As we wrap up week seven of the legislative session, the pace and purpose of our work remain strong. With only two weeks to go, major legislation is moving forward, and pivotal budget conversations are taking shape. I’m staying focused on delivering meaningful results, policies that grow our economy, uplift our families, and ensure our communities remain safe and secure.
House Passes Budget
Virginia House Democrats passed the Affordable Virginia Budget with strong bipartisan support.
✅A balanced budget.
✅Lower costs.
✅Increased Pay for our teachers.
✅Investments into community safety programs.
✅More housing.
✅Expanded health care.
✅Support for working families.
❌ NO NEW TAXES.
The Budget Process
Virginia uses a two-year budget system, which means a new budget is created every even-numbered year, and changes or updates are made in odd-numbered years. For example, the main budget might be passed in 2026, and if anything needs to be updated, it will be handled in 2027. Developing the state’s budget is a lengthy process that incorporates input from a wide range of individuals and groups, from regular citizens to government agencies and lawmakers. The whole process happens in five main steps, and each one helps make sure Virginia’s budget works for everyone. Here is how the process unfolds:
PHASE 1 – Agency Budget Preparation
State agencies look at what they do and what they need by using surveys or public feedback to see how well they’re serving people.
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Following the review, the state agencies ask for the money they believe they will need and send their requests to the Department of Planning and Budget (usually in the early fall).PHASE 2 – Budget Development
The Department of Planning and Budget reviews all the money requests from state agencies to see if: Are they needed? What do they cost? Are there other ways to pay for things?
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The Governor and his team put together their own budget plan (in late fall) and give it to the General Assembly by December 20th.
PHASE 3 – Legislative Action
(Every January) The General Assembly meets and receives the Governor’s budget plan as a bill for special groups in each house (e.g. committees) to: look at, ask for public input, and can then suggest changes.
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The House and the Senate vote on their own versions of the budget, then swapping to review each other’s ideas.
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If they DISAGREE, a small group will help work out any problems
If they AGREE, they send the final budget to the Governor to sign.
PHASE 4 – Governor’s Review
The Governor looks over the General Assembly’s budget bill to either: sign it, reject parts of it, suggest changes or veto it.
[if changes are suggested or it is vetoed, the bill goes back to the General Assembly to be reviewed and decided on next steps]
PHASE 5 – Budget Execution
Once the budget bill becomes a law, it goes into effect on:
July 1 in EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS
Right away in ODD-NUMBERED YEARS
Read More Here.
Fairfax Casino
This week, I voted against the legislation authorizing a Fairfax casino. My decision followed careful consideration and extensive outreach from constituents on both sides of the issue. Having raised my family in Northern Virginia, I share many of the concerns that were brought to my attention. At the same time, I heard from residents and stakeholders who supported the proposal and highlighted the economic opportunity and potential new revenue it could generate for our region.
In weighing this legislation, I considered its far-reaching economic, community, and local governance implications. A significant factor in my decision to vote no was the clear opposition expressed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. I believe our local leaders are best positioned to understand the distinct needs and priorities of their communities, and their perspective should carry meaningful weight in decisions of this scale.
Ultimately, proposals with impacts this substantial should be grounded in clear and demonstrated local support. While I respect the differing viewpoints and deeply appreciate the thoughtful engagement from constituents on both sides, I did not believe there was sufficient local consensus to justify moving forward at this time.
Governor’s Spanberger Speech
Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic response to President Trump’s State of the Union address. You can watch both the speech and the response to it here:
18th Annual Capitol Square Basketball Classic
The 18th Annual Capitol Square Basketball Classic brought spirited competition and strong camaraderie to the court as members of the House and Senate faced off in a lively and hard-fought game. Motivated cheerleaders and enthusiastic supporters from both chambers filled the gym with energy, proudly rooting for their teams.
While the matchup was rooted in friendly rivalry, the evening’s true purpose extended far beyond the scoreboard. The event serves as an annual fundraiser for the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, helping advance critical cancer research, treatment, and patient care.
By the end of the night, the House and Senate raised an impressive $78,000 for this important cause. I am especially pleased to share that the House set a record this year, raising $13,505 during the game. The evening was a meaningful reminder that, even in competition, when we come together, we can make a powerful impact on communities across the Commonwealth.
This Week at the General Assembly
Update on My Legislation
As the legislative session continues, I will share updates on the bills that continue to progress, on which I am serving as Chief Patron or Chief Co-Patron. This legislation reflects the priorities I hear from our community and my continued focus on delivering meaningful results.
Economy
HB 557
Creates a Business tax incentive for electric lawn equipment as a clean alternative to gas-powered equipment. Passed the Senate.
