John

As we near sine die of the 2026 General Assembly session—just one week away—Senate Republicans fight on for lower taxes, lower power bills, and lower violent crime across the Commonwealth.

This week, Governor Spanberger and Democrats rammed through their ‘unaffordable’ agenda while dodging tough questions on real public safety. Here's a recap of key developments.

Budget Update:
The budget is now in conference while the conferees work to create a budget from the passed House and Senate proposals.

MEMBERS WHO VOTED NO ON BUDGET:
Senate Democrats embedded numerous hidden tax schemes and unfunded mandates, such as forcing collective bargaining on local governments, removing tuition caps on colleges and universities, rejecting real tax cuts, and imposing stealth tax hikes like rejoining RGGI and a new hunting tax.

Shockingly, Democrats gave themselves a salary raise—nearly tripling it from $18,000 to $50,000 annually while offering hardworking teachers only a 2% increase and tabling bills for direct tax relief. Virginia Democrats, led by Governor Spanberger, continue to mislead Virginians about their unaffordable agenda. Senate Republicans will keep fighting for immediate tax relief and policies that put more money back in the pockets of working Virginians. Democrats initiatives provide only a small one-time rebate and modest standard deduction increase that fails to offset rising costs.

While there are some things that I approved of, the overall direction of this budget does not yet align with what I promised the voters of the 3rd district I would stand for. As a result, I voted NO on the latest budget proposal. I await the final bill that should be before us this week and hope that it will show signs of improvement..

Public Safety Update: Remembering Stephanie Minter
Senate Republicans held a caucus press conference Wednesday to blast Governor Spanberger's policies crippling local and state law enforcement. Democrats fled questions about the brutal stabbing death of Virginia mother Stephanie Nicole Minter, 41, of Fredericksburg, who was commuting home from work.

Minter was fatally stabbed at a Hybla Valley bus stop by illegal alien Abdul Jalloh, 32, with over 30 violent priors—including five malicious woundings—repeatedly released by Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano despite charges. Governor Spanberger’s political posturing on national issues robbed a single mother from her family and blocked true justice for this violent criminal.

Senate Republicans demand: Reverse course now, veto dozens of bills eroding cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement. In her media response, the Governor spouted political talking points without prayers or thoughts for Stephanie's memory or family.

This isn't politics—it's about shielding innocent, hardworking Virginia families from illegal violent criminals. Governor Spanberger must end her dangerous posturing and partisan slogans. Senate Republicans will demand transparency and accountability for Virginia families. They deserve safe neighborhoods. Stephanie Minter would be alive today without the careless actions of Fairfax County's Commonwealth’s Attorney and the Governor herself. You can see the Full Press Conference here:
[link removed]

Redistricting Update:
Early voting starts today, March 6th, for Governor Spanberger's partisan power grab—stripping power from voters to hand it to her liberal insider friends. Despite ongoing lawsuits, the referendum proceeds, with Election Day on April 21. If approved, it suspends the bipartisan redistricting commission, letting Democrats redraw congressional maps mid-decade into a 10-1 gerrymander favoring them.

VOTE NO on the Governor’s power grab. Under these rigged maps, millions of Virginians would be represented by liberals from Fairfax.

Head to your local registrar’s office or early voting location M-F during business hours and vote NO on this partisan scheme.

Affordability Agenda Highlights: What Democrats Blocked
Senate Republicans’ wallet-saving proposals would have delivered over $3,000 in direct tax and cost relief per family, but Democrats advanced policies adding $1,300–$4,000+ in annual burdens per worker. Here's what they rejected:
• Spanberger's "Affordability" is a Hoax — Democrats killed GOP bills providing over $3,000 in direct tax and cost relief per family, while advancing policies that add $1,300–$4,000+ in annual burdens per worker.

• Grocery Tax Repeal Blocked — Legislation to eliminate the grocery tax—saving shoppers hundreds— quietly axed, prioritizing special interests over everyday Virginians.

• No Taxes on Tips/Overtime Denied — We championed eliminating taxes on tips and overtime (worth $400+ in savings), but Spanberger's allies rejected it.

• Car Tax Repeal Killed — Efforts to repeal the burdensome car tax (over $1,000 in average family relief) were blocked, forcing continued payments amid soaring costs.

• Energy Affordability Sabotaged — Bills to repeal the Clean Economy Act (VCEA) and invest in reliable energy—protecting against $1,000+ annual power bill hikes—were killed (e.g., SB 772, SB 752). Democrats advanced hidden taxes via RGGI (~$500M/year) and billions in renewable mandates.

• New Payroll Tax Burden (SB 2) — Democrats pushed a forced payroll tax for Paid Family Leave, adding ~$520 in new tax a year (split between worker and employer with no cap.)

• Collective Bargaining Tax Explosion (SB 378) — Mandating collective bargaining risks 10–20% cost spikes, adding $400M+ biennially in places like Chesterfield and raising real estate taxes ~32% (~$1,139 extra per homeowner)—opposed even by some Democratic mayors and school leaders.

• Failed Leadership and Rigged Maps — Despite promises of bipartisanship, Governor Spanberger has been absent while Democrats rig redistricting maps to favor Fairfax over rural Virginia.
Constituent and Campus Visits
I was able to visit with Sarah Edgar, a student at Rockbridge County High School, presenting as a state winner in the National History Day competition (for the second year in a row) with her project on the taking of land for the development of Shenandoah National Park. Her work is exceptional and I look forward to seeing where she goes from here. Students like Sarah give me great hope for our future!

I had a great visit from Grace Christian School in Staunton. Another impressive group of young people that give me hope for our future.

The senior class members of the Fork Union Military Academy Debate Team stopped by, along with their coach Dr. Welch. I am a huge fan of this group as I serve on the Board of Trustees for FUMA, and my son is an alumnus of the school, and was State Champion for 2 years while a cadet. Full disclosure (not to be a too much of a proud parent) but he was their coach until the end of January when he left FUMA to come to work for me in my company. These cadets are exceptional young men who will become great leaders in the future.

I had the distinct honor of presenting a commending resolution from the Senate to my friend Joyce Williams, who is retiring as President of AARP Virginia. Joyce has given of herself tremendously to the both the youth of Virginia as a teacher and administrator and to the senior adults of the Commonwealth through her work with the LOA (Local Office on Aging) and AARP. It was an honor to be able to recognize her.

As always, my door is open. Please feel free to contact me by phone at 540.283.2839 or 804.698.7503 or email at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Chris Head
Senator, 3rd District

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