I am fully supportive of Governor Youngkin's budget proposal as written.

I am supportive of Governor Youngkin's proposed budget.

Our country is in a dire financial condition. The federal debt has reached a staggering $266,000 per household, with interest costs alone projected to exceed $1 trillion in 2025. This crushing burden will bankrupt our nation and already stifles our productive spirit. Virginia must chart a different course rather than continuing to extract more assets from the working classes. We can no longer afford to follow the reckless spending patterns of federal and local governments. History provides ample stark warnings of the catastrophic consequences of government overspending, from Ancient Rome to Greece's 2009 financial crisis and Zimbabwe's hyperinflation. We must live within our means and reduce the debt burden on future generations. Specifically, Virginia should: 1. Eliminate personal property taxes entirely, ending their absurdly high administrative costs. 2. Reject proposals that disproportionately impact lower-income earners, such as the current plan to raise sales taxes while cutting income taxes. 3. Prioritize fiscal responsibility by streamlining government operations and reducing nonessential expenditures. By taking these steps, we can foster a more efficient and prosperous Commonwealth. Now is the time to break the cycle of ever-increasing government spending and ensure a brighter economic future.

Comments Document

Full Written Public Comment to support the abridged version given during the opportunity to provide oral comment earlier today. Thank you again for your support and dedication to the people of Virginia.

I am Mark Frondorf, a Page County resident and the Shenandoah Riverkeeper, part of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, whose mission is to protect the right to clean water for all communities and all those who live in and rely upon the Shenandoah and Potomac watersheds by stopping pollution, making drinking water safe, protecting healthy river habitats, and enhancing use and enjoyment for all. I urge you to consider including two additional items into the Governor’s budget. First, there is no budget for freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom testing for the Virginia Department of Health and there needs to be one. Second, I urge the General Assembly to continue funding US Geological Survey to continue operating and maintaining water quality monitoring equipment already in place in the Shenandoah watershed. There is a Harmful Algal Bloom testing budget for Virginia’s saltwater beaches where tourists and folks of some means can safely swim in Virginia’s saltwater. There is no budget for Virginia’s freshwater rivers and streams where thousands of folks swim, fish, and play in their local watering holes and we do not need to treat them like second class citizens and not provide them the same information that beach goers get to receive. In August 2021, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) advisory for a 52.5-mile stretch of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River that ran from Elkton VA all the way down to Front Royal Virginia. VDH issued the advisory due to the presence of Anatoxin A and cyanobacteria, a toxic witches brew that can cause skin rashes and gastrointestinal illnesses. The advisory also warned that water ingestion could be fatal to dogs, pets and other animals, including livestock. The VDH advised people to avoid contact with the water, including blue-green algal mats and scum. The VDH issued the advisory to ensure the public was aware of the presence of the algae and to take caution to avoid contact with it. In years 2022, 2023 and 2024 no Harmful Algal Bloom alerts were issued. Not because none were found. Only that no testing occurred and instead VDH issued Algal Mat Advisories that informed people that the algal mats in front of them may contain harmful toxins and suggested that they recreate elsewhere. While I would love to see residents and visitor to the Shenandoah River system warned when HABs are present, I truly believe that all Virginians need to know if the algal mats they are encountering on their local river or stream are Harmful Algal Blooms. I would suggest having the freshwater HAB testing budget be comparable to the saltwater HAB budget which is approximately $400,000 The second item I urge you to consider including in the Governor’s budget is an additional $500,00 for the US Geological Survey organization so they can continue to operate and maintain water quality monitoring equipment they already own and is in place in the Shenandoah watershed. This equipment was purchased and installed as part of the three year study the General Assembly funded to further investigate Harmful Algal Blooms in the Shenandoah River system and over at Lake Anna – another Virginia waterbody suffering from significant Harmful Algal Blooms. It seems silly to have the equipment already in place collecting data and not have proper funding to keep the lights on and the system up and running to get a better idea of what is happening in our Virginia rivers.

Comments Document

I am writing in support of the funding request from the Alliance of Brain Injury Service Providers. This request includes two requests: (1) funding for workforce retention and (2) funding for the expansion of services throughout Virginia. My comments focus on staff retention, but I hope you will be able to support both aspects of the request. Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the budgeting process.

My husband and I both support Governor Youngkin‘s budget and ask each of the voting members to support it. ........Connie and Dick Sylvester

Comments Document

The Child Care Aware of Virginia policy agenda is attached. Thank you!

