Efforts to get compensation for victims of Virginias forced sterilization policy appear to be on stronger footing this year with a brighter state budget outlook and continued backing from House of Delegates leaders.

I think it has a better chance of getting out this year than it did last year. Last year, we ran out of money, said Del. John OBannon, R-Henrico, a subcommittee chair on the House Appropriations Committee.

The House, for a second year, is proposing to set aside money for people who were sterilized without consent under a decadeslong eugenics policy carried out by the state.

Thousands of people deemed mentally unfit or inferior were sterilized between the 1920s and 1970s. Many of the procedures were carried out at what is now the Central Virginia Training Center in Madison Heights.

Virginia has since renounced the practice and issued a formal apology. In recent years, advocates have been working in Richmond to get financial compensation for the remaining victims of sterilization.

The pool of living victims is small only 11 currently confirmed and it is an aging population. Two victims died last year.

The House budget, released last weekend, creates a compensation fund that would pay $25,000 to each confirmed victim.

This is the second year the proposal has made it into the House plan. Last year, it was one of many new spending measures ultimately cut out of the final budget in light of plummeting state revenue projections.

This year, projections are stronger, enabling lawmakers to propose pay raises, capital projects and other new items. OBannon said hes optimistic about the chances of pushing through the compensation fund, although he noted it still must pass muster with the Senate, where the issue hasnt received as much attention and is not part of the chambers budget proposal.

I think part of the challenge is going to be getting them up to speed on this issue, but Im hopeful we will be able to do that, he said.

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General Assembly may finally move on Virginia eugenics reparations