Over the next month, I will focus on four key topics that I believe will ultimately decide this election: education, crime and immigration, tax reform, and Green New Deal policies. This week, I’ll begin with

the issue that strikes closest to home for every family in Southside Virginia—education.

The Youngkin–Sears administration has made significant progress in education funding. Under the Governor’s proposed amendments for the upcoming budget year, an additional $50 million will be

directed to school construction grants and loans, bringing the total to $610 million. Overall, direct aid to public education will rise by nearly half a billion dollars—$452.6 million above the current budget and $166.1 million more than the introduced budget.

Since the pandemic, spending per student has increased by 53%. These numbers are not just figures on a spreadsheet—they translate into modernized classrooms, improved resources for teachers, and learning environments that prepare our students for success. Strong schools build strong communities, and these investments demonstrate a real commitment to our children’s future. Since taking office, Governor Glenn Youngkin has made parental rights the cornerstone of his education agenda. Winsome Sears, if elected, will continue this focus. Their administration has taken deliberate steps to ensure that parents are empowered and actively engaged in their children's education.

They required schools to notify parents about incidents such as drug overdoses and sexually explicit instructional material. They made mask-wearing optional in classrooms. They passed legislation giving parents the right to review curriculum content and opt their children out of material deemed sexually explicit. In addition, they created a tip line for parents to report divisive practices in schools and signed an executive order banning the teaching of critical race theory in public instruction and training.

These actions give parents a stronger voice in their children’s education and restore trust between families and schools. For too long, bureaucrats and special interests pushed parents to the sidelines—this administration has worked to put students and families back at the center of education.

Another major education issue is fairness in girls’ sports and privacy in school facilities. As many of you know, I introduced legislation in 2024 and 2025 to ensure that biological males are not allowed to compete in girls’ sports or access girls’ locker rooms. Every Democrat on the committee voted against it.

This is not a matter of politics—it’s a matter of fairness, privacy, and safety. Girls deserve the right to compete on a level playing field and to use facilities without feeling unsafe or uncomfortable. Republicans are united on this issue because we know that protecting our daughters should never take a

backseat to political ideology.

Education is just one piece of the larger fight to defend our values and shape Virginia’s future. This year’s election will determine not only what happens in our children’s

classrooms but also the direction

of our economy and the safety of our communities.

The Democrats have made their position clear: they stand with bureaucrats and ideology, not with parents, families, or students. We must respond just as clearly—by voting.

Early voting has already begun. Don’t wait until November. Cast your ballot now, encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same, and pray for our elections. Together, we can send a message loud and clear: Southside Virginia will stand firm for our values and fight for our future.

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]