Working for a Living

We have a way of losing track of what our holidays are really about. St. Patrick’s Day has become a reason to wear lots of green and drink beer. Memorial Day means sales and the opening of the neighborhood pool. And Labor Day has become the unofficial end of summer — one last long weekend, one last backyard barbecue, and one last chance to enjoy the pool before school and fall routines take over.

 

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying any of that. But as we celebrate the unofficial end of summer, it’s also worth remembering what Labor Day represents — the contributions of working people and the generations of workers who fought to make our workplaces fairer, safer, and more secure.

 

It’s also a reminder that things we now take for granted — the 40-hour work week, weekends, workplace safety protections, and fair wages — didn’t just happen. Working people organized, fought for them, and, in many cases, made real sacrifices to secure them.

So, as we prepare to celebrate Labor Day, I thought I’d use this month’s column to highlight several new labor-related laws that took effect on July 1st, expanding protections and benefits for workers and families across the Commonwealth.

 

Raising the Minimum Wage

 

Virginia’s minimum wage is going up again. After a brief pause under the former Governor, the most recent General Assembly put us back on course to hit $15 per hour by January 1, 2028. After that, the minimum wage will be adjusted based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.

 

It’s taken a while to get there, (I first introduced a $15 minimum wage in 2015), but regardless of the work you do, a higher minimum wage is one way we can make sure that Virginia’s workers share in the prosperity they help create.

 

Paid Sick Leave You Can Actually Use

 

We also took a major step forward on paid sick leave. Virginia law now guarantees paid sick leave for most workers, including employees of private businesses and state and local governments. Workers will earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked and, in most cases, workers can carry their accrued leave with them, including when a business changes ownership.

 

Paid sick leave can be used for more than staying home when you have the flu. Workers can use it to care for themselves or a family member, address a physical or mental health issue, or seek help and services related to domestic, sexual, or physical abuse. No one should have to choose between going to work while sick and paying the bills or staying home to care for a loved one and losing a paycheck. And someone trying to escape an abusive situation shouldn’t have to worry that taking time to get help will cost them their job.

 

The paid family and medical leave insurance program is also now law and will eventually give eligible workers access to paid time away from work for major life events and serious health needs. Together, these laws recognize that people have responsibilities outside of their jobs, and our workplace policies should reflect that.

 

Further, we have tools to hold employers accountable for knowing violations, including civil penalties. Workers can also take legal action in certain circumstances when they are denied the leave they are entitled to, potentially recovering unpaid leave and damages.

Another new law addresses a different kind of workplace inequality: salary history. Employers are now prohibited from asking job applicants about their salary or wage history. What you earned at your last job shouldn’t determine what you’re worth at your next one.

 

No Salary History

 

For too long, salary history has been used as a shortcut for determining compensation, which can perpetuate unfair pay disparities from one job to the next. By taking salary history out of the equation, we give applicants a better opportunity to negotiate based on the job they are applying for, not what they happened to earn somewhere else.

 

That is what Labor Day is about - recognizing the people whose work keeps our communities and our Commonwealth moving forward, and making sure our laws recognize their contributions.

 

And what better way to celebrate that progress than by gathering together? I hope you’ll join me for my annual Labor Day BBQ on Monday, September 7th, for good food, good company, and a chance to celebrate the people who make our communities and our Commonwealth strong. I’d love to see you there.

Making History - The State Budget

Sometimes what you learn in civics class about how the government is supposed to work doesn’t seem to match up with the reality of policy making you see play out in the news. Particularly at the national level.

 

When asked why I decided to run for the state legislature I often tell people that I fell in love with the law making process when I went to work for my predecessor Jim Scott back in 1992. The thing I loved about it was that it actually worked the way you imagined it would in a 4th grade government class, or watching the story of “Bill” on School House Rock.

 

Last year I got a visit from a class of 5th grade students from Falls Church City who were engaged with a “write our own law” project. Their project: find a way to spend more time learning outside. Thanks to their advocacy and Governor Spanberger’s signing of our biennial budget, they’ve succeeded and we’re going to make that happen.

 

They came to Richmond to lobby me and other legislators, prepared talking points for me to use in testimony before the budget committee, and as a result, we now have a $100,000 grant program for school systems to create outdoor learning spaces. And that’s just a fraction of new education funding that Virginians will receive over the course of these next two years. Teachers can expect to receive a 4% pay increase per year (from 2026 to 2028), with state employees receiving 3.5% raises.

