Delegate Wiley’s Richmond Roundup: Week 2 – Restoring excellence in education

In the second week of this year’s 46-day General Assembly session, we have been working quickly to advance a legislative package to improve our schools. We have filed legislation that will raise the standards in education. It will also empower teachers to regain control of their own classrooms. Most importantly, the proposals incorporate input from both parents and teachers around the 29th (soon to be 32nd) district and across Virginia.

Empowering Teachers & Listening to Parents
Disruptive classrooms make it harder for teachers to do their jobs. A recent JLARC study underscores the severity of the issue: 56 percent of those surveyed in our schools said behavior is a “very serious issue,” while another 24 percent called it a “serious” problem. It is beyond time for teachers to reestablish the consistency needed to instruct students effectively and without distractions. It’s time to support our teachers with much-needed legislation.

Advocating for School Choice:
We are fighting for school choice and have co-sponsored several pieces of legislation, along with demanding better standards of Education. These include:

• HB 1822 Public school employees; offense involving solicitation of sexual molestation, physical or sexual abuse, or rape of a child; penalty.
• HB 1508 Virginia Education Success Account Program; establishment
• HB 1396 Education Savings Account Program established; Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits
• Addressing Learning Loss & Preparing Students for Success

Recent reports from the Department of Education related to student test scores show a clear and immediate need for more resources for our students to succeed. The General Assembly cannot be idle and hope that students recover from the learning loss brought on by the pandemic and virtual learning – parents and teachers deserve support now.

House Republicans are answering that call by advancing legislation (HB 2269, Greenhalgh) that earmarks specific unspent federal funds to invest in our students and combat learning loss. Moreover, we are promoting legislation (HB 1526, Coyner) that expands proven and effective reading support to more students across Virginia. This legislation received unanimous approval in a House subcommittee and awaits further consideration in the legislative process.

A visit from the Top of Virginia Chamber
Thanks to Literacy Volunteers Winchester Area, Fox Urban Farms, Julia Shaffer, and NW Works for joining us, as well as Cynthia Roberts Schneider, President of the Chamber. Special congrats to John Fox for being inducted into the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

VCDL Lobby Day
VCDL Lobby Day was a success, and we hope to have our 2nd Amendment legislation assigned to the committee sometime in the near future. We won’t give up fighting!

Honoring the life of our own, Adrian O’Connor.
With great respect, I will introduce a Memorial Resolution in the General Assembly honoring the life of our community friend, Adrian O’Connor. O’Connor was The Winchester Star’s editorial page editor for 27 years until his retirement in 2020. He passed away peacefully at his Stephens City home early Monday morning at the age of 68.

Upcoming Legislation for our Firefighters
Monday morning, we will be introducing HB2353 Professional Firefighters Pension tax relief bill. We enjoyed a visit from our local representatives to discuss this upcoming legislation.

Governor Youngkin’s State of the Commonwealth Address
Meanwhile, Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered his State of the Commonwealth address last week, highlighting various accomplishments over the past year while stressing a renewed mission to lower taxes, improve our schools, and make our streets safer. House Republicans are delivering on these goals – and you will continue to hear more about them over the next few weeks.

• See 2023 legislation that Delegate Wiley is Chief Patron 
• See legislation that Delegate Wiley is Co-Patron on
• See a list of House Committees Delegate Wiley serves on or Chairs
• Other Commission and Committee Appointments in the General Assembly
You can also track any other legislation in the General Assembly here at www.lis.virginia.gov.

Updates on our work in Richmond are shared on my Facebook page daily, Facebook.com/WileyforDelegate

Delegate Bill Wiley, House District 29
delbwiley@house.Virginia.gov
1-804-698-1029