Tennessee and Virginia Shift Focus to Budget Execution Post-Session; New Agreements Anticipated to Shape States in Upcoming Fiscal Year
The Aftermath: Post Legislative Sessions
Following the closure of legislative sessions in both Tennessee and Virginia, lawmakers in these neighboring states are far from rest. Despite differences in approach, the focus on budgets in both states remains undeterred.
Tennessee: Advocating Fiscal Responsibility and Progressive Policies
In Tennessee, Republican Sen. Jon Lundberg reflects a positive stance on the state’s fiscal policies. “We passed a $52.5 billion budget,” mentioned Lundberg. “No tax increases — in fact, tax decreases — so about a half-billion-dollars a year for Tennessee businesses.” The senator notably highlighted several legislative victories, which he believes have made Tennessee stronger in terms of fiscal responsibility, security, and educational advancements.
Virginia: Expending Efforts Towards a Comprehensive Spending Plan
Contrary to Tennessee, the narrative differs in Virginia where lawmakers are anxiously awaiting the disclosure of the agreed-upon spending plan. “The latest news is that the governor and budget negotiators, have in fact, reached a deal,” said Del. Israel O’Quinn of VA District 5. Despite the absence of specific details on the agreement, O’Quinn expressed optimism about the proposed plan with no tax increases and the possibility of securing wins on certain legislative priorities.
Potential Channels of State Budget: The Case of Bristol
An anticipate element of the Virginia budget is the potential allocation of over $26 million for remediation work at the landfill in Bristol. “I sure hope so,” responded O’Quinn when asked about the potential allocation. “It’s been in every iteration of the budget, all the way through, and certainly hope that’s the case now,” he further explained.
Lawmakers on Progress Accomplished
Despite the challenges faced, lawmakers across the board expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved during recent months. “I think the momentum behind the inland port is still there, so we do have some good things moving,” conveyed O’Quinn regarding progress in Virginia.
Lundberg echoed a similar sentiment for Tennessee. “We’ve done some great things. I think 49 other states look at Tennessee and go, how do you guys do that? Pretty cool,” he claims.
Wrapping Up: Future of State Budgets
As budget discussions are expected to conclude and details of spending plans are released, the aftermath of legislative sessions in both states serve as potential indicators of a promising fiscal future. Propagation of fiscal responsibility, coupled with execution of progressive policies in Tennessee, are testimonies of strides made in strengthening state budgets. Meanwhile, Virginia’s focus on comprehensive spending plans and prioritization of specific, strategic allocations, such as ones for Bristol’s landfill remediation, proves the state’s commitment to making every dollar count. The I’s have been dotted, the T’s crossed, and now, the states of Tennessee and Virginia await the implementation of these careful budget preparations.
