Rep. Abigail Spanberger speaks when U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on The Biden Administration's Priorities for U.S. Foreign Policy on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC., U.S., March 10, 2021. Ting Shen/Pool via REUTERS
(Richmond, Virginia ) – Virginia Democrats Move to Double Lawmakers’ Pay After Running on ‘Affordability’
Democrats in Virginia are facing growing criticism after moving to more than double their own salaries, just months after campaigning on affordability and relief for working families.
Since retaking full control of state government — with Democrat Abigail Spanberger now in the Governor’s Mansion — Virginia Democrats have pushed a slate of new taxes while advancing a proposal that would significantly increase their own compensation.
Critics argue the moves directly contradict the messaging voters heard on the campaign trail.
Proposed Pay Hike Exceeds 150%
According to NewsBusters, Democratic lawmakers have introduced a budget amendment that would raise legislative salaries by roughly 150%, effectively more than doubling current pay for members of both chambers of the General Assembly.
The amendment to Virginia’s state budget, SB30, was introduced by L. Louise Lucas in the Senate and Vivian Watts in the House of Delegates.
At the same time, lawmakers are advancing a wave of new taxes, which Republicans warn could push Virginia’s tax burden to among the highest in the nation.
GOP Calls Move a ‘Total Con Job’
The Virginia Senate Republican Caucus blasted the proposal in a post on X, accusing Democrats of prioritizing themselves over taxpayers.
“They ran on ‘affordability,’ but all they’ve done is introduce insane left-wing policies and take from your pocket to line their own,” the caucus wrote, calling the proposal a “TOTAL CON JOB.”
Republicans argue that raising taxes while simultaneously boosting lawmakers’ pay sends the wrong message to Virginians already struggling with higher costs of living.
Critics Question Timing and Merit
Opponents also question what Democratic leadership has done to justify such a dramatic raise, noting that the party has only recently regained full control of state government.
The proposal is still working its way through the budget process, but it has already sparked backlash from critics who say Virginians are being asked to pay more so politicians can earn more — a reversal of the promises made during the campaign.
As the debate continues, the issue is shaping up to be an early test of how voters respond to Democratic governance following their return to power in Richmond.
