(Just The News)—Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered Virginia’s official budget closeout to the Joint Money Committee on Thursday, confirming the commonwealth ended fiscal year 2025 with a $2.7 billion surplus, a $1.7 billion cash reserve and $4.7 billion in the Rainy Day Fund.
The surplus finished $572 million above revenue projections. Individual income tax collections rose 7.8%. Sales tax collections were up 2.2%. Corporate income taxes declined 1.5%.
Virginia’s AAA bond rating was reaffirmed earlier this year. Youngkin said the commonwealth’s strong balance sheet is “not about geography, it is about responsible fiscal management.”
Since 2022, the administration reports $9 billion in tax relief, $125 billion in new business investment and more than 265,000 additional Virginians working. The commonwealth has roughly 250,000 open jobs.
House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore called the report “the kind of news every Virginian should cheer,” citing revenues nearly $600 million ahead of projections, $9 billion returned to taxpayers and record reserve levels.
Youngkin said Virginia expects at least $500 million, and possibly up to $1 billion, in federal funds to expand rural health care access through a rural health transformation initiative.
He said the administration issued two executive directives on Wednesday, one to pursue those federal funds and another to reduce the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) error rate.
The governor said changes to Medicaid are not removing coverage.
“Not a single Virginian is ‘losing access’ to Medicaid or getting kicked off the program. Not 40,000 Virginians. Not whatever number some are saying on a given day. No Virginians are losing their Medicaid coverage,” said Youngkin.
Virginia’s SNAP error rate stands at 11.5%. Under federal rules that start in 2027, states with rates above 6% will begin sharing costs for the program. The administration estimated the potential state share at about $270 million if the rate is not reduced.
To avoid that cost, the order calls for local offices to step up staff training, verify more applicant details, use incentives to promote best practices, look at public-private partnerships to free up staff time, tighten quality control, and consider new tools like artificial intelligence to speed up and improve accuracy in processing benefits.
The governor will present amendments to the fiscal 2026 budget and a proposed 2026 to 2028 biennial budget in December.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