 

An Overall Historic Budget

 

This budget is historic: it allocates almost $2 billion to our education system, which currently stands as the biggest investment into Virginia’s public education and children since its founding. This includes specific funding for special education students and English learners. As a Virginian, I serve to protect and uplift young learners and will continue to do so in the face of Republican opposition and malpractice.

 

Higher education will also receive economic aid, as we’ve allocated $346 million over our previous baseline to facilitate operations and reduce tuition costs for undergraduates.

I am proud to support this investment in higher education not only because it makes students’ lives easier, but because it works towards an academic culture that protects young learners against political attacks. Young Virginians must be provided learning spaces which protect their freedom and intellectual curiosity. And this budget is going to help make that happen.

 

Over the past few years, we’ve experienced rapid healthcare cuts by a Republican Congress and President Trump. With the aid of data center consumption taxes, Virginia will provide $150 million to help those who will experience economic hardship first.

 

While my district in Falls Church and Fairfax county isn’t impact as heavily as our neighbors in rural Virginia, I am extremely proud of the work we did to cushion the blow delivered by the HR 1 (The Big . . . I’m going to go with UGLY . . . Bill) to patients and health care facilities dependent on Medicaid. This budget invests $350 million in a Medicaid Emergency fund to backfill some of the money that disappeared from the system. We’ve got to do everything we can to offset the effects of those MAGA lawmakers who are working to dismantle our national health insurance benefits. They do not have our best interests at heart.

 

The biennial budget also addresses homelessness prevention, eviction, and skyrocketing housing prices. We’re investing over $90 million in affordable housing options, homeless services, and eviction prevention programs. This means more resources all over: stabilizing workers, building new homes, and protecting families from separation. This means affordability in a very real and tangible way.

 

Then there’s the marijuana question: what’s happening and how does it affect Virginia? This budget has helped facilitate a smart solution to adult-use cannabis markets that are research-driven and informed.

 

Dispensaries are state-regulated and prioritize the safety of all Virginians - especially children. Academics have proven over decades that more government oversight on marijuana means kids have less access to cannabis on the streets.

 

This is a system which also protects consumers, fosters accountability, and contributes to our state earnings. With the help of this Democrat-driven budget, we’ve given adults a place to safely purchase cannabis, as is protected by Virginia law.

 

This budget is a culmination of everything that Virginians represent. Compassion and courage in the face of adversity, protection of children and families, and continued support for front-line workers. I like the direction we’re moving in. And I’m excited for what these next two years bring to Virginia.

Budget Time

Virginia, we finally have a Budget. With just days to spare before the Virginia State Government authority to spend money ran out, the House of Delegates and State Senate voted on a compromise budget Monday, June 22^nd. The Governor now has seven days to offer amendments, which the General Assembly must act on before midnight June 30^th.

So, what took us so long?

Typically, select members of the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Finance Committee meet in a conference committee to hammer out the differences between the House and Senate budgets in March, with a final vote take on or about the last day of our 60-day regular session. Virginia's Constitution requires us to maintain a balanced budget. Unlike the federal government, we cannot simply borrow our way through difficult decisions. We must make choices about priorities, live within our means, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.

This year was particularly challenging because we have to spend hundreds of millions of dollars backfilling essential services that were eliminated in HR1 – the big ugly bill. Unfortunately, reaching agreement on a budget took longer than anyone would have liked.

The delay, as you may have read or heard about, was about whether we should continue a tax incentive program voted on with broad bi-partisan support years ago to attract data center development to the Commonwealth. The Senate proposed ending those incentives immediately, even though they were scheduled to last until 2035.  The House was uncomfortable going back on our commitment and cancelling these incentives some eight years early, worried about the impact on our ability to win the trust of potential partners in future economic development deals.

I’ll admit, the Senate position has a great deal of appeal, policy-wise and politically.  We’ve reached a critical mass here in Virginia where we are an extremely attractive place to build a data center, with or without the added sweetener of a sales tax exemption. And the exemption has grown tremendously, with an estimated windfall of $2.8 billion annually available by simply cancelling it. 

Politically, the simplicity of the Senate message – “No more tax breaks for billion-dollar businesses” is undeniable.

What we settled on, I think, is a better policy that takes a little bit longer to explain but better serves the people of the Commonwealth. This budget helps protect Virginia ratepayers, supports long-term energy affordability, and ensures data centers contribute their fair share while preserving Virginia's position as the nation's leading technology hub.

We protect ratepayers by establishing a new Data Center Energy Consumption Fee, ensuring that the industry's growing energy demands do not fall on residential customers and small businesses. The fee is expected to generate up to $600 million annually – or $1.2 billion over the biennium – helping Virginia address the infrastructure and energy demands associated with rapid growth.