I support Governor Younkins proposed budget and encourage the house and senate to vote for it. The Governor has done a great job for the people of Virginia and voting for his proposed budget will help him continue to do so

Vocal Virginia is Virginia’s only state-wide mental health advocacy and education nonprofit that is 100% staffed and governed by individuals living with mental health challenges. We serve more than 2,000 members to amplify their voices and experience with mental health challenges and achieve meaningful reform tor Virginia’s mental health system. Vocal Virginia supports the VACSB’s efforts to secure the necessary $18 million in funding to allow six Marcus Alert program sites that completed their planning in 2024, but due to a lack of DBHDS funding, were unable to implement their programs, as well as, six additional sites, which will allow the state to stay on track to meet the 2028 deadline for statewide implementation, as required by law. Without this funding, the state risks falling behind on meeting its goals and jeopardizing the potential benefits of these crisis response programs. Virginia is facing a significant challenge with its competency restoration services, which are essential for individuals who are deemed unable to stand trial due to mental health conditions. Currently, the DBHDS funding allocated for these services has been exhausted, and the Community Services Boards (CSBs) are left with unfunded mandates for conducting evaluations and providing restoration services. As such, Vocal Virginia supports the VACSB’s request for $1.5 million to increase reimbursement rates, expand outpatient restoration services, and provide training for clinicians. By investing in outpatient services, the state can better address the needs of individuals who require restoration while reducing the strain on already overburdened psychiatric facilities. Vocal Virginia also supports Governor Youngkin’s proposed budget amendment of $800,000 to fund and provide training for ten youth peer support specialists. This funding will help expand access to peer support services for youth across the state, offering them much-needed support from individuals who understand their experiences. By funding these positions, Virginia can ensure that young people receive the specialized care they need in a format that resonates with them, ultimately improving mental health outcomes. Investing in the above budget priorities are not only necessary to meet state mandates, but are also crucial for the long-term success of mental health reform in Virginia. These funding initiatives will enhance the state’s ability to provide compassionate, effective care for individuals at all stages of life, from youth facing mental health challenges to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. With proper funding, Virginia can build a more accessible, effective, and equitable mental health care system that better serves the needs of its residents, ultimately improving outcomes for communities across the state. Thank you for your time and dedication to enhancing mental health services for all Virginians. Your steadfast commitment to addressing these vital needs will profoundly impact countless lives across the Commonwealth.

Our governor is a very good financial person! Please vote for his amendments to the proposed budget. He has Virginia’s best interests at heart and would Not do anything to hurt our state.

I support Governor Youngkin's budget recommendations.

Esteemed Members of the Virginia Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, My name is Jessica Price, and I am here as a passionate advocate for disabled children in Rural Virginia, including my son, James Michael. We face a critical shortage in provider capacity and core services that these children desperately need. Families in our region often battle significant barriers that limit access to essential therapies such as Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Speech Therapy (ST). These services are pivotal for a child’s development, yet rural areas often experience severe shortages of qualified providers, coupled with low compensation rates that deter potential caregivers. Many families find themselves torn between fragmented care that fails to meet their children's needs or sacrificing their own livelihoods to provide support at home—a burden no family should bear. This inadequacy in healthcare speaks to a broader issue of disparity within our system. Families relying on Medicaid or who are unable to obtain Medicaid frequently struggle to access timely and proper therapies. Long waiting lists, significant travel distances for appointments, and provider shortages due to low pay and lack of training can delay obtaining necessary interventions that significantly affect children’s development. Expanding Medicaid eligibility beyond strict income thresholds is crucial; all children deserve access to care, and we must ensure financial constraints don't dictate the level of service available. Children with disabilities that require these level of services should be able to access Medicaid for these disabilities without it being tied to parent income. Moreover, improving access to services benefits not only children but entire communities. By investing in provider capacity, we can decrease the burden on families, allowing parents to work and contribute to local economies. Empowered parents stimulate economic growth, which ultimately benefits everyone in our communities. Creating a robust network of care also fosters a culture of acceptance and inclusion. When children with disabilities receive appropriate support, they can participate fully in society, paving the way for a more inclusive future. As you consider priorities for this session, I urge you to take decisive action in enhancing the infrastructure needed for qualified care providers in Rural Virginia. Ensuring that PT, OT, and ST services are available and accessible will change countless lives, including those of families like mine. Your leadership can enable families to access desperately needed care, laying the groundwork for brighter futures and enriched communities for all. Be the change that a broken system needs. Heal Virginia! Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. Your actions can profoundly impact many families across Virginia, and together, we can create a system that upholds the dignity and potential of every child.

