Governor Youngkin delivered his annual State of the Commonwealth address today, reflecting on the great progress Virginia has made over the last three years and outlining a vision to take Virginia’s success to new heights.
WATCH: “The State of our Commonwealth is very strong. Virginia’s economy is stronger than it has been in a long time. Our student scores are up. Violent crime is down. People are moving to Virginia. Record job growth. Record new business investment. Virginia is growing. Virginia is competing. Virginia is winning,” said Governor Youngkin.
In the speech, Governor Youngkin outlined commonsense policies that will continue to be his top priorities:
- No taxes on tips so Virginians can keep more of their hard-earned money
- Delivering record education investments and unlocking student potential with Virginia Opportunity Scholarships for low-income families
- Unleashing an All-of-the-Above, All-American energy strategy
- Combating the fentanyl crisis
- Supporting Virginia’s law enforcement heroes
Governor Youngkin made clear that while Virginia has made tremendous progress the last three years, there is still so much more to accomplish.
“On behalf of our now 8.8 million bosses, I urge us to stay the course and to press forward boldly — so Virginia keeps winning, and Virginia keeps soaring,” Youngkin said.
Here’s what they are saying:
The governor struck an optimistic tone, highlighting Virginia’s economic growth, education reforms and declining crime rates while laying out his legislative priorities for 2025.
“Three years ago, we began a journey together — not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Virginians,” Youngkin said, emphasizing bipartisan efforts to strengthen what he called “the spirit of Virginia.” He declared that Virginia is now “the very best place to live, work, and raise a family,” citing the state’s top ranking for business, record job growth, and improvements in public safety and education.
WFIR: Youngkin asks General Assembly to take Virginia to new heights
During his state of the Commonwealth Address this morning, Governor Glenn Youngkin asked members of the General Assembly to keep the Commonwealth strong, as it competes with neighboring states.
During his remarks, Youngkin voiced support for improving educational opportunities for young people by establishing lab schools at HBCUs and creating Opportunity Scholarships, which will provide $5,000 scholarships for 10,000 low-income families.
Bipartisanship was a goal Youngkin outlined to the General Assembly.
The governor proposed $5 million to fund Virginia Opportunity Scholarships for low-income families. This will give $5,000 to 10,000 impacted households.
Youngkin touted the job growth under his administration. He says 257,000 more Virginians are working since Jan. 2022.
Relief for car taxes and the complete removal of taxes on tips were endorsed by Youngkin.
WJLA: Governor Glenn Youngkin calls on lawmakers to pass legislation to make schools safer
The governor also made a pitch to lawmakers to make schools safer and pass legislation to make a difference in the opioid and fentanyl crisis.
In his State of the Commonwealth address, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin asked lawmakers to send him a bill that would continue to require schools to notify parents about suspected student overdoses within 24 hours.
He told lawmakers about the executive order he issued in 2023 in response to Loudoun County’s eleven Park View High School students who overdosed. Many of the overdoses involved fentanyl.