HB 1022
Protects Virginians from recurring charges for subscriptions they no longer want. Passed the House.
HB 594
Allows localities to adopt expedited, administrative zoning approvals for qualifying all-affordable housing developments that increase density, and prioritizes such localities for state housing grants and loans. Passed the House.
HB 402
Modernizes “home bakery” laws by removing sales limits and permitting online sales. Passed the House.
Education
HB 125
Ensures year-round protection of teachers’ due process rights. Passed the Senate.
HB 814
Establishes a board to advise on social studies and history SOLs. Passed Senate Committee.
HB 1278
Ensures schools develop and share their language assistance plans so parents can be meaningfully included in the education of their children. Passed the Senate.
HB 1367
Requires VDOE to report ELL spending data to ensure proper funding is allocated to cover the actual cost of education for English Language Learner students. Passed the Senate.
HB 1323
Directs the VDOE to update the state’s school accountability and performance framework, giving families clear explanations and tools to understand how student growth and performance are measured. Combined with HB 643. Passed Senate Committee.
HJ 77
Establishes Nowruz, the Persian New Year, as an annual day celebrated in Virginia. Passed Senate Committee.
HB 201
Requires school boards to inform parents annually about the safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in the home. Passed the Senate.
HB 288
Requires the VDOE to post instructional resources on the Indigenous peoples of the Commonwealth developed by the Virginia Tribal Education Consortium. Passed Senate Committee.
Community Safety
HB 123
Replaces mandatory juvenile license denials with judicial discretion, aligning consequences with rehabilitation rather than automatic punishment. Passed the Senate.
HB 124
Ensures retired district court judges recalled to duty have the same protections as active judges. Passed the Senate.
HB 556
Amends the requirement to provide a Social Security Number when filing for divorce if one is not available. Passed the House.
HB 1020
Ensures survivors of child sexual assault can pursue civil causes of action when new evidence emerges, strengthening accountability and public safety. Passed the Senate.
HB 46
Increase the maximum number of circuit court judges in Loudoun, subject to Judicial Council review, to better meet caseload and judicial staffing needs. Combined with HB 443. Passed Senate Committee.
Health
HB 794
Designates VDH to lead the coordination of a statewide plan in response to the opioid and fentanyl crisis. Passed Senate Committee.
HB 795
Requires health insurers to cover overdose reversal medication, expanding access to life-saving treatment. Passed the House.
HB 1019
Ensures outpatient patient-level reporting so doctors can coordinate care more effectively. Passed Senate Committee.
Military Families and Veterans Affairs
HB 175
Expands Virginia’s real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty, allowing localities to provide a full exemption regardless of home value beginning in 2026. Passed the House.
If you are interested in looking at the legislative history and bill text of my proposals, you can view them on the Virginia Legislative Information System (LIS). LIS HERE
Resources to Take Part in the Legislative Session
Are you interested in watching the hearing for a bill you are particularly passionate about? Are you looking for a way to give testimony for bills that you support or oppose? Are you wondering what’s in the state’s budget? The General Assembly has these services and more to allow you to participate and view the entire General Assembly Session!
Virginia Legislative Information System (“LIS”)
The Virginia Legislative Information System tracks bills from their introduction to their passage! You can create lists of bills that interest you through the lobbyist in a box feature, look through the calendar to find when important bills are being heard, and see the overall stats of this session.
Virginia General Assembly Website
The General Assembly website streams every floor session, committee, and subcommittee meeting, gives a detailed explanation on how a bill becomes a law in Virginia, and showcases the history of the General Assembly and the Capitol Building. If you are interested in watching meetings of the General Assembly or learning more about our legislative process, you can find it on the link below.
How My Office Can Help You
Navigating state agencies can be confusing and difficult at times. As the delegate for House District 27, I can help you communicate with state agencies such as the Virginia Employment Commission, Departments of Taxation, Social Services, Transportation, and more! I can also submit inquiries with those agencies on your behalf. There are limits to what I can do, however. For example, I am unable to expedite cases or force state agencies to favor your inquiry, provide legal advice or recommend a specific attorney, intervene with judicial issues, overturn decisions, or be involved with matters between private businesses.
Whether you require my office’s assistance, want to bring an issue to my attention or invite me to a community event, please reach out here: https://atoosareaser.com/help/.
Alongside constituent services, I can submit drafts for commending and memorial resolutions. If you know of a person or organization in the district that deserves special recognition, please submit a request here: resolution request form.
Yours in Service,
Atoosa Reaser (she/her)
Virginia House of Delegates
District 27 (Eastern Loudoun)
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