Governor Glenn Youngkin is now considering a secret backroom deal worked out by a small handful of senior members of the money committees. The long-awaited budget amendments are several months late for a fiscal year that started three months ago. Part of the reason for the delay was because Republicans were insisting on permanent tax cuts. In the end, they settled for rebates. One of the key sticking points during the debate over budget amendments was the cap on spending for support staff in Virginia schools. The Senate wanted to spend $270 million to essentially eliminate the cap, creating a ratio of 21 students for every support staffer. The final compromise spends $153 million for a ratio of 24 students for every support staffer. Virginia is about to get 15 new mobile crisis units as well as millions of dollars for crisis receiving centers and stabilization units. But the funding is several months late. But critics--including lawmakers--say people would already be receiving help if lawmakers got their act together earlier. At the Watercooler: The farewell speeches from the General Assembly members who won't be returning...a mixed bag. Some fun, some surprises.

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