The new school year is here, summertime is coming to an end, and the November election is right around the corner. It's been another busy month working in the district on your behalf. In this email are a couple updates about what's going on in the 23rd District.
The 2023 Legislative Session is coming up soon and I want to hear from you about your priorities. I would love to know what legislation you would like to see worked on this year in the General Assembly. Please email me at wendell@wendellwalker.org with your ideas!
We are here to serve you! If you are having any issues with a state agency (DMV, Employment Commission, Veterans Services, etc.), please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
New Virginia Vehicle Regulations
In 2021, Democrats in Richmond tethered Virginia's vehicle emissions regulations to California. A recent California Air Resources Board vote resulted in the decision that 100% of new cars sold in California must be zero-emission or plug-in hybrid by 2035. This means that unless the General Assembly acts to repeal this ill-advised measure, it will be illegal to sell a new gasoline powered car in the Commonwealth by 2035.
While I voted against this massive government overreach, the bill still passed the Democrat-controlled General Assembly. This means that unelected officials in Sacramento are setting policy for Virginia on this issue.
Virginians did not vote on this and they have no voice in this. This is cost that Virginians should not have to bear. Rest assured that I will continue to fight to bring authority back from Sacramento to Richmond.
Richmond on the Road
Over the last couple weeks, I've had the chance to host two more of the Governor's Cabinet members in the 23rd District. On August 11th, Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera joined me in Lynchburg for a productive conversation about the future of K-12 and higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We had the chance to visit many of our local schools and meet with educators in the area.
On August 10th, I had the opportunity to join Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick for a workforce roundtable. With over 21 years of experience in workforce training for the Commonwealth and a member of the Board of Workforce Development, I know firsthand that developing a productive workforce is essential to jumpstarting our economy and getting Virginia’s economy thriving. I’m committed to working with Secretary Merrick and the Governor's administration to make sure we are doing everything we can to make it easier to do business and attract a quality workforce in the Commonwealth.
Joint Money Committee
On August 19th, I was up in Richmond for the House and Senate Joint Money Committee. Governor Youngkin announced that at nearly $2 billion above projections, his administration intends to seek $400 million in a new taxpayer relief fund for Virginia residents in the 2023 proposed budget. The primary goal being to assist families and small businesses across the Commonwealth that are still struggling with record high inflation.
A financial review given by Secretary Cummings illustrated a growth of 36% in General Fund revenues since 2019, which was attributed to a better than expected rebound from the pandemic and structural changes to Virginia’s workforce. Secretary Cummings gave a few reasons for this: wage growth and changes in job mix, strong sales tax revenue from the reopening of the economy and growing corporate profitability.
The General Fund surplus will mostly be used to provide tax rebates for excess taxes paid by individuals in 2021. I look forward to working with my colleagues to put more money back to your pockets as soon as possible.
Running with Scissors
Over the last month, I've had the chance to join a couple new businesses as they officially cut the ribbon on their new business opportunity or location. Make sure to check out some of the new businesses we have in the area!
New Year, New Election, New Districts
Election Day is November 8th here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With redistricting, many of our Congressional representatives have changed and are running to represent new areas. Many of you will now reside in the 5th Congressional District. Find out your new district information here.
Early voting starts on September 23rd. You need to make sure to have a plan to vote this year in our Congressional and local elections. You can find your polling location here. Make sure to show up and VOTE RED this year.
Share Your Thoughts
I am truly grateful for your unwavering support and trust you have placed in me to represent our community in Richmond. I will never stop fighting for our great Commonwealth and its people. As always, if you have any questions about what is going on in Richmond, want to share a legislative idea, or would like me to know where you stand on a specific issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at wendell@wendellwalker.org.
Kind regards,
Delegate Wendell S. Walker 23rd House District
