It was a week with highlights and lowlights. Governor Youngkin delivered his State of the Commonwealth speech on Monday morning, setting the tone for the remaining days of Session. Republicans are focused on tax cuts that will help hard working families, especially those in the middle class. We want to minimize the car tax and end the income tax on tips for service workers. The Governor laid out a fantastic conservative agenda, and I’m happy to be working with him to make it happen.
Monday’s meeting also set in motion votes on constitutional amendments, and unfortunately, Democrats had the votes to advance two extreme proposals. House Joint Resolution 1 begins the process of amending the Constitution of Virginia to enshrine an undefined “right to reproductive freedom.” This opens the door to unlimited abortion. It would also end our parental consent laws, leaving our daughters without their parents as they try to make life-changing decisions.
Our entire GOP team voted to stop this abomination. I’m hopeful that we can do more to stop it, but without 51 votes, that’s a tall order. Nonetheless, we will keep working.
Democrats also passed House Joint Resolution 2, which would restore the voting rights of all felons in Virginia as soon as they’re released from prison. No fines, no fees, and no restitution need be paid. They need not even finish their probation. There is room to change the way we bring felons back into society, but this is not it.
My staff and I continue to monitor these proposed amendments and will update you as we learn more. We also continue to work on amendments to the biennial state budget. Governor Youngkin’s presented plan is a good place to start, but I am working to make a few changes that represent our local priorities. First, I am proposing additional funding to the area around Greenwood Elementary to improve safety on the surrounding roads. I am also requesting funding for repairs near the intersection of Shawnee and Valley Avenue in the City of Winchester.