This approach aligns the data center operators’ incentives with our public policy priorities. Rather than simply ending the sales tax exemption, this approach gives data centers a big reason to find ways to make their facilities as energy efficient as possible to reduce their tax liability.

The budget also directs state agencies to develop data center noise regulations, identify cooling water scarcity areas, and collect additional information on electric service agreements, water usage, and generator permitting so policymakers have the tools they need to make informed decisions as the industry continues to grow.

I also support legislation introduced by Delegate Rip Sullivan that would tie future eligibility for the sales tax exemption to environmental and performance standards. If Virginia is going to offer tax incentives, those incentives should advance public policy goals. Rewarding energy efficiency, sustainability, and responsible development is a smarter long-term approach than offering benefits without expectations.

The data center debate is far from over. The study included in this budget will help inform future decisions, and I expect the General Assembly will continue examining how best to balance economic development, energy policy, environmental concerns, and the interests of ratepayers. But this compromise represents a meaningful step forward.

While data centers received much of the attention during budget negotiations, the final agreement also includes significant investments in education, public employees, working families, and local communities.

The budget extends Virginia's refundable Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) at 20% through 2030, continuing an important tool that helps working families. Beginning in 2027, the standard deduction will increase to $9,200 for individuals and $18,400 for married couples filing jointly, providing tax relief to millions of Virginians.

The budget also gives local communities a new tool to address aging school facilities, overcrowded classrooms, and growing enrollment by allowing localities to seek voter approval for a local sales tax of up to 1% dedicated to school construction and modernization. Importantly, any such tax must first be approved by local voters.

This budget takes an important step toward ensuring that major energy users contribute appropriately to the costs they create. And it demonstrates that even when disagreements arise, we can still come together to find common ground and move Virginia forward.

What is Kratom?

This month I want to talk about an incredibly important bill that slid underneath the radar all session long.

Virginia’s part time General Assembly session meets for 60 days in even numbered years and 45 days in odd years, which is when most of the activity happens during 12-14 hours days. So, January columns and February columns are easy to write. And March is always going to be the wrap up column, and in April we meet in Richmond again for Reconvene Session to vote on the Governor’s amendments and vetoes. 

In June, I usually tell you about the laws that go into effect on July 1^st- and in July we get to all the laws that I couldn’t get to in June.

May is a tougher column to write. This year was remarkably busy as the General Assembly sent a huge number of bills back to the Governor without adopting her amendments. That means this week is her deadline to decide whether to allow those bills to become law as they passed the General Assembly or to veto them so we can work on making them more to her liking next year.

But that process isn’t done yet. Next month I’ll write about collective bargaining, class action law suits, the adult use marijuana marketplace, the assault weapons ban and several other high profile issues that will be decided by then.

This month I want to talk Kratom.

Until this session I didn’t know what it was. I’d seen it in neon letters as gas stations and vape shops, and figured it was some kind of intoxicant, but other than that I had no idea what it was.

I didn’t know that earlier this year, UVA Health’s Blue Ridge Poison Center published a major national study showing a staggering 1,200% increase in kratom-related poison control calls over the last decade. Researchers documented cases involving seizures, respiratory distress, addiction, and dangerous interactions with other substances, particularly among younger users and people unaware of product potency or contamination risks.

Kratom is a plant-derived substance often sold as a supplement for pain relief, energy, mood enhancement, or anxiety. But unlike regulated pharmaceuticals, these products are frequently sold with inconsistent labeling, uncertain potency, and little meaningful oversight. At the same time, many users argue kratom has helped them manage chronic pain or reduce dependence on opioids.

During the 2026 Session, the General Assembly adopted new laws regulating the sale of kratom products sold in Virginia.

We placed age restrictions, labeling requirements, testing standards, and penalties for adulterated or dangerously concentrated products. Virginia law will now prohibit the sale of kratom products to minors and create new consumer safety standards designed to prevent contaminated or misleadingly marketed products from reaching store shelves.

This week, renewed national attention has followed the tragic death of former San José State basketball player and Memphis Grizzlies veteran Brandon Clarke, prompting many Americans to ask a familiar question: if these products are widely available in gas stations, vape shops, and convenience stores, what protections are actually in place?

As a legislator I was asked, “What’s Virginia doing about this? You need to do something.”

Fortunately, in this case, I was able to answer that we had done something. Having chaired the subcommittee where this bill was first considered, we heard arguments for an outright ban and we also heard arguments that the problem isn’t in the product itself. Issues ranged from how it’s marketed, how kratom derivatives are distilled into more potent forms, and in the absolute absence of any regulation of its packaging, access to minors, and disclosure of ingredients, and potency.

