Friend,

Have you been watching what has been happening in the General Assembly?

You haven't?

Well, we are here to tell you what has been going on.

Senate Bill 1 would increases the minimum wage from the current rate of $12.00 per hour to $13.50 per hour effective January 1, 2025, and to $15.00 per hour effective January 1, 2026 passed out of the Commerce and Labor Committee on a party line vote, and is headed to the Finance and Appropriations Committee.

Interestingly, Senator Lucas who not only introduced the bill, but also Chairs the Finance and Appropriations Committee threatened the Governor suggesting the Democrats would no longer cooperate with Governor Youngkin if he does not sign her Minimum Wage Bill into law. This was quite a surprise to the Rally ladies! After all, when have the Democrats worked with Republicans in the last two years anyway?

Senate Bill 3, introduced by Senator Stuart would repeal the State Air Pollution Control Board’s authority to implement low-emission/zero-emission vehicle standards for vehicle models 2025 and later failed on a party line vote in an Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources sub-committee. The bill sought to reclaim legislative authority from California law, as VA was tied to their emissions standards and regulations back in 2021.

Delegate Mike Cherry's legislation in HB 226 would allow collecting officers of localities to enter into an installment agreement (for up to 72 months) with a taxpayer with omitted taxes that were government error. The bill had bi-partisan support and reported out of the Finance Committee (20-1) with only Delegate Mundon-King (D) voting Nay. Once the bill hit the floor of the House; however, it was referred to the committee on Rules where it will meet its demise. The bill was referred to the Committee on Rules, because Delegate Cherry asked a probing question of a Democrat delegate in a Health and Human Services subcommittee, and the Democrats decided they needed to teach Delegate Cherry a lesson. Ultimately, the decision to play games with Delegate Cherry will hurt our most vulnerable citizens who cannot afford to pay such hefty tax bills in one lump sum.

The Virginia Senate advanced a bill this week that would ban individuals who are convicted of felony animal abuse from owning an animal for the rest of their lives. Senate Bill 11 was introduced by Senator Favola, and her bill is headed to the House with bi-partisan support and only Senator Reeves (R) voting Nay.

Delegate Sullivan's HB 644 would make it permissive for localities to ban or regulate gas powered leaf blowers.

Yes, you heard that right! The need to ban gas-powered leaf blowers is one of the most serious issues facing the Commonwealth. After all, they are bad for our mental and physical health. Not to mention, gas powered leaf blowers are racist!

The bill passed out of the Counties, Cities, and Towns Committee on a party line vote; however, once the bill was on the floor of the House it was sent back to the Counties, Cities, and Towns Committee where it will most likely die. THANK GOD!

Well, that's it for insights for now, but be sure to sign up for our latest updates from the General Assembly with the link below.

Strengthening our Commonwealth!

RALLY VIRGINIA

LEADERSHIP TEAM

RALLY VIRGINIA and our powerful network of women influence Virginia politics. We are committed to identifying and electing qualified candidates who align with our core principles, and we hold leaders accountable for their promises to their constituents.