As Virginia budget conferees begin the work of reconciling competing spending plans, both the House and Senate have put forward proposals that could make a real difference for children and families. While some critical investments did not make it into either chamber’s budget, key differences remain in others, and the outcome will depend on the negotiations ahead.

Why This Matters Now

Across Virginia, 66% of families with children report having at least some difficulty keeping up with everyday expenses. This financial strain isn’t just about spreadsheets and statistics; it’s about caregivers losing sleep over how to afford their children’s next meal, families one emergency away from housing instability, and children growing up without the resources they need to thrive.

The good news is that we know what works. With expanded economic security programs during the pandemic, child poverty dropped to historic lows. Research consistently shows that direct economic support, whether through tax credits or nutrition assistance, lifts families out of poverty and improves long-term outcomes for children. The budget amendments currently under consideration represent opportunities to build on that evidence.

Key Investments in the House Budget:

Funding the State Share of SNAP Benefit Allotments (HB 30)

The House budget proposes $211 million in FY28 to fund Virginia’s share of SNAP benefit allotments. This investment would help ensure that eligible families can reliably access nutrition assistance, keeping children fed and reducing the administrative strain on families navigating an already complex system.

Key Investments in the Senate Budget:

SNAP Benefits Cost Share and Error Rate Reform (SB 30)

The Senate budget includes $135 million in FY28 for SNAP benefits cost sharing, alongside language establishing a Task Force on the SNAP Error Rate to address Virginia’s persistently high error rate. Reducing errors matters, both for families whose benefits are at risk and for the state’s long-term accountability in administering nutrition assistance.

What Didn’t Make It and Why It Still Matters

Neither the House nor Senate budget included a refundable Child Tax Credit, despite strong proposals from both chambers earlier this session. Voices for Virginia’s Children urges conferees to adopt the House proposal (261 #1h, Del. Tran) in the final budget. A refundable child tax credit is one of the most direct tools available to reduce child poverty and put money back into the hands of Virginia’s working families; its absence shouldn’t be permanent.

Similarly, tax fairness reform as a form of generating new sustainable revenue did not advance in either chamber this session.

What Happens Next?

Conferees will now negotiate the final spending plan, including whether to match the House’s stronger SNAP investment and whether to include a child tax credit at all. These aren’t abstract line items; they determine whether Virginia families have enough food on the table and enough financial breathing room to get ahead.

Reach out to your legislators and budget conferees. Urge them to adopt the $211 million SNAP investment, include a refundable child tax credit, and build a final budget that reflects Virginia’s commitment to children and families.

---