Money talks
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced on April 8 that he would not veto the entire state budget created by the legislature, instead putting forward a swath of broad-reaching amendments.
The governor’s “common ground budget” has some key differences from the version passed by the state legislature earlier this year: It cuts all tax increases from the bill, but also includes none of the tax decreases he championed in his December budget proposal.
“I believe strongly that Virginia could be reforming and reducing the tax burdens on Virginians today,” said Youngkin at a press conference announcing the 233 budget amendments. “We have to make a decision together. And I will propose today that that decision together is that we do not fight over tax decreases, but we also recognize it’s not time, nor will it ever be, for tax increases that will interrupt this economic model that is working so well.”
One notable change to the budget is an amendment that would remove language requiring Virginia to reenter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Prior to Youngkin pulling Virginia from RGGI in 2023, the program brought in millions of dollars in funding for local governments, but also came with slight increases to resident’s electricity bills.
During his presentation on the budget rewrite, Youngkin described RGGI as a “tax,” a characterization he has previously made that is disputed by proponents of the initiative.
State legislators will return to the capitol to consider the budget changes alongside other amendments and vetoes on April 17. Among those returning is Charlottesville representative Creigh Deeds, who serves on the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. In response to a request for comment from C-VILLE, Deeds said, “[the Governor’s] amendments will receive due consideration.”
To market
Charlottesville City Market kicked off its 51st season on April 6, boasting over 80 vendors on opening day at its Water Street location.
The market—which runs from April to November—is open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Shoppers can check out a range of fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more from both returning and new vendors, including Khadijah’s Kitchen, Arepas on Wheels, Pit & Pastry, Petite Buzz Farm, Qut Lil Garden, and more.
This year marks the first full season of the city’s partnership with Virginia Fresh Match, which aims to double SNAP purchases at farmers markets by matching eligible purchases. Shoppers using SNAP dollars can visit the city management tent at the market for a match of up to $50 per visit.
Downtown Saturday morning shoppers can find even more vendors a few blocks away at the Market at Ix, which is open from 8am to noon during its spring season.
For more information about other area farmers’ markets, visit charlottesville.gov/619/Charlottesville-Farmers-Markets.
Mika Meyers memorial
Albemarle County Fire Rescue held a memorial service for firefighter Mika Meyers, who died off duty on March 29. Over 100 firefighters attended the April 6 service at the Monticello High School auditorium. An obituary posted on the Hill & Wood Funeral Service website says Meyers’ family “is steadfast, moving forward, about stripping the stigma, shame and misunderstanding of mental illness and suicide. This is a disease, not a flaw of character.” At press time, a GoFundMe had raised over $45,000 for Meyers’ family.
Sips for SARA
Four local breweries have partnered with the Sexual Assault Resource Agency to raise money for the organization during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Each brewery has created a limited edition drink flavored with Simcoe hops, with a portion of proceeds going to SARA. Decipher Brewing and SuperFly Brewing Company kicked off the month-long fundraiser last week with release parties on April 1 and 5, respectively. To support the “Simcoe for SARA” effort, head down to Högwaller Brewing on April 11 or Selvedge Brewing on April 20 to sip the unique brews.
Change in counsel
As of April 15, the City of Charlottesville will temporarily be represented by Richmond law firm Sands Anderson while City Attorney Jacob Stroman is on leave. The firm is set to serve as acting City Attorney of Charlottesville for 60 days. In a press release announcing the interim counsel, the city said “all active litigation is being managed to ensure the City does not fall behind,” including the lawsuit aiming to stop the new zoning ordinance.