THE INDEPENDENT NEWS
VIRGINIA BEACH — State Del. Barry Knight, a Virginia Beach Republican, will become chairperson of the appropriations committee in the House of Delegates this month when the Virginia General Assembly meets in Richmond.
Knight, a farmer and businessperson from Back Bay, represents the 81st House District, which includes part of the main coverage area for The Independent News, such as rural communities and Sandbridge. The district also includes part of neighboring Chesapeake.
Knight, who won reelection in November, was the ranking Republican member of appropriations under Democratic control in the House of Delegates, according to Virginia Scope. The committee is instrumental in the state budget process, as it reviews House amendments to the spending plan.
State Del. Todd Gilbert, the speaker-designee of the House of Delegates, last month announced Knight will serve as chairperson of the House Appropriations Committee. The announcement came after a recount in the 85th House District confirmed the GOP controls the House, though Democrats remain in control of the Virginia Senate.
“Barry has served diligently on the committee for many years and will deftly transition into his role as chairman,” Gilbert said in a statement released on Friday, Dec. 3.
Gilbert said the General Assembly faces difficult challenges, such as addressing the impacts of the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, rising costs and concerns about inflation.
“I look forward to working with Barry to craft a fiscally responsible budget that meets the needs of all Virginians, protects our AAA bond rating and positions Virginia for a brighter future,” Gilbert said.
Knight was traveling this past week, and could not be reached for comment.
“As a resident of Virginia Beach, I’ve seen up close the impacts on families and businesses Covid-19 has had, and I’m committed to working with Governor-elect Youngkin and the Senate to address the rising cost of living on Virginians,” Knight said in statement last month. “As chairman, I pledge that not only will the House Appropriations Committee run efficiently, but it will function with the best interests of each and every Virginian in mind.”
Knight first took office in the General Assembly in January 2009. He previously served on the Virginia Beach Planning Commission.
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