Is the bill we passed this year the final answer on this issue? Probably not. It’s certainly a step in the right direction and we can come back to revisit the issue if we find the rules we wrote this session don’t address the underlying problem or are so burdensome they have unintended consequences for legitimate uses.

I want to give a big tip of the hat to my colleague Delegate Joshua Cole of Fredericksburg for his leadership on this bill, and his willingness to stick to his guns when manufacturers and purveyors of Kratom asked him to slow down and water down his legislation.

I know it feels like we are always chasing the next problem and that government is always hopelessly behind the curve, but in this case our General Assembly and our Governor have shown some leadership and are working to tackle this problem before it gets too big.

Three Big Bills

When the General Assembly adjourned sine die on Saturday, it marked the end of a long session and, for me, the culmination of several multi-year legislative efforts finally reaching the Governor’s desk. After years of work, debate, and refinement, I was able to pass three significant bills I expect the Governor to sign: legislation abolishing the antiquated common law crime of suicide, a bill banning untraceable “ghost guns” in Virginia, and a measure allowing Virginia’s state courts to hear class-action lawsuits. This last bill brings us into line with every other state in the nation and leaving Mississippi as the lone state without a state-level class action remedy. I also had some success with new ideas on their first try, including legislation that will protect consumers by making Virginia the first in the country to enact the Uniform Default Judgments Act. 

Much of the work of the General Assembly happens far from the spotlight of the House Floor. This year I had the privilege of chairing the House Public Safety Committee, the Housing and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, and the Civil Law Subcommittee, roles that put me in the middle of many of the most consequential debates of the session. In the session’s final days, I also served on 26 committees of conference, where House and Senate conferees hammer out the compromises needed to move legislation across the finish line. Those long negotiations are where many of the session’s final agreements are reached, and I was proud to help shape the final versions of bills that will soon become law across the Commonwealth. 

Long sessions always move quickly once they begin, but they are the product of months of preparation and years of ongoing work in our communities. When the gavel finally falls on the last day, there is always a mix of emotions: relief at completing the long session, pride in the work we accomplished together and a deep appreciation for the many Virginians who took the time to share their voices throughout the process. 

When the final tally is complete, we will have considered 2,366 bills, 1,089 of which passed the House and the Senate and are now with the Governor for her review. 

Hearing from Constituents 

One of the most important parts of serving in the General Assembly is hearing directly from the people I represent. Throughout the session, my office received a steady stream of emails, calls, and conversations from constituents sharing their perspectives. 

Many constituents wrote about the importance of protecting our democratic institutions, ensuring free and fair elections, and maintaining transparency in government. Others shared thoughtful concerns about emerging technologies and many weighed in on issues related to the state budget, taxation, and the long-term fiscal health of the Commonwealth. 

Public safety and community wellbeing were frequent topics as well, including discussions around criminal justice policy and the role of state and local law enforcement. And as technology and entertainment continue to evolve, some constituents reached out about proposals related to gambling policy, raising questions about both economic opportunity and consumer protections. 

What Happens Next 

The Governor has until midnight on April 13th to review the legislation passed by the General Assembly. During that time, she may choose to sign bills into law, recommend amendments, or veto them. 

On April 22nd, the General Assembly will return to Richmond for the Reconvene Session. At that time, we will review the Governor’s actions on each bill and will vote on whether to accept or reject any amendments she proposes. 

Budget Negotiations Continue 

As the session ended, the House and Senate budget conferees were still working through differences between their respective budget proposals. Because of the complexity of the negotiations and the limited time remaining in the session, the conferees could not complete their work before adjournment. 

Those discussions will continue in the coming weeks and, once a compromise is reached, the General Assembly will return for a special session for a final vote on the budget. 

April 21st Special Election on Redistricting 

Early voting has now begun for the upcoming redistricting referendum and will continue through April 18. Election Day is April 21st. 

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, which is exactly why I support giving Virginia voters the power to level the playing field and protect our democracy for our kids and grandkids. This amendment ensures that Virginia has a way to protect fair representation if other states continue stacking the deck. I hope you will vote yes on this referendum. 

