On April 22, I will be back in Richmond along with my colleagues in the General Assembly to consider Governor Abigail Spanberger’s vetoes and amendments to legislation passed during the 2026 Legislative Session. In an odd departure from typical gubernatorial communications, Governor Spanberger’s office issued a press release on April 13 boasting that “Governor Spanberger did not sign any tax bills the General Assembly never passed.” This includes legislation like HB 978, HB 900, and SB 730; all which would have expanded the state sales tax to include things like gym memberships, dog walking/grooming services, counseling, vehicle repair, computer services, and pretty much every other consumer service. In other words, the governor tried to take a victory lap over outcomes that she had no active part in, while General Assembly Republicans were consistent in our messaging against these Democrat-sponsored attempts to make life more expensive. I do not believe that Virginians will give the governor much credit over the outcome of legislation that never reached her for consideration, especially when she played no public role in their defeat.
Governor Spanberger took late action last week on several bills of significance, none of which do anything to promote affordability for Virginians. She signaled her approval of legislation such as a ban on the purchase of popularly owned firearms – to include some models of rifles and pistols – removing the choice of many self-defense weapons from Virginians. She reconfirmed her commitment to rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Commission, all but assuring that the savings promised under my APCo Rate Reduction Act will be drastically reduced. Governor Spanberger returned her recommendations to legislation to impose a mandatory 12-week paid family medical leave program on Virginia businesses, which will be paid for by a new tax on businesses and employees – even if the employees never use the program. And she submitted amendments to legislation that limits how local and state law enforcement cooperate with ICE. Rather than focusing on affordability, these bills read more like a progressive wish list.
Although it is disappointing to see the governor support so many of these left-leaning policies – especially given her promotion as a centrist or moderate – she did sign some Republican bills in to law, to include several pieces of legislation I submitted and fought hard for in the 2026 legislative session. This includes my HB 108, which creates the Virginia Veteran Honor Guard Grant Program. This important legislation will support our Veteran Honor Guards with a funding mechanism to defray the cost of uniforms and other expenses associated with providing full military honors for veteran funerals. Also passed into law were my legislation to clarify the legality of GAP insurance products (HB 1309), a bill to streamline the process in which you may receive payment if involved in a catastrophic auto accident with an underinsured motorist (HB 107), and several others. In total, I was able to pass seven bills into law – an achievement I am proud of given the current partisan environment in Richmond. You can find all of my legislation at LIS.virginia.gov.
I am hopeful that General Assembly Democrats will take the time while we meet for reconvened session to begin earnest work on the Commonwealth’s budget. Many new laws – such as my Veteran Honor Guard Grant Program – as well as the core functions of government like education, transportation infrastructure, and all others reside in a place of uncertainty until a budget is passed. Democrats control the entire legislative and executive branches of state government, so there is really no excuse to have this important work incomplete.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at DelJBallard@House.Virginia.Gov. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
