Gov. Spanberger's State of the Commonwealth Recap
FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR T. TRAVIS HACKWORTH
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It has been another busy week in Richmond, and I wanted to share a few
key updates to keep you informed about what’s happening during this
Legislative Session. We had visits from our constituents in the 5th
Senate District this week that included members of 4-H and FFA clubs
from Tazewell, Smyth, Wythe, Bland, Giles and Amelia counties. Our
Commonwealth’s future in Agriculture is very bright with these young
people who are learning to be leaders. We also had visitors from the
Construction Contractors Association, Pharmacists, Child Care
Providers, VCOM students from Blacksburg, and students who attend the
Buckeye Hollow Homeschool in Smyth County. _FFA and 4-H members are
pictured below._
GOVERNOR SPANBERGER'S STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH
On Monday evening, Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered her first
State of the Commonwealth address. While the speech included
bipartisan language and messaging, the policies being advanced by the
Governor and Democratic leadership in the House and Senate tell a very
different story. DESPITE CLAIMS OF AFFORDABILITY, THE AGENDA MOVING
FORWARD AMOUNTS TO A “HOAX” AND A “CON JOB” FOR WORKING
VIRGINIA FAMILIES.
REPUBLICAN RESPONSE
Senator Glen Sturtevant delivered the Republican response to the
Governor’s address, laying out a clear and responsible alternative
focused on real affordability. HE HIGHLIGHTED REPUBLICAN PRIORITIES,
INCLUDING_:_
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Repealing the car tax
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Eliminating taxes on groceries, tips, and overtime
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Preserving the expanded standard deduction
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Removing Virginia from costly and ineffective energy programs
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RGGI: HIGHER ENERGY COSTS AHEAD
Also on Monday, Governor Spanberger announced that Virginia will
rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) — EFFECTIVELY
A TAX ON ELECTRICITY. This decision will cost Virginians an estimated
$500 million collectively and INCREASE THE AVERAGE FAMILY’S ANNUAL
POWER BILL THOUSANDS OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS!
DEMOCRATS BLOCK AFFORDABLE TAX RELIEF
On Tuesday, Senate Democrats voted down several Republican bills aimed
at lowering costs for Virginia families:
SB 7 and SB 9 (Sen. Suetterlein) would have preserved the
increased standard deduction and eliminated the remaining tax on tips,
saving families $600 annually and reducing grocery bills.
SB 143 (Sen. McDougle) would have eliminated the tax on overtime,
saving workers additional money each year.
In just one hour, Democrats blocked $365 in annual tax relief for the
average working Virginia family.
CRIME LEGISLATION
This week, Democrat Delegate Cousins introduced HB 863, which would
eliminate mandatory minimum penalties for serious offenses, including
violations of protective orders, rape, distributing or creating child
pornography, firearm use in the commission of a felony, and aggravated
assault — including assaults on police officers, firefighters, and
judges. Once again, Democrats are prioritizing policies that make our
communities less safe and life harder for law-abiding Virginians.
NEW TAX-AND-SPEND PROPOSALS
Democrats also introduced new legislation that would IMPOSE TAXES ON
EVERYDAY SERVICES, including recreation, counseling, dry cleaning,
home repairs, landscaping, cleaning services, vehicle repairs, storage
units, shipping services, travel planning, and digital personal
property. These proposals would make daily life more expensive for
families across the Commonwealth.
CAUCUS PRESS CONFERENCE
On Thursday morning, Senate Republicans held a press conference
calling attention to the rising costs Democrats want to impose on
Virginia families. While Democrats pursue tax-and-spend policies and
put criminals ahead of law-abiding citizens, Senate Republicans are
focused on affordability.
RECAP:
As Virginians prepare for a historic and potentially dangerous winter
storm, Republicans are working to REPEAL RGGI and REPEAL THE VIRGINIA
CLEAN ECONOMY ACT, which together could _save families up to $3,000 in
energy costs_ over the next ten years.
I will continue to fight for policies that make Virginia more
affordable, safer, and stronger! Thank you for staying engaged, and I
look forward to keeping you updated as the Session moves forward.
Sincerely,
Senator Travis Hackworth
Virginia State Senator, District 5
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Richlands, VA 24641
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