It took a little while, but Virginia’s Democratic-led General Assembly and Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin have come up with a budget deal both sides can apparently live with.

Legislative documents outlining the agreement were released Saturday morning to allow the budget to be voted on today when lawmakers return to Richmond for a special session focused on finishing the budget. The special session is happening because Youngkin and Democratic leaders spent months publicly sparring over budget priorities and didn’t come to an agreement last month under the state’s usual timeline to pass a budget.

Virginia legislature will consider reworked state budget in May 13 special session

Without a new spending plan in place, the state was facing the possibility of a government shutdown on July 1, when the current budget expires and the next two-year spending plan begins.

The specifics of the bipartisan budget deal will be explained in more detail as lawmakers take up the bill, but here are five key takeaways.

The digital sales tax increase is out

Youngkin has repeatedly said he won’t sign a budget that raises taxes, and now he won’t have to.

A contested proposal to expand the state’s sales tax to cover digital purchases like streaming subscriptions, music downloads and software was struck from the pending budget after Democratic negotiators concluded they could achieve what they wanted to do without the extra money.

A presentation prepared for the House of Delegates Appropriations Committee notes that the digital sales tax was only on the table because Youngkin had proposed it to offset other tax cuts he wanted, but “was not driven by a systematic look at Virginia’s tax structure.’

For now, lawmakers are foregoing the roughly $1 billion in new revenue the digital sales tax was projected to generate over two years. Policymakers have indicated that the decision was made possible by stronger-than-expected tax revenues already coming in, but the idea could come back around in future years.

The new budget deal envisions a wider look at Virginia’s tax policy by a joint legislative subcommittee that will study the digital sales tax and other issues for potential action in the 2025 General Assembly session.

Democratic spending priorities are still in

Democrats have stressed that the spending in the budget deal closely resembles what they passed earlier this year, meaning they didn’t have to abandon big-ticket items by dropping the digital sales tax proposal.

The House budget presentation says the deal “retains all spending items from the conference report,” including funding increases for K-12 schools and higher education. Democrats had proposed major increases in what’s known as at-risk add-on funding, extra money the state gives to school divisions with high numbers of economically disadvantaged students.

Democrats clearly didn’t get everything they wanted out of the 2024 session, as Youngkin vetoed more than 150 bills. Several of them were high-profile Democratic priorities like legalizing retail sales of marijuana for recreational use and raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026.

However, some of those vetoes freed up money in the budget tied to bills that won’t become law. Because raising the minimum wage would have come with extra costs to the state, Youngkin’s veto of that bill saved $80 million that could be used to balance the overall budget.

Teachers are still getting raises

The new budget deal includes state funding to pay for 3% raises for teachers and school support personnel in both years of the budget.

Youngkin had proposed more modest pay increases for teachers in his original budget proposal last year, but came around to supporting 3% increases in both years in the revised budget plan he offered in April.

Democrats have prioritized raising teacher pay to the national average or better, and Youngkin’s administration has stressed that educator pay has already gone up during his administration.

The budget won’t be linked to RGGI

Early in his term, the governor angered many Democratic lawmakers by issuing an executive order aiming to end Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multi-state program meant to reduce planet-warming carbon emissions.

Democrats questioned whether Youngkin had the authority to remove the state from a program the legislature voted to enter, and they insisted on their stance by including language in their budget proposal in March, meant to force the state to rejoin RGGI despite Youngkin’s objections.

The program requires electricity producers to purchase allowances for the carbon they emit, and some money raised from those purchases is returned to Virginia and used for flood resiliency and energy efficiency efforts. Youngkin has criticized RGGI as a backdoor tax on Virginians because it allows companies to recoup the costs through customers’ energy bills.

Litigation over Youngkin’s move is currently pending in the Floyd County Circuit Court, and the issue now appears more likely to be settled there, or through Virginia’s 2025 election.

No budget do-over for skill games

Convenience store, truck stop and restaurant owners across the state have been closely watching whether the state will repeal its ban on slot machine lookalikes known as skill games.

If that’s going to happen, it’s not happening through the budget. Instead, the budget scraps nearly $94 million in skill game revenue anticipated for fiscal year 2025, an indication the machines are unlikely to be reactivated by July 1 as the business owners wanted.

