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All Members,
Yesterday I attended the Governor's announcement of his biennial budget for 2023 through 2025. This is the first step in a long process as budget negations begin on January 10th, 2023, when the General Assembly session begins.
The Governor has spoken over the past few weeks about his Bold Blue Line initiative leading up to the announcement of the budget and yesterday announced many of those public safety commitments. In this budget the Virginia State Police received a little more than $21 million in additional funding. A large portion will go to purchase two new helicopters and the remainder to be used in various ways to support the Agency's needs. I will report more on this once I receive the breakdown from the Department. Most importantly, there is funding that will keep the new pay chart moving with increases to all our members that gain seniority, promotions, and have favorable performance evaluations. There are also other pay incentives that need further clarifications that I will report on as well. There are new positions funded for specific areas that the Governor is targeting, such as Organized Retail Crimes, Gaming, and Human Trafficking. Also, there is additional funding for the Department's growing IT needs.
As you can see, the Agency was looked upon favorably by Governor Youngkin and his commitment to law enforcement continues with his new budget. His Budget will now go to the General Assembly to be vetted, where amendments can and will be made. We are just in the beginning phase where things can change rapidly. As I receive more information about the $21 million, and how it breaks down for the Agency, I will report it to you, our members. Until then your team at VSPA will be working with the Legislators to build upon what Governor Youngkin has begun in his biennial budget.
Be safe and have a great weekend.
Bill Carrico
Executive Director
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