RICHMOND, Va. — New faces and new responsibilities.
Both Republicans and Democrats welcomed newcomers to the mix of legislators Wednesday, as Democrats assumed the majority of both chambers following the November elections.
The House of Delegates sees 34 freshman members to the chamber, including Del. Michael Feggans (Virginia Beach), whose victory in that district ended up being the tipping point for Democratic control in the House.
"Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads has this huge veteran population, so taking care of them is a bi-partisan issue," Feggans said, adding he's contacted Republican legislators to collaborate on bills this session.
“405 years after the first enslaved people arrived here, not far from here in Hampton Roads. I know I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me," Del. Scott said.
Early stances
Before the beginning of the session, Democratic lawmakers held a legislative priorities news conference outlining their goals for 2024.
Legislators outlined a focus on issues surrounding education, rights and freedoms as well as more specific issues like gun safety legislation.
Lawmakers also responded to several high-profile headlines in recent years, acknowledging an interest in getting Virginia back into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) as well as standing up a regulated adult cannabis marketplace.
While saying they would work across the aisle with Gov. Youngkin, there was opposition to Youngkin's proposed budget that calls for lowering income taxes while raising state sales taxes.
“For someone who makes $200,000 a year, we’re not going to let them pay $10,000 less in taxes, while people who make less than $30,000 have to pay more. That’s a nonstarter," Senate Majority Leader Sen. Scott Surovell said.
He also called Youngkin's proposed car tax elimination "dead on arrival", in his opinion.
"Putting out a car tax proposal without explaining what you want to do. It’s not serious policy-making. It’s a campaign tactic. He needs to get out of campaign mode and into governor mode," Sen. Surovell said.