RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered his State of the Commonwealth address on Monday.
The General Assembly convened their 2025 session on Wednesday — however, the water crisis in Richmond forced lawmakers to take a recess until Monday.
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Youngkin announced his policy agenda to the legislative body. Last week, Attorney General Jason Miyares indicated the governor's goals by endorsing 11 bills and resolutions.
Both chambers of the General Assembly are controlled by Virginia Democrats, but their majority is razor thin.
- State Senate: 21 Democrats, 19 Republicans.
- House of Delegates: 51 Democrats, 49 Republicans.
Bipartisanship was a goal Youngkin outlined to the General Assembly.
Key points from the address:
- The governor proposed $5 million to fund Virginia Opportunity Scholarships for low-income families. This will give $5,000 to 10,000 impacted households.
- Youngkin touted the job growth under his administration. He says 257,000 more Virginians are working since Jan. 2022.
- Relief for car taxes and the complete removal of taxes on tips were endorsed by Youngkin.
- Youngkin wants to double Virginia's power generation in the next 10 years, he said building more natural gas power plants will help achieve this goal — renewable resources were dismissed as inefficient to meet the target.
- Urged the General Assembly to back his child care reform bill, which focuses on improving facilities in areas with limited access to child care.
- Reaffirmed his anti-retail marijuana stance, claims its usage is linked to gang activity and car collisions.
- Promoted Operation Ceasefire, an initiative aimed at policing high-crime neighborhoods. Youngkin touted the recent seizures of illegal guns and drugs.
- Youngkin wants to make flying a drone over a critical infrastructure a class 4 felony.
- The governor endorsed the establishment of a disaster assistance fund to help those impacted by hurricane damages in Southwest Virginia.
