Email from Senator Tammy Mulchi Elections Have Consequences Part Two Elections Have Consequences Part Two Greetings, I told you in last week's newsletter that elections have consequences, and that we were likely to see a tsunami of destructive Democrat policies that will make our Commonwealth less safe and increase the cost of living. Well, that didn’t take long. November 17 was the first day 2026 legislation could be filed with the respective Clerks for consideration during the session, which begins January 14. House and Senate Democrats wasted zero time in confirming what I knew was coming. Liberal progressive, job-killing bills.   The first bills introduced are House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1, which, if passed, will increase Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028. Businesses, especially in retail and food services, may face higher labor costs, leading to price increases, hiring freezes, benefit reductions, or layoffs. Governor Youngkin vetoed these bills in the last few years. The newly elected liberal Governor will sign these bills if they arrive at her desk. Elections have consequences. Also introduced are House Bill 5 and Senate Bill 2. These bills propose paid family medical leave. Yet another progressive policy that will place an undue burden on businesses, leading to increased operational costs. In past years, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Retail Federation, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and other key business associations have opposed this policy. Spanberger supports this policy, but Youngkin has repeatedly vetoed these bills. Elections have consequences. Very disturbing to me is Senate Bill 32, which proposes repealing Virginia’s right-to-work law, which currently prevents employers from requiring employees to join a union or pay dues. Unions can form and bargain, but can't mandate membership or fees for all workers. No worker should be compelled to join a union or pay dues as a condition of having a job and earning an income to feed their families. I am strongly opposed to this bill and will vote against it. As a candidate, Spanberger stated to the press, “I support our strong Virginia economy, but no, I don’t support a full repeal of our current right-to-work statute.” It is important to ensure she keeps her promise not to approve the repeal of the right-to-work law. Elections have consequences. It is ironic that during the 2025 election cycle, Democrats promised to make Virginia more affordable, but the new proposals likely to pass appear to raise costs instead. These are but a few examples of progressive legislation that, if passed and signed by the incoming Governor, will harm our small businesses and increase financial burdens on citizens across our great Commonwealth. Next week, I will share details of other harmful legislation being put forward with you. As Thanksgiving approaches, let's reflect on our blessings, including family, friends, health, and happiness. Take a moment to appreciate those who serve our nation and communities, especially the armed forces and first responders who may be away from their families on Thanksgiving Day. I'm thankful for my faith, which guides me daily, my family, and the pride my loved ones bring. It is an honor to serve the 9th Senate District, and I look forward to continuing to be your voice in Richmond. From my family to yours, I wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving with those close to you as we reflect on our shared gratitude. I leave you with this verse, Psalm 107:1: "O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever". Happy Thanksgiving! As always, my staff and I are 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]   Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Federal Approval of Virginia’s BEAD Final Proposal Virginia’s Final Proposal, approved today by the Department of Commerce, will fund broadband projects for all remaining unserved homes and businesses in the Commonwealth. Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced that the Commonwealth’s Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal has received final approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA), according to an announcement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Assistant Secretary for Communications and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. When Governor Youngkin took office in 2022, more than 430,000 Virginians lacked access to broadband infrastructure. Virginia has connected three times more homes than any other state, and the remaining 133,000 unserved homes, with this approval, all of these locations have broadband projects underway. Approval of Virginia’s BEAD Final Proposal represents the last step of bringing broadband service to every Virginian, a monumental milestone in the Governor’s mission to achieve universal broadband access in Virginia. “Since the very beginning of our administration, connecting every Virginia home and business to reliable, high-speed internet has been a top priority,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This approval clears the way for us to keep this promise, with a funded broadband project for every unserved home and business in the Commonwealth. Virginia continues to be a national leader in broadband expansion and will be one of the first states in the nation to reach universal broadband access. We offer a tremendous thank you to Secretary Lutnick and Administrator Roth for their leadership in delivering this critical funding while saving taxpayer dollars.” By approving the Final Proposal, NTIA has authorized Virginia to proceed with over $545 million in BEAD awards to 23 internet service providers to extend broadband infrastructure to more than 133,000 remaining unserved homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions across the Commonwealth. The selected awardees will deploy an array of technologies and leverage nearly $430 million in private dollars to provide service to the last remaining unserved homes in the Commonwealth. Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)’s Office of Broadband developed the Final Proposal and will administer the BEAD program. Through the streamlined “Benefit of the Bargain” grant application process, DHCD was able to reach every unserved home and business and employ cost-effective technology alternatives where feasible, saving taxpayers more than $250 million. “We’re thrilled to announce the approval of Virginia’s BEAD Final Proposal,” said NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. “Virginia’s broadband office has shown real leadership—embracing a mix of technologies while working with private partners to deliver nearly a billion dollars in savings. We look forward to seeing universal connectivity become a reality across the Commonwealth.” “This approval is a critical milestone in Virginia’s broadband expansion efforts. Achieving universal broadband access will foster economic growth, strengthen public safety, and improve access to education and healthcare across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce & Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “Broadband access is essential for effective participation in modern economy and society. Virginia’s BEAD Final Proposal is the last piece of the puzzle for bringing high-speed, reliable broadband access to every Virginian,” said Department of Housing & Community Development Director Maggie Beal. More information on Virginia’s Final Proposal, including information on awarded projects, can be found at dhcd.virginia.gov/bead. Visit SoSi: Click here to Register Now! Customer Service / Tourism Insider Training Since Day One, we’ve gone to work streamlining regulations and reducing the regulatory cost of bureaucracy to make Virginia more affordable. We started with a 25% streamlining goal, and as of November 2025, we have streamlined over 35% of Virginia’s regulations. The ongoing reductions in the cost of bureaucracy add up — whether it’s lowering the cost of new home construction by $24,000 or reducing the requirements licensed professionals face to start their careers. Our steady focus on reducing regulatory burdens over the years now yields $1.4 billion per year in reduced cost of bureaucracy for Virginia businesses and citizens. Virginia Council on Women’s 15th Annual High School Essay Contest The contest is a scholarship opportunity for high school females pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and healthcare Governor Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, and the Virginia Council on Women today announced the 15th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Healthcare essay contest and encourage female high school students to enter. Applications and guidelines are available online here. The contest is open to Virginia women in their senior year of high school who hold at least a 3.0 GPA. Entries must be submitted by Friday, January 30, 2026. Essays will be judged by a panel of Council members and individuals who represent STEAM-H fields. Winners will be notified in March 2026. The scholarship awards will be presented in the spring of 2026. In 2012, the Virginia Council on Women held the first STEM Essay Contest to award scholarships to high school students who want to pursue a STEM career. The Council has awarded over $255,000 in scholarships during the fourteen years the contest has been held. The STEM Essay contest has expanded to the STEAM-H contest to encompass more career opportunities for women and assist them in scholarship opportunities. “For 15 years, the Virginia Council on Women's STEAM-H Essay Contest has been opening doors for young women across the Commonwealth,” said Cherry Dale, Chair of the Virginia Council on Women. “Through this scholarship program, we're not only providing needed financial support, we're also affirming to young women that their contributions to these critical fields are essential to our shared success. Every essay we receive represents a bright mind ready to embrace challenge, pursue opportunity, and inspire the next generation of women leaders. Ensuring women have the resources and support they need to pursue rewarding careers in STEAM-H fields will help shape a brighter future for the Commonwealth and the world.” The Council will award scholarships to qualifying high school seniors who plan to pursue a STEAM-H career at a community college, four-year college or university, trade or technical school, online, and/or through certificated STEAM-H oriented courses. The 15th annual contest will award one merit-based and one need-based scholarship in each of five geographic regions across the Commonwealth. Merit-based scholarships will be awarded based on the quality of the essay submitted. Need-based scholarships will be awarded based on the quality of the essay submitted and the individual’s self-identified financial need. Award amounts may vary and are determined by the Council annually. The purpose of the Virginia Council on Women is to identify ways in which women can reach their full potential and make their full contribution to society and the Commonwealth. The Council has initiated several projects to meet this goal, including the annual STEAM-H Essay Contest for high school seniors. Find additional information about the Council and available sponsorship opportunities here: www.women.virginia.gov. HALIFAX TOURISM LAUNCHES “I AM TOURISM” AMBASSADOR PROGRAM The Halifax County Tourism Department has launched the “I Am Tourism” Ambassador Program. The program is a strategic initiative designed to elevate the visitor experience and strengthen local economic development significantly. The program transforms participants into experts, equipping them with an unparalleled, in-depth knowledge of Halifax County’s attractions, tourism resources, and the dining, lodging, and shopping options the community has to offer. “The goal of the program is to activate our frontline employees and engaged community members as the ultimate educators and advocates for everything wonderful about Halifax County,” said LaTonya Sadler Hamilton, Director of Tourism. “Tourism is the crucial first step in economic development. An engaged, informed community translates directly into longer visitor stays, higher spending, and powerful word-of-mouth recommendations.” The inaugural class, held in September, provided participants an exclusive deep dive into the region’s assets through interactive workshops, expert presentations, and a guided community tour. Graduates received an official “I Am Tourism” certificate, a distinguished lapel pin, and complimentary tickets to local attractions. This professional training is provided free of charge and is open to the public. “Being a part of “I Am Tourism” for Halifax County has reminded me that tourism is not only about the visitors—it’s about our community pride and spirit,” commented Malisa Vaughan, I Am Tourism Ambassador. “It has deepened my appreciation for our local history, culture, and the people that make Halifax County the hidden gem with so many rich stories to tell.” The “I Am Tourism” Ambassador Program is available as dynamic half-day sessions, held quarterly throughout the year. Space is limited. The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at The SOVA Innovation Hub. Interested parties may secure their spot in the next class by contacting the Halifax County Visitor Center at 434-572-2543 or by emailing: [email protected]. The Halifax County Department of Tourism serves the broader interests of Halifax County’s economy by promoting it as an attractive travel destination, supporting, maintaining, and expanding efforts to strengthen the economic position and provide opportunities for community members. DONATE Email Us P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 (434) 374 5129 Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Paid for and Authorized by Mulchi 4 Senate Senator Tammy Mulchi | P.O. Box 145 | Clarksville, VA 23927 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice