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]