Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Youngkin Uses Final State of the Commonwealth to Defend Record, Urge Democrats Not to Undo Core Policies

Democrats signal revisions to his budget as Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger is sworn in Saturday.

Overview

  • Youngkin highlighted $9 billion in enacted tax relief and proposed another $700 million, citing continued revenue growth and multi-year surpluses.
  • He said Virginia secured more than $157 billion in business investment and has roughly 270,000 more people working than when he took office.
  • The governor emphasized education measures, noting teacher pay up nearly 20%, a 36% drop in vacancies, and expanded literacy, tutoring, and career programs.
  • On public safety and health, he pointed to reductions in violent crime and a reported 59% decline in fatal fentanyl overdoses during his term.
  • Youngkin pressed to preserve right-to-work laws and opposed rejoining RGGI, urging repeal of the Virginia Clean Economy Act in favor of more natural gas and nuclear power.