To the House Appropriations, Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees: I’m asking you to accept the upcoming proposed budget by Governor Youngkin. For our family, the car tax refund and the education money would be most helpful. Governor Youngkin has chosen wisely to give back the surplus to the Virginians who need the break. As many of you know we’ve had years of 50% higher gas prices and higher grocery prices. Many Virginians have maxed out their credit card debt. My children and I are making tough choices as to which out of pocket expenses we can afford. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. I would much appreciate your support of this current budget proposal by Governor Youngkin.

I am submitting feedback as a current serving fire and EMS chief of a locality in Western VA, as well as the President of the Board of Directors for the Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council (WVEMS) against the proposed language to eliminate Emergency Medical Services Council boundaries and to keep the current language from January 1, 2008, as is. We recognize changes need to be made to the Office of EMS, Virginia Department of Health based on their years of financial mismanagement, however it should not negatively impact on the current services that WVEMS Council provides to support the 4th, 5th, and 12th Planning Districts of Western Virginia nor the other traditional EMS Councils throughout the Commonwealth. The current proposed Stricken Language Section 272 Line E - "E. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, the Board of Health shall not modify the geographic or designated service areas of designated regional emergency medical services councils in effect on January 1, 2008, or make such modifications a criterion in approving or renewing applications for such designation or receiving and disbursing state funds." Striking this language allows the Virginia Department of Health to unilaterally eliminate EMS Councils including WVEMS without safeguarding the wellbeing of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The basis for this change is from a consultant's report (Fitch Associates) that the Virginia Department of Health paid an excessive amount for, which was discredited and disqualified by the Governor's own Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council in a unanimous motion at their last meeting on November 15, 2024. “The purpose of the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board is to advise the State Board of Health concerning the administration of the statewide emergency medical care system and emergency medical services vehicles maintained and operated to provide transportation to persons requiring emergency medical treatment, and reviewing and making recommendations on the Statewide Emergency Medical Services.”* This 28-member Advisory Board represents all the EMS stakeholder groups in the Commonwealth of Virginia, appointed by the Governor to be the subject matter experts to ensure Virginia has a high-quality emergency medical services system. The renunciation of the Fitch Report by the Governor’s Advisory Board which was the catalyst for striking the current 2008 language should clearly illustrate that the EMS community is not supportive of the proposed language in HB1600 – Section 272 “E”. WVEMS encourages a truly independent study from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) that can provide a fair evaluation and make recommendations for the future. It is critical that until there is a clear vision for the future of Virginia's EMS is created in concert with stakeholder groups, that the EMS councils remain intact and available to directly support the regions that there serve. An example of a current critical project that EMS councils are supporting that the Virginia Office of EMS has been visibly absent from assisting EMS agencies in, is that of the EMS medication box transition. While the Office of EMS recently engaged, the challenge at hand has been going on for over a year now and the actual office was invisible and completely lacking in support to the individual EMS agencies. It is the EMS Councils that provide direct support to EMS throughout Virginia today.

Please pass Governor Youngkin budget proposal thank you

The proposed budget addresses many of the important elements that keep moving our Nation forward, such as education, safety and infrastructure. The budget alignes with the current growth of our state and demonstrates accountability for our future.

Thank you for the careful consideration you have taken in forming a budget that covers the basic needs of our Commonwealth and avoids adding dollars that are not necessary to pad unnecessary items. I support the 2025 budget.

Fellow Virginians, I wish to give my full support to Governor Youngkin's new budget. I especially appreciate the proposed tax changes, including car tax rebates, and eliminating state taxes on tips. In addition, all Virginians will benefit from funding for school choice, grants for premium firefighting equipment, upgraded infrastructure/support for our state police, emergency communications, and disaster relief. Sincerely, Kimberly A. Keller

Please support.

Very grateful for the hard work that went into this year's budget. I fully support it and encourage passage by the General Assembly.

Please pass the current 2025 budget proposal by the Governor Thank you

As a young mother with children under 10 years old, I strongly believe it is important for our Commonwealth to raise the bar for academic excellence. UVA previously conducted a study that teachers stay no longer than 5 to 7 years before they begin to leave the workforce in the state of virginia. Not only do our teachers need help, but our parents deserve transparency and we must reverse the learning loss and regain high expectations our children's education. The funding needs to support the children the teachers and the families and I support governor youngkin and those who back him and this great effort for a better Virginia. Sincerely, Corin Jackson, Harrisonburg VA

Let the money follow the children, to the school the parents choose. Rich men north of Richmond send their children to the very best schools private education.

