing the strong revenue growth that we are experiencing and likely to continue to experience, would not some tax reductions be in order?” he asked.

McNamara said House Republicans introduced proposals to eliminate the remaining grocery tax and to begin phasing out the car tax in what he described as a fiscally responsible manner. He stated that those measures did not advance.

“We killed every tax reduction bill,” McNamara said. “Instead, passed huge multi-million dollar entitlement programs and expansion of collective bargaining rights.”

He concluded by stating, “We are growing government faster than we are growing the economy. That isn’t an affordability agenda. That’s a spending agenda.”

Oates echoed that sentiment in her update, arguing that policies labeled as affordability measures must align with reducing costs for families.

“Talking points won’t lower anyone’s bills — sound policy will,” she said.

Recognition for Energy Policy Work

Oates also reported being recognized by Conservatives for Clean Energy. According to her statement, the recognition highlighted efforts to support policies focused on energy reliability, affordability, and security.

She said the event brought together lawmakers and stakeholders advocating for American energy independence and job growth.

HJ4 Referendum Scheduled for April 21, 2026

Oates also urged voters to participate in the April 21, 2026, statewide referendum concerning House Joint Resolution 4 (HJ4), which addresses congressional redistricting.

She warned that the amendment would allow the legislature to bypass Virginia’s nonpartisan redistricting framework and potentially redraw congressional districts along partisan lines. Early voting begins March 6.

“It is imperative that your voice is heard,” Oates said.

STEM Day at the Capitol

The delegate also highlighted her participation in STEM Day at the Capitol, where students from across Virginia presented research projects and innovative technologies.

“STEM represents the foundation of innovation and future economic growth,” Oates said, noting she had the opportunity to interact with a student-designed robot and review several advanced research projects.