Email from Senator Tammy Mulchi New Year, New Laws New Year, New Laws Greetings, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I wanted to take a moment and outline some of the new laws in Virginia that will go into effect on January 1, 2026. A wave of new laws in Virginia is set to take effect in the New Year, and several can impact your life and your wallet. Some changes Virginians will see are to the state’s minimum wage, social media limits for teenagers and breast cancer testing when the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2026.   *Minimum wage increase Virginia’s minimum wage will increase to $12.77 starting Jan. 1, 2026. This reflects a 36-cent increase from the current minimum wage rate of $12.41. Per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, tipped employees must be paid $2.13 an hour, but their total earnings — including wages and tips — must meet the minimum wage rate. *Social media limits for minors Children under the age of 16 will be restricted to one hour per day per social media platform starting Jan. 1, 2026. The legislation was signed earlier this year by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. It requires platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Pinterest and X to enforce the limit through default settings. Parents will have the option to adjust those limits. *Breast cancer testing Breast cancer testing will be more affordable in Virginia beginning in 2026. New legislation signed into law earlier this year will prohibit health insurance companies from charging patients co-pays, deductibles or any other fees for breast cancer testing, such as mammograms, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and breast ultrasounds. *Baby food protection Manufacturers will be required to test toxic heavy metals in a baby food product in accordance with the limit established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consumers must also report the product to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services if they believe the product being sold exceeds the FDA limits. Manufacturers must also disclose toxic heavy metals on their website and on the product.  *Telephone solicitations by text message The Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act will allow anyone receiving a telephone solicitation via text messages to request not to receive such messages. Text recipients can simply reply with “UNSUBSCRIBE” or “STOP,” and the solicitors would have to honor the requests to unsubscribe for at least 10 years. *Unemployment compensation The new bill will increase unemployment claims beginning in the New Year. Claims effective on or after Jan. 1, 2026, will be $52 higher than the current weekly benefit amounts. *Itemized bill in traffic, criminal cases Anyone convicted of a traffic violation or a crime in Virginia and has to pay fines, restitution or other costs may require the court clerk to provide an itemized bill. The bill will include an updated statement of the outstanding balances — meaning the amount you owe — and your payment history if requested. The defendant can request the bill in writing or online. I wish each of you a joyous and prosperous New Year. 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 $6.2 Million in Growth and Opportunity Virginia Grants Advancing regional economic growth and workforce opportunity Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced $6.2 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants for 10 projects that advance Virginia’s economic competitiveness through innovation, workforce development, and strategic industry growth. The awarded projects will leverage an additional $4 million in investment. “GO Virginia continues to be a catalyst for innovation and opportunity across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginia is stronger than ever, but we have to keep going. By investing $6.2 million in these projects, we are strengthening Virginia’s workforce, advancing key strategic industries, and keeping Virginia competitive for years to come.” The latest round of projects includes investments in aviation maintenance training, industrial trades expansion, talent pathways in emerging technology sectors, regional innovation ecosystems and long-term strategic planning to position regions for transformational industry opportunities. Several projects also leverage partnerships with school divisions, community colleges, and research universities to ensure their graduates’ skills align with emerging industry needs and Virginians can access high-quality pathways to higher-wage careers. “Across the Commonwealth, we see alignment in support of stronger talent pipelines, commercialization activity, and the development of competitive sites,” said Emily O’Quinn, Chair of the GO Virginia State Board. “This kind of regional collaboration is the key to new jobs and more economic opportunities.” Since 2022, GO Virginia has played a pivotal role in creating 1,100 new businesses, expanding another 1,100 businesses, and generating 25,000 jobs by fostering innovation, workforce development, and industry growth across 131 localities across the Commonwealth. GO Virginia has supported 147 projects, awarding $72 million in state funding and leveraging $61 million in matching non-state investments. In addition to creating new jobs and businesses, these investments have retained 12,500 jobs and launched 125 new programs that have trained 45,000 Virginians. To learn more about how GO Virginia continues to fuel economic progress across the Commonwealth, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/gova. Implementation Grant Applications Industrial Skills Trades Regional Expansion | $1,346,786 Region 3: Counties of Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward, City of Danville This regional initiative expands industrial skills trades training across Southern Virginia through partnership with Danville Community College (DCC) and Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC). The project will deliver industry-aligned programs in electrical, carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, and industrial maintenance. Danville Aviation Training Facility | $92,000 Region 3: Counties of Halifax, Mecklenburg, and Pittsylvania; City of Danville The Danville Aviation Training Facility will support the aviation training center at the Danville Regional Airport and advance aviation maintenance education in Southern Virginia. Through partnerships with Danville Community College, Averett University and Danville City Public Schools, the project aims to expand the region’s pipeline for skilled aviation technicians and build on growing activity at the Danville Regional Airport. Planning, Feasibility, and Small-Scale Pilot Grant Applications Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor Vision 2050 | $250,000 Regions 3 (Lead) and 2: Counties of Franklin, Botetourt, Montgomery, Henry, and Pittsylvania; Cities of Martinsville and Danville The Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor Vision 2050 project will develop a regional strategy to guide long-term economic growth across Regions 2 and 3. Led by Region 3, the study will produce strategic recommendations across seven focus areas, including advanced manufacturing, life sciences and biotechnology, IT and emerging technology, infrastructure investment priorities, a funding roadmap and a governance model to support implementation. Vision 2050 is intended to position the corridor for coordinated investment, competitiveness, and cluster scale-up over the next 25 years. Applications Now Open for the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI)! VRLI is a groundbreaking initiative by the Virginia Rural Center, and it is the only program in the Commonwealth dedicated to retaining and attracting rural Virginians. VRLI fosters the development of innovative, responsible, and civic-minded leaders who can strengthen regional communities. Applications are due by February 13th. For more details, visit cfrv.org/vrli Through four comprehensive sessions, VRLI Cohort Members will gain essential leadership and economic development skills, empowering them to drive long-term economic growth in their communities and regions. The program also promotes enhanced cooperation, collaboration, and coordination across a diverse range of organizations and sectors. Interested individuals can apply directly through this link, and if you know someone who would be a great fit, you can refer them here! For any questions, feel free to contact the Virginia Rural Center team at [email protected]. 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