Email from Senate of Virginia Partisan Roadblocks To Tax Relief Partisan Roadblocks To Tax Relief   Greetings, Last week, I mentioned how fortunate we are to have a Republican governor, someone who consistently uses logical and conservative principles to guide our state. Imagine the progress we could make if our legislature shared those same values: fewer burdensome regulations, smarter spending, and a greater focus on individual freedom. With a more balanced or conservative legislature, many of the common-sense bills that are currently blocked could become law, improving life for hardworking families across our state. With tax season in mind, I’ll be focusing on tax policy, highlighting proposals that would have eased the burden on families and supported small businesses, but were shot down by the other side for purely partisan reasons.   The first bill I was surprised that was not passed was SB 763, which would have gotten rid of taxes on tips collected. Eliminating taxes on tips is a policy that puts more money directly into the pockets of hardworking service industry employees, many of whom rely on tips to make ends meet. These workers have already earned that money through great service, and taxing their tips just adds another burden to an already demanding job. By removing taxes on tips, we reward work ethic, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and support a key part of our local economy. It’s a simple, fair way to help thousands of people who often live paycheck to paycheck, and it’s the kind of practical policy we should all be able to get behind. Another common-sense tax policy was the introduction of a permanent standard deduction. As it stands, the standard deduction introduced by Governor Youngkin in his first term is not permanent. We have seen in the past four years how the standard deduction is one of the most effective tools we have to support working-class families. It simplifies the tax process and allows families to keep more of what they earn without jumping through complicated hoops or hiring expensive tax professionals. By reducing the amount of income that’s subject to taxation, the standard deduction provides real, tangible relief, especially for those living on tight budgets. It’s a straightforward way to ease the tax burden, encourage upward mobility, and ensure families have more money for essentials like groceries, gas, and childcare. It's simple, you earned the money, you should be able to keep it and not have it wasted on endless government programs. Unfortunately, this piece of legislation was not passed and will unlikely be passed again until we change the makeup of the General Assembly. The final tax bill I’d like to highlight is SB 1443, which would have provided an income tax credit specifically aimed at helping middle- to low-income taxpayers cover the personal property tax on vehicles. While the credit ranged from $150 to $300, that amount could have made a meaningful difference for families needing to purchase or replace a vehicle, especially at a time when car prices and living costs are high. This bill was a practical, targeted approach to delivering real relief to working people, but unfortunately, it was blocked like so many other sensible proposals. It would have helped ease the financial strain for those who rely on their vehicles to get to work, school, or care for their families. Once again, a smart, focused solution was rejected. These three tax proposals - eliminating taxes on tips, making the standard deduction permanent, and offering a tax credit for vehicle property taxes - were all designed with one goal in mind: to give hardworking Virginians a break. Each represented a thoughtful, targeted approach to tax relief that would have made a real difference in the daily lives of working families. The fact that these bills were blocked not because they lacked merit, but because of partisan politics, is deeply frustrating. It’s clear that until we change the makeup of the General Assembly, pro-taxpayer policies will continue to be stopped in their tracks. I’ll keep fighting for these reforms, and for a legislature that puts people over politics. My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected]   For the Virginia Cooperative Extension office Central District Newsletter, Click Below! CLICK HERE   Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) were created to streamline prescription drug access and reduce costs for patients, but they’ve become powerful gatekeepers, operating without transparency or accountability. When the same companies that negotiate drug prices also own the pharmacies dispensing those drugs, it creates a clear conflict of interest—one that exploits consumers and jeopardizes independent pharmacies. It’s time for Congress to help restore balance to the prescription drug marketplace. Virginians, and Americans, deserve better. - Jason Miyares Link To Article For more information, call 434-392-2111 or email [email protected] I am outraged by the recent arson attack targeting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family. Political violence will never be tolerated. Not in Pennsylvania, not in Virginia, not anywhere across this nation! Link To Article The Bailey Center for Special Needs – Going Beyond Boundaries is hosting a Resource Fair, and YOU’RE INVITED! Date: May 13, 2025 Time: 3:30 – 6:30 PM Location: The Bailey Center for Special Needs – South Hill, VA This is a free event for families, caregivers, educators, and professionals to connect with local organizations and discover resources that support individuals with special needs. Explore therapy services, job training, advocacy resources, assistive tech, legal and educational support, and more! Tables & activities Sensory-friendly environment Great info, giveaways, and community connections! Sign Up Here Preventing child abuse starts with providing stability, guidance, and care to all children. The Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG) offers safe housing, education, and mental health support to help children heal from trauma and build a brighter future. Click Here DONATE Email Us P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 (434) 374 5129 Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Senator Tammy Mulchi | P.O. 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