That money was expected because the General Assembly passed a bill earlier this year to tax and regulate skill games. However, Youngkin gave the bill a sweeping rewrite that upset the skill game industry by including tougher regulations and strict rules prohibiting the machines within a certain distance of casinos and gambling facilities tied to horse racing, places of worship, schools and day care centers.

The state Senate flatly rejected all of Youngkin’s suggestions last month, but at the time both the governor and lawmakers were talking about continued negotiations and finding a way forward.

With no action on skill games in the budget, Youngkin can either sign or veto the original bill he tried to overhaul. If the legislation is vetoed, skill game proponents could only continue their fight via new legislation that could be taken up later this year or in the 2025 session.

The new budget retains several provisions anticipating regulatory costs for legalized skill games, a sign there’s still a chance for the machines to be legalized later.

by Graham Moomaw, Virginia Mercury

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and Twitter.

This Memorial Day Weekend, the Hunt Country Stable Tour invites equestrian enthusiasts and newcomers to explore over a dozen historic and private equine properties in Virginia’s picturesque horse country. Celebrating its 65th year, the tour resumes after a brief hiatus, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of horses and their trainers across various disciplines.

Scheduled for Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special hours at select venues, the self-driving tour will showcase notable farms like Kinross and Poplar Grange, where visitors can witness the training of eventing horses, jumpers, and steeplechase athletes against a backdrop of rolling hills.

A highlight for many will be the visit to Oak Spring Farm, once owned by Paul and Bunny Mellon, where internationally celebrated horses were bred. The tour also provides an opportunity to experience the historic Piedmont Fox Hounds, the oldest hunt in America, demonstrating traditional hunting calls and techniques at Trinity Church in Upperville.

Old Denton offers a unique perspective with demonstrations of mules excelling in disciplines from dressage to western reining. Polo enthusiasts can enjoy matches at Phipps Field, and early risers can catch a glimpse of racehorse training at the Middleburg Training Center.

The tour is not just about horses; historical estates like Stoke Farm and Welbourne Inn offer breathtaking vistas and engaging reenactments of their storied pasts. The Virginia Tech Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center will open its doors to those interested in equine health and nutrition, showcasing mares and foals in their care.

Other sites include the Salamander Resort, which highlights therapeutic riding programs, and The National Sporting Library & Museum, which offers tours of its rare books and art collection, enriching visitors’ understanding of country pursuits.

Tickets are priced at $40 per person, with free admission for children under ten, covering both days of the tour. All proceeds will benefit Trinity Ministries, supporting various organizations that improve the lives of people in need.

With the lush landscapes of Virginia as its backdrop, the Hunt Country Stable Tour celebrates the region’s equestrian heritage and its commitment to community and preservation. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the event’s official website at [Hunt Country Stable Tour](https://trinityupperville.org/hunt-country-stable-tour). Join us in experiencing the grandeur and tradition of Virginia’s horse country on a weekend filled with beauty, history, and equine excellence.

According to Patrick Quest, the college’s Athletics Director, Christendom College’s athletics program has wrapped up another successful year, marked by impressive academic and athletic achievements. During a recent interview with Mike McCool at the Royal Examiner studio, Quest shared a comprehensive update on the various sports programs and the notable accomplishments of student-athletes over the past year.

The fall season saw Christendom’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams shine, with several runners qualifying for nationals. The women’s team notably secured third place in the country. Meanwhile, the women’s volleyball team showed promise with a young roster, and the women’s soccer team triumphed in their conference and participated in the USEA Nationals for the first time since 2009.

Quest also highlighted the rugby team’s robust performance in the fall, competing against larger colleges and demonstrating the strength and resilience of Christendom athletes. He emphasized the role of the college’s rigorous training programs and the dedication of its coaches in preparing athletes not just for competitions but for leadership roles on and off the field.

The winter season continued the streak of success, particularly in basketball. The men’s basketball team finished with a commendable record, though they did not make the national tournament. Meanwhile, the women’s basketball team had a historic season, advancing far into the national tournament and boasting several All-American players.

