Virginia lawmakers have a state budget, and raises greater than 175%

(The Center Square) – Virginia lawmakers approved a two-year state budget Monday that includes a temporary tax on data centers, creates the framework for a regulated adult-use cannabis market and makes policy changes affecting energy, childcare and state government.

And gives themselves significant pay raises.

The House of Delegates voted 71-22 to approve the conference report for House Bill 30 after the Senate approved it 23-16 earlier in the day. The measure now heads to first-year Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger ahead of the July 1 start of the new fiscal year.

General Assembly salaries will rise starting Jan. 13. Senators and delegates will receive $50,000 annually – raises of 183.4% in the House and 177.8% in the Senate where sessions are scheduled for 60 days in even-numbered years and 30 days in odd-numbered years.

The speaker of the House of Delegates will receive $72,000. The budget includes about $2.1 million in fiscal year 2028 to fund the salary changes....