We the people never voted in favor of the personal property tax on cars .No way to know exactly where that money ends up at .At least four states don't have a personal property tax on vehicles

I am speaking not offering comments

Speaking

I am simply submitting comments and not requesting to speak. If we are serious about helping mothers, i.e., pregnant women, then it behoves us to support them with the Maternal Health amendment which the governor has proposed. We need a moral alternative to the insane and immoral push for abortion. This amendment would do so by funding perinatal health hub pilot programs, provide support for additional community health workers especially in regions with the highest maternal mortality rates, provide education about potentially life threatening warning signs during and after pregnancy, increase payments for psychiatric and obstetric-gynecological graduate medical residencies focused on underserved areas and high-need specialties, and fully fund Medicaid and other mandatory program costs.

Vocal Virginia is Virginia’s only state-wide mental health advocacy and education nonprofit that is 100% staffed and governed by individuals living with mental health challenges. We serve more than 2,000 members to amplify their voices and experience with mental health challenges and achieve meaningful reform tor Virginia’s mental health system. Vocal Virginia supports the VACSB’s efforts to secure the necessary $18 million in funding to allow six Marcus Alert program sites that completed their planning in 2024, but due to a lack of DBHDS funding, were unable to implement their programs, as well as, six additional sites, which will allow the state to stay on track to meet the 2028 deadline for statewide implementation, as required by law. Without this funding, the state risks falling behind on meeting its goals and jeopardizing the potential benefits of these crisis response programs. Virginia is facing a significant challenge with its competency restoration services, which are essential for individuals who are deemed unable to stand trial due to mental health conditions. Currently, the DBHDS funding allocated for these services has been exhausted, and the Community Services Boards (CSBs) are left with unfunded mandates for conducting evaluations and providing restoration services. As such, Vocal Virginia supports the VACSB’s request for $1.5 million to increase reimbursement rates, expand outpatient restoration services, and provide training for clinicians. By investing in outpatient services, the state can better address the needs of individuals who require restoration while reducing the strain on already overburdened psychiatric facilities. Vocal Virginia also supports Governor Youngkin’s proposed budget amendment of $800,000 to fund and provide training for ten youth peer support specialists. This funding will help expand access to peer support services for youth across the state, offering them much-needed support from individuals who understand their experiences. By funding these positions, Virginia can ensure that young people receive the specialized care they need in a format that resonates with them, ultimately improving mental health outcomes. Investing in the above budget priorities are not only necessary to meet state mandates, but are also crucial for the long-term success of mental health reform in Virginia. These funding initiatives will enhance the state’s ability to provide compassionate, effective care for individuals at all stages of life, from youth facing mental health challenges to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. With proper funding, Virginia can build a more accessible, effective, and equitable mental health care system that better serves the needs of its residents, ultimately improving outcomes for communities across the state. Thank you for your time and dedication to enhancing mental health services for all Virginians. Your steadfast commitment to addressing these vital needs will profoundly impact countless lives across the Commonwealth.

I wholeheartedly support the Governor's budget proposal for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Virginians will benefit from the economic aspects of the budget. And, it will provide liberty to Virginians to pursue freedom and prosperity.

No attachment provided.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input as the General Assembly begins its budgeting process. I work with HNH Virginia, known locally as Hand 'n' Heart, a home care services provider for seniors and veterans throughout Virginia. We provide a highly-desired, cost-effective service to support seniors and veterans to remain in their homes, despite functional limitations due to disability and/or aging. Because of the low reimbursement rates for our services, we struggle to attract and retain quality staff -- staff who can easily make more money in service and retail industries, or, if they want to stay in care-giving, are paid much higher wages for essentially the same work in a hospital or healthcare facility setting. We are asking that Personal Care rates be increased to $30/hour, which would allow us to recruit and keep quality staff in the field -- more people can be served, there will be fewer interruptions in their care, and more people can avoid the highest cost settings as a result. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: redwards@cbcare.com. Thank you again for your attention and the chance to provide input. Sincerely, Richard Edwards

