Email from Senate of Virginia Protect Virginia's Right To Work Protect Virginia's Right To Work   Greetings, This week, I am continuing my discussion about the importance of this November’s election. We all know the hot-button issues that will be discussed ad nauseam until then. I want to discuss a lesser-known but equally important issue: Virginia's Right to Work Law. What is this crucial law, how does it help Virginia’s economy, and why is it so important?   “Right to Work” has a long history here in Virginia. We were the first in the entire country to pass it. Right to Work means that in a job setting, as a worker, you are not forced to join a union. Under this law, Virginia workers are not mandated to join a workforce union as a condition of employment. In other areas of the nation, if you want to work in a manufacturing plant, you must first join a union. This means paying union dues and being required to support something you may not agree with. Why is this right so important? How does it help our Commonwealth? There are three main reasons: it encourages manufacturing jobs, it promotes business competition that benefits workers, and we move closer to the socialization of Virginia’s economy under a repeal of Virginia’s Right to Work law. Virginia has been working to bring manufacturing jobs back to our state. We’ve had great success in recent years for many reasons, chief among them being our Right to Work law. That success is shown right here in Southside Virginia, in factories such as Hitachi and the new Microporous plant being developed in Danville. Manufacturers are drawn to the Commonwealth because they do not have to navigate the burden of strong unions that often stifle innovation and productivity. As a result, these plants bring good-paying jobs and contribute to economic growth. A second benefit of preserving Virginia’s Right to Work law is that it fosters small business creation and encourages innovation. When businesses are hampered by union restrictions, they struggle to compete, wages stagnate, and prices stay high. Right to Work allows the free market to operate efficiently. Virginia is living proof of its success; we are currently ranked number one in the country for business. We must maintain that status. Finally, repealing Right to Work would set us on a path toward the socialization of Virginia’s economy. This is a dangerous precedent. Our free-market system and labor laws have been key to our economic strength. States like New York, which do not have Right to Work protections, have not seen the same manufacturing resurgence that Virginia has, which is no coincidence. Why is Right to Work such an important issue in this election? Surely, the other side can recognize its importance given its long-standing history and positive impact on our economy. Unfortunately, that is not the case with the other side of the aisle. All six Democratic candidates for Lieutenant Governor have said they would support repealing the Right to Work law. They want unions to have a significant say in our economy, which would undo the progress we have made in Virginia to be the top job-creating area in the nation. In the past, moderate Democrats understood that repealing Right to Work was a bad idea, further establishing just how radical the other side of the aisle has become. There is only one party and one ticket that will protect Virginia's Right to Work, and I hope people realize that under Virginia's Republican leadership, our Commonwealth will continue to grow. 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]   We are ready to FIGHT and WIN this November!   Addressing the Lawyer Shortage in Rural Virginia  A big challenge facing rural Virginia is the critical shortage of attorneys. Our region is considered a legal desert, making it harder for citizens to access the legal help they need. Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Nash of Mecklenburg County approached me with an initiative to tackle this issue, and together, we’ve launched a Legal Access Rural Task Force focused on recruitment and retention of qualified attorneys in our rural communities. We’re partnering with fellow legislators, attorneys, and law schools to strengthen the pipeline for young legal professionals and address the growing gap left by a wave of upcoming retirements in the field. In every area of rural Virginia I’ve looked at, whether through my role as Senator or through my nonprofit work helping domestic violence victims, the pattern is the same: There are critical shortages across the board, and this effort is just the beginning of the work that needs to be done. This task force is a step in the right direction, and I’m committed to continuing the work, one service gap at a time, to ensure every Virginian, no matter where they live, has access to the resources they deserve. Grateful to be re-elected as Vice Chair of the Small Business Commission. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and as a small business owner, I’m proud to help shape policies that support their success. Empower Broadband has opened a NEW zone in Mecklenburg County. Congratulations to those gaining access to 100% fiber internet in the highlighted area! With the opening of this zone, EMPOWER can now offer broadband services to more homes and businesses in the areas below: • Mecklenburg County – along Tabernacle Rd, Love Town Rd, Pooles Mill Rd and Bowens Rd. If you live in any of the areas listed, check availability today at www.empowermec.net. For questions or further assistance, give us a call at 877-RURALBB. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO Educators: Bring Hands-On Innovation to Your Classroom The Tech Lending Library at SOVA RISE Collaborative gives educators free access to modern technology tools that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and active learning. Check out equipment to enrich your lessons, inspire curiosity, and engage students in exciting, new ways. Explore Available Tools Grandparents Raising Grandchildren? You are not alone. Join Southside Behavioral Health for a NEW weekly support group starting September 3rd in Boydton, VA. The support group will meet every Wednesday from 11:00am - 12:00pm. You can join in at any time! Connect, share, and find strength with others on a similar journey. Hosted by SBH Children and Family Services. Register Here Veteran entrepreneurs: Connect with resources to help you grow your business. More Information 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. Box 145 | Clarksville, VA 23927 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice