Delegate Wiley’s Richmond Roundup: 2023 Legislative Report

As this legislative session comes to a close, I wish to extend my gratitude to each of you for sending my team to Richmond on your behalf. During our time at the capitol, we met with individuals from all industries and walks of life. We are glad to be home but still remain strongly committed to working toward the Valley’s priorities of efficient transportation, strong education and an affordable way of life.

Delegate Wiley and Legislative Assistant Susan Shick

Transportation & I-81 Corridor
This year, we continued to discuss problem areas in our transportation system. The House budget included funds to improve spots on Interstate 64 and 81. Our area is home to individuals who commute, and we are driven to revamp our infrastructure to meet the needs of our workforce. I will continue to push efforts to improve I-81.

Susan Shick with Cadets from VMI

Education
We continued to emphasize the need to improve our educational system in Virginia by providing more support to teachers and funding to schools. Teachers have an extraordinarily difficult job, which has only been exacerbated in the past few years. My colleagues and I introduced several pieces of legislation to empower teachers with the support needed to reestablish normalcy in their classrooms. However, a divide between House Republicans and the Democrat-controlled Senate halted bills that would’ve increased transparency and parents’ rights. One success I am glad to see HB1526 move to the Governor’s desk to establish an updated scope and sequence for literacy in grades four through eight.

Delegate Wiley with Jorge Gonzales, Chairman of the Winchester Republican Committee

Supporting our Veterans
One area of specific focus for my team was improving the quality of life and services for our veterans. Retaining veteran families here in Virginia and providing them with support was at the heart of several bills I carried this session, including HB2362, which provides burial fees for military spouses. I also was the chief co-patron of HB1470 that will provide a tax exemption for certain disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.

Delegate Wiley’s happy to be home and speaking with Cub Scout Pack 2!

The Budget
Setting Virginia’s budget is the primary responsibility of the General Assembly. I’m disappointed to say that we did not get that work accomplished in our 45-day window. The House budget that we passed includes significant tax relief for Virginians to ensure more of your hard-earned money stays in your pocket. As inflation continues to burden families, The House voted for several measures to lower costs. My Republican colleagues and I created a budget to reduce your electricity bill, ease the process of purchasing a car, and raise the standard deduction to minimize your tax burden. Democrats in the Senate prevented these measures. The “stopgap” budget we passed will hold us over until a more permanent agreement can be reached.

While not all of our efforts were successful this session, I remain sound in my commitment to serving our district. The City of Winchester and Frederick County are great places to live and work. It is my honor to represent you in the House of Delegates. I look forward to continuing to advocate for the issues we care about as your voice in Richmond as we transition into District 32.

If I can be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out.

All the best,

Delegate Bill Wiley
Virginia House of Delegates – 32nd District (new)

District Office: 540-686-1771
P.O. Box 2034 Winchester, VA 22812
DelBWiley@house.virginia.gov