RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia General Assembly is convening its 2022 session in Richmond, under newly divided party control.
Lawmakers kicked off their 60-day session Wednesday. They will be writing a two-year state budget and taking up issues ranging from education to marijuana policy to public safety.
Del. Todd Gilbert, representing House of Delegates District 15 (Shenandoah County), was officially sworn in as Speaker of the House.
“Like first day of school, and exam day all at one," incoming Republican Del. A.C. Cordoza told 13News Now Wednesday.
Alongside other Republican leadership Wednesday morning, Gilbert outlined the party's priorities for the session moving forward.
“Throughout the campaign, voters consistently told us they were worried about their children’s education, inflation was making it harder to take care of their families, and they wanted to see the safety of their communities improved," Gilbert said.
"To say parents of school-age children are deeply concerned about the state of education is an understatement,” Del. Glenn Davis (Virginia Beach) said.
The bills they pass will head to the desk of incoming Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who will be sworn in on Saturday.
Republicans will enjoy a new majority in the 100-member House of Delegates. The 40-member Senate will remain in Democratic control.