The spring brought challenges and achievements, with Christendom’s baseball and softball teams facing tough competition but showing signs of growth and potential. The rugby sevens team also had a commendable season, winning four out of six tournaments they participated in and making it to the nationals.

Throughout the year, Christendom College athletes excelled in their respective sports and academics, with many graduating with honors. This blend of academic and athletic rigor is a testament to the holistic approach Christendom takes in developing its students. Quest also pointed out the significant role of faith and community in building team spirit and resilience among the athletes.

The college enthusiastically anticipates the upcoming academic year and is ready to build on the solid foundation of this year’s successes and learnings. As Quest and his team prepare for another year, the focus remains on fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive both in sports and their academic endeavors, carrying forward the legacy of excellence Christendom College is known for.

The year at Christendom College was filled with growth, challenges, and notable successes, setting a high bar for the future and demonstrating the power of hard work, preparation, and community in achieving greatness.

Town Talk is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will introduce you to local entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit leaders, and political figures who influence Warren County. Topics will be varied but hopefully interesting. Let us know if you have an idea topic or want to hear from someone in our community. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com

Aden Lee Madison Hamman, 19, of Strasburg, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 10, 2024, at his home.

Aden Lee Madison Hamman

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home, with Sammy Campbell officiating.  The inurnment will be private.

Aden was born August 17, 2004, to Sybil Hamman of Strasburg, Virginia.

Aden was a kind, loving person who enjoyed being around family and friends and always knew how to make someone’s day. He was also a huge Super Mario fan and collected every game and console he could get his hands on. He started playing as a young boy sitting on his Mamaw’s lap in front of the TV.  In his early years, he mastered playing a new ‘Mario’ game and beating it on the same day.   As he would say, “I crushed the boss”.  He could sit and talk about the games for hours and go into extreme detail on all the events and challenges he had to face to beat the games. It was mind-blowing listening to him.

As Aden grew into a young man, he joined an online club where he would write stories and share them online. He was excited about doing this as he had finally found a passion for something new, but don’t let that fool you; Mario was still his #1.

Aden also enjoyed reading, listening to music, and attending concerts. With his favorite band being ‘Imagine Dragons’, sometimes he would blast them through the whole house without even knowing. Just dancing away in his room.

Surviving with his mom is a brother, Aron Hamman; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Clara Ramey; aunts; uncles; cousins; friends; and a half-sister, Whitney Beaty.

Aden loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed by Mom, his family, and everyone who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 19, from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contribution may be made to the Autism Society, 6110 Executive Boulevards, Suite 305, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

Looking to add a splash of color and life to your outdoor living area? Consider the vibrant and versatile option of container gardening. Perfect for both houses and apartments, container gardens can enhance any space, allowing you to enjoy lush greenery and colorful blooms inside or out.

According to experts from the Horticulture Gardening Institute at Michigan State University, container gardens are beautiful and practical, making gardening accessible to everyone regardless of the size of their outdoor space. Here are some essential tips to get you started:

1. Choose Compatible Plants: Selecting plants that thrive under similar conditions is crucial. Group together those that require the same amount of sunlight, shade, and water. This ensures all your plants are happy and healthy, minimizing maintenance hassles.
2. Opt for Long-lasting Blooms and Textured Foliage: Choose flowers that bloom for extended periods and foliage plants that offer varied textures and colors to maximize your garden’s visual appeal. These plants will keep your space lively and attractive throughout the seasons.
3. Regular Watering is Key: Containers may dry out faster than traditional garden beds, especially during warm weather. Watering frequency can depend on the container’s material, size, location, and prevailing weather conditions. It’s advisable to check your plants regularly and water them as needed, whether daily or twice daily during peak summer days.
4. Fertilize for Best Results: Feeding plants is essential to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Use a water-soluble all-purpose or bloom-booster fertilizer every 10 to 14 days. This will help replenish nutrients in the soil, which can be quickly depleted in a container setting.

Container gardening offers a flexible solution to bring nature closer, whether you want to decorate a small balcony or a spacious backyard. With these expert tips, you’re well on your way to creating a stunning garden that reflects your style and perfectly fits your living space. Happy gardening!