Delegate Wiley’s Richmond Roundup: Week 4 – Making life more affordable for every Virginian

We’re approaching the halfway point of the 2023 legislative session, and Republicans are working around the clock to consider hundreds of bills that will impact our district and all of Virginia. The Tuesday, February 7th deadline is fast approaching when “crossover” will occur within the halls of the Capitol.

Addressing the School Funding Error
Earlier this week, the Department of Education disclosed an error in their funding calculations to school divisions that resulted in a $200 million overestimation in the amount that schools expected to receive from the state. In light of this error, I want to be very clear: No school divisions will see any budgetary cuts. In fact, Virginia is in a financial situation that allows us to expand our investments in our schools while resolving the funding error through the budget process.

In the next fiscal year, schools will get an additional $77.5 million, and the Governor has proposed an additional $441.0 million in his amendments. If you are doing the math, it comes out to $240.3 million above the amount that was overestimated. In addition, since no payments were made as a result of the miscalculation, school systems do not need to return a single penny back to the state.

House Republicans are committed to sending more money to our schools – not less – to ensure students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed.

Providing Tax Relief
Virginia is fortunate enough to be in a strong financial situation that enables us to take care of essential services while returning money back to where it belongs – the taxpayers. Last week, every House Republican voted to do just that by passing legislation (HB 2138 & HB 2319, McNamara) that provides over $1 billion in tax relief over the next two years in addition to raising the standard deduction.

While taxpayers will benefit greatly from these tax cuts, the long-term ripple effect on businesses will be significant. These changes will generate economic development, bring in more talent, spur innovation, and encourage more people to establish their roots in Virginia for years to come. Ultimately, the legislation will ensure that Virginia is ready to compete in the marketplace of the future.

There is more tax relief legislation making its way through the House of Delegates this week. On the heels of successfully cutting the state grocery tax last year, we are pushing even further to exempt groceries from sales taxes on the local level. We’re also working on legislation that will ensure local governments are transparent when rising property values create a stealth tax hike on homeowners in Virginia.

Lowering Costs
Rampant inflation has been a burden on households across the Commonwealth. While the General Assembly cannot control the rate of inflation, House Republicans are working to lower costs on a variety of monthly expenses.

We are advancing legislation to lower prescription costs (HB 1782, O’Quinn) by ensuring savings from prescription rebates are passed directly to consumers at the pharmacy counter. This proposal will make healthcare more affordable without adding unnecessary regulatory burdens or taxpayer expenses.

Virginians should have the freedom to purchase a car that fits their budget. We passed legislation (HB 1378, Wilt) to disconnect us from California emissions mandates that would have forced Virginians to purchase electric vehicles in the near future. In many cases, electric vehicles are simply too expensive and impractical due to a lack of sufficient charging infrastructure [especially in rural areas]. The passage of HB 1378 ensures Virginians – rather than California bureaucrats – can make their own financial decisions.

Meanwhile, several pieces of legislation have been proposed by House Republicans aimed at reducing your monthly electric bill without compromising the reliability of the electric grid to keep the lights on. These legislative proposals are moving through the legislative process over the next few days.

Wiley’s Work in Richmond

Two of my bills to watch:
HB2389 – This bill allocates the requirements for mortgage and brokerage entities to work remotely.
HB2500– In contracts for construction, contractors shall be liable to their subcontractors for the entire amount owed to their subcontractors regardless of the contractors’ receipt of payment from another party.

My goal through this legislation is to make policy fair for all general contractors, subcontractors, and owners. I balance working with many areas of the industry: ABC, AGC, VML, VACO, and DGS.

• 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.

Regards,

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