The Virginia Senate approved a two-year, $78 billion budget 21-19 yesterday. The House of Delegates passed the bill 93-5.

p. “I almost feel like I’ve been sucker-punched,” said Sen. R. Edward Houck (D-Spotsylvania) to the Daily Press. He felt that the Democratic majority had taken advantage of Republicans. “The lines have been drawn in the sand, the words have been exchanged and the votes have gone up on the board, not in unity but division.”

p. The budget has been contentious between political parties for several reasons, including Medicaid, reserve funds and public school funding.

p. The budget stopped further cuts in to higher education funding and kept $18.2 million for undergraduate student financial aid.