Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn issued the following statement following the passage of the biennial budget proposal for Fiscal Years 2020-2022.on Thursday, March 12:

"The budget passed by the General Assembly this afternoon maintains Virginia's structural financial balance while delivering on the important legislative promises demanded by voters.

This budget gives well deserved pay raises to Virginia's public-school teachers and moderates tuition for post-secondary institutions to make higher education more affordable for more Virginians. It also gives a raise to state employees and sworn State Police officers.

The budget makes significant investments to expand access to affordable health care in every corner of the Commonwealth and increases funding for the Commonwealth's Housing Trust Fund.

We also make long needed investments to fix Virginia's school counselor shortage, expand funding for early childhood education and fund the modernization of the Commonwealth's transportation system.

We make all this critical progress while maintaining Virginia's AAA bond rating and well-earned reputation for fiscal responsibility.

Thank you to Appropriations Chairman Luke Torian, Vice Chairman Mark Sickles, House Appropriations Committee Staff Director Anne Oman, and all who worked to build a budget that truly delivers for all Virginians.”