2026 Sine Die

When the General Assembly adjourned sine die on Saturday, it marked the end of a long session and, for me, the culmination of several multi-year legislative efforts finally reaching the Governor’s desk. After years of work, debate, and refinement, I was able to pass three significant bills I expect the Governor to sign: legislation abolishing the antiquated common law crime of suicide, a bill banning untraceable “ghost guns” in Virginia, and a measure allowing Virginia’s state courts to hear class-action lawsuits. This last bill brings us into line with every other state in the nation and leaving Mississippi as the lone state without a state-level class action remedy. I also had some success with new ideas on their first try, including legislation that will protect consumers by making Virginia the first in the country to enact the Uniform Default Judgments Act.

Much of the work of the General Assembly happens far from the spotlight of the House Floor. This year I had the privilege of chairing the House Public Safety Committee, the Housing and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, and the Civil Law Subcommittee, roles that put me in the middle of many of the most consequential debates of the session. In the session’s final days, I also served on 26 committees of conference, where House and Senate conferees hammer out the compromises needed to move legislation across the finish line. Those long negotiations are where many of the session’s final agreements are reached, and I was proud to help shape the final versions of bills that will soon become law across the Commonwealth.

Long sessions always move quickly once they begin, but they are the product of months of preparation and years of ongoing work in our communities. When the gavel finally falls on the last day, there is always a mix of emotions: relief at completing the long session, pride in the work we accomplished together and a deep appreciation for the many Virginians who took the time to share their voices throughout the process.

When the final tally is complete, we will have considered 2,366 bills, 1,089 of which passed the House and the Senate and are now with the Governor for her review.

Hearing from Constituents

One of the most important parts of serving in the General Assembly is hearing directly from the people I represent. Throughout the session, my office received a steady stream of emails, calls, and conversations from constituents sharing their perspectives.

Many constituents wrote about the importance of protecting our democratic institutions, ensuring free and fair elections, and maintaining transparency in government. Others shared thoughtful concerns about emerging technologies and many weighed in on issues related to the state budget, taxation, and the long-term fiscal health of the Commonwealth.

Public safety and community wellbeing were frequent topics as well, including discussions around criminal justice policy and the role of state and local law enforcement. And as technology and entertainment continue to evolve, some constituents reached out about proposals related to gambling policy, raising questions about both economic opportunity and consumer protections.

What Happens Next

The Governor has until midnight on April 13th to review the legislation passed by the General Assembly. During that time, she may choose to sign bills into law, recommend amendments, or veto them.

On April 22nd, the General Assembly will return to Richmond for the Reconvene Session. At that time, we will review the Governor’s actions on each bill and will vote on whether to accept or reject any amendments she proposes.

Budget Negotiations Continue

As the session ended, the House and Senate budget conferees were still working through differences between their respective budget proposals. Because of the complexity of the negotiations and the limited time remaining in the session, the conferees could not complete their work before adjournment.

Those discussions will continue in the coming weeks and, once a compromise is reached, the General Assembly will return for a special session for a final vote on the budget.

April 21^st Special Election on Redistricting

Early voting has now begun for the upcoming redistricting referendum and will continue through April 18. Election Day is April 21st.

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, which is exactly why I support giving Virginia voters the power to level the playing field and protect our democracy for our kids and grandkids. This amendment ensures that Virginia has a way to protect fair representation if other states continue stacking the deck. I hope you will vote yes on this referendum.

Winter Weather Resources

 

 

Snow Information Fairfax Sign up for Fairfax County Emergency Alerts and follow the Fairfax County Emergency Blog. For questions about snow removal, shoveling, or other winter weather related questions, visit the County's snow webpage here. City of Falls Church Save this link for all City of Falls Church winter information and resources: Winter Weather Central. VDOT and The Roads | VDOT owns the majority of roads in Fairfax County and they are in charge of plowing them. To report hazardous road conditions, call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-367-7623 or visit online. Track road conditions and get VDOT Plows updates online. Fairfax County Police | For Emergencies, dial 911. For Non-Emergencies 703-691-2131, TTY 703-204-2264, https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/fairfax-county-police-department Public Schools Fairfax County Public School updates City of Falls Church Public School updates Power Outages Dominion | Report a power outage online here or call 1-866-366-4357. NOVEC | Report a power outage online here or call 703-335-0500. Report Other Utility Problems Verizon | 1-800-837-4966 Cox | 703-378-8422, text 54512 Comcast/Xfinity | 800-934-6489 Washington Gas Emergency | 844-927-4427, select option 1, TTY 711 or 800-735-2258 Columbia Gas | 800-544-5606, TTY 800-231-3238 Fairfax Water | 703-698-5600, After Hours Emergency, 703-698-5613 Hypothermia Shelters | If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think they are at risk of hypothermia, call the County’s non-emergency police phone number: 703-691-2131. For City of Falls Church | The City Warming Center is at the Community Center through March 31st.