Governor Youngkin delivers State of the Commonwealth Address

RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) - Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered his State of the Commonwealth Address Monday morning, several days after water problems in Richmond delayed the work of the General Assembly.

“Virginia is growing. Virginia is competing. And Virginia is winning,” Youngkin told lawmakers. “The state of our Commonwealth is strong, very strong.”

Youngkin touted encouraging trends: student scores up, violent crime down, record job growth and business investment, and a multi-billion dollar budget surplus.

He proposed additional spending in critical areas, including public education, and called for major tax relief on top of the $5 billion lawmakers have already approved during his term.

“Let’s stand together on the steps of this capitol to celebrate bills and a budget that allow hard-working Virginians to keep more of their hard-earned money,” Youngkin said, “by extending the standard deduction, removing taxes on tips, and providing relief on the most hated tax in America, the car tax.”

Democrats said they will work with the governor on issues including tax relief, but they questioned whether his proposals will benefit Virginians who need it the most, including those who don’t own a car.

“Instead of giving costly giveaways to those in the highest tax brackets, our plan is one that will deliver real money back into the pockets of everyday people along with balanced public investment centered around kitchen table issues,” said Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg).

The Governor’s speech drew sustained applause from Republicans and Democrats alike, when he introduced Linda and Carl McMurry of Washington County, who were rescued in September after floodwaters from Helene destroyed their home.

“Neither knew if the other had survived,” Youngkin said. “But when Linda finally walked into Carl’s hospital room their prayers were answered.”

Youngkin also recognized a national guardsman and a firefighter who took part in the rescue, and he called on lawmakers to establish a new assistance fund to help disaster victims in southwest Virginia and across the state.