VIRGINIA BUDGET REMARKS 1.3.2025 Hello, My name is Gordon Walker. I am on the board of Here to Stay Wintergreen (HSW), a non-profit entity, commonly referred to as a Village. I am also a member of the Virginia Villages Collective. Villages are community-based organizations harnessing the power of volunteers to help older adults age in the homes and communities they love. Several of our life sustaining services are available in a timely manner to members and non-members. I’m seeking your support to address a serious public health issue. The Surgeon General reports that the U.S. is experiencing an epidemic of social isolation resulting in serious cognitive and physical health risks, especially among older adults. Community-based programs, such as Villages, are recognized as a most effective means to address this public health problem. The Virginia Villages Collective is requesting funding to expand the statewide Village network to help thousands of older Virginians safely age in their homes connected to a caring community. Here’s how a HSW member describes her experience utilizing our caregiver respite program, the Nelson Enrichment Club: “I am most grateful to Here to Stay for starting a respite care program that will enable me to continue to provide for my husband with dementia. I want to keep him living at home for as long as possible and his attendance at the Nelson Enrichment Club enables me to have time off to attend to my needs. Plus he has the opportunity to participate in such meaningful activities as music, art, Tai Chi and storytelling. He always comes home happy!” This is just one of hundreds of examples of how Villages reduce social isolation and empower older Virginians to remain safely in their homes. In 2023, Virginia Villages engaged more than 5,000 older adults, volunteers, and family caregivers; delivered more than 2,000 social programs; and logged over 43,800 hours of volunteer service, valued at nearly $1.5 million. Growing existing Villages and starting new ones in underserved areas will enable more older Virginians to access this support. It will help fill a gap in available services for the growing number of older Virginians and their caregivers with limited financial resources who are not eligible for government services. On behalf of the Villages in Northern Virginia and the statewide Village community, I urge you to approve the budget amendments sponsored by Senator Surovell and Delegate Krizek to reduce social isolation of older Virginians by expanding access to Villages. Thank you! Gordon Walker, Nellysford, VA

Home care needs help *Hours are being cut * under paid workers working hard * workers not being compensated Let’s make home care jobs essential

Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council to make comments against the proposed language to eliminate Emergency Medical Services Council boundaries and to keep the current language from January 1, 2008 as part of the upcoming proposed budget. HB 1600 Section 272 "E" listed below is stricken from the Governor's proposed budget and Western Virginia EMS Council with the support of our 18 local governments does not support this budget change. We recognize changes need to be made to the Office of EMS, Virginia Department of Health based on their years of financial mismanagement, however it should not negatively impact the current services that Western Virginia EMS Council provides to support the 4th, 5th, and 12th Planning Districts of Western Virginia. Proposed Stricken Language "E. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, the Board of Health shall not modify the geographic or designated service areas of designated regional emergency medical services councils in effect on January 1, 2008, or make such modifications a criterion in approving or renewing applications for such designation or receiving and disbursing state funds." Striking this language allows the Virginia Department of Health to eliminate EMS Councils including Western Virginia EMS Council without safeguarding the wellbeing of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The basis for this change is from a consultant's report (Fitch Associates) that the Virginia Department of Health paid an excessive amount for that was discredited and disqualified by the Governor's own Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council in a unanimous motion at their last meeting on November 15, 2024. “The purpose of the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board is to advise the State Board of Health concerning the administration of the statewide emergency medical care system and emergency medical services vehicles maintained and operated to provide transportation to persons requiring emergency medical treatment, and reviewing and making recommendations on the Statewide Emergency Medical Services.”* This 28-member Advisory Board represents all the EMS stakeholder groups in the Commonwealth of Virginia, appointed by the Governor to be the subject matter experts to ensure Virginia has a high-quality emergency medical services system. The renunciation of the Fitch Report by the Governor’s Advisory Board which was the catalyst for striking the current 2008 language should clearly illustrate that the EMS community is not supportive of the proposed language in HB1600 – Section 272 “E”. Western Virginia EMS Council encourages a truly independent study from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) that can provide a fair evaluation and make recommendations for the future. • Secretary of the Commonwealth - https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/va-government/boards-and-commissions/comprehensive-board-listing/detail/?id=100ef099-b375-ed11-81ab-001dd80724a2#:~:text=The%20Advisory%20Board%20shall%20be,one%20member%20each%20from%20the

Comments Document

The Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging are seeking a 4.35-million-dollar investment from the Commonwealth to address the ever-increasing unmet needs of seniors in our community.