JLARC annual report: Virginiaoperating budget about $83 billion in FY24; most growth concentrated in Medicaid and K–12

Ellen Miller, JLARC staff, presented the commission overview of state spending covering fiscal years 2015 through 2024.

Miller said Virginia's total operating budget in fiscal year 2024 was about $83,000,000,000. She said growth over the 10‑year period was concentrated in a few agencies and programs, led by Medicaid and direct K–12 education aid. When JLARC adjusted the totals for inflation and population, she said total budget growth over the period fell substantially (general fund growth reduced from an unadjusted average of about 6% to about 2.3% when adjusted for both factors).

Miller highlighted that non‑general funds — including federal trust funds and transportation funds — accounted for most of the growth over the decade. She also explained that recent spikes in budget totals reflected the timing of federal COVID‑19 relief funds and that variances in particular agencies (for example, DCR and DEQ) were driven by water quality deposits and related environmental appropriations.

Commissioners asked about university appropriations and tuition, highway funding and the implications of fuel efficiency on transportation revenues; Miller said some items (for example exact appropriation code drivers) would require further review of appropriation details and schedules. The presentation concluded with JLARC staff offering to provide more granular breakdowns on request.

The spending review will be available in the commission packet and provides JJARCsupporting slides and appendices that detail sector‑level changes over the 10‑year period.