Moving Virginia Forward
RICHMOND, VA — Today at the Virginia State Capitol, Governor Abigail Spanberger and Virginia House and Senate Democratic leaders previewed their joint ‘Moving Virginia Forward’ Agenda for a stronger, safer, and more affordable Commonwealth — an overview of key legislative priorities focused on lowering costs for families, strengthening schools, protecting kids, supporting small businesses, and holding data centers accountable.
During remarks, Governor Spanberger highlighted new proposals to establish a medical debt forgiveness program to help families struggling with medical bills, promote new housing that works for Virginians, and take aggressive action to hold data centers and AI companies accountable. The Governor also reiterated her focus on finding commonsense solutions to contend with the damage caused by President Trump and his allies in Washington.
“Virginia Democrats are united to Move Virginia Forward by building a stronger, safer, and more affordable Commonwealth,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “Last week, Virginians sent a clear message: lower costs and push back on the chaos coming out of Washington. And today, our agenda answers that call with a clear path forward.”
“We are taking action to tackle the growing challenge of medical debt, encourage new housing that works for Virginians, and increase energy generation by expanding solar specifically on land that’s already been developed,” Governor Spanberger continued. “We are also working aggressively to hold data centers accountable and end secrecy, strengthen schools and keep kids safe, and create good-paying jobs for more Virginians. In the coming weeks, I will be traveling across the Commonwealth to roll out more aspects of the plan, and to expand on some of the things we outlined today as we Move Virginia Forward.”
The joint ‘Moving Virginia Forward’ Agenda builds on Governor Spanberger and the General Assembly’s work during the 2026 session to raise the minimum wage to $15, cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 per month, and make Virginia the first state in the South to create a statewide paid family and medical leave program.
“Last Tuesday, Americans sent a clear message: they are tired of the Republican politics of division, distraction, and dysfunction,” said Speaker Don Scott. “Now, Virginia Democrats are united and ready to get to work. We’re focused on what matters most to Virginians: lowering costs, tackling real challenges, and protecting families across our Commonwealth.”
“We are still laser focused on making Virginia more affordable despite the continued impacts of Trump inflation on Virginia families,” said Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell. “Virginians this session will see more real results.”
“Virginia Democrats are laser-focused on making life more affordable, lowering costs for working families, and protecting the rights and opportunities Virginians deserve,” said Majority Leader Charniele Herring. “No matter what challenges come from Washington, we’re committed to fighting for our communities and putting Virginians first.”
“Senate Democrats are poised to continue addressing kitchen table issues that matter to all Virginians, from childcare to transportation,” said Senator Mamie Locke. “We are determined to ease the burdens of citizens through legislation that brings positive outcomes.”
“Virginians made it clear by electing a historic democratic majority at the polls last week and in 2025 that they want leaders who will bring down costs and put their constituents first,” said House Majority Caucus Chair Kathy Tran. “I look forward to working with Governor Spanberger and my Democratic colleagues to stand up for Virginia families, fight Trump’s cruelty and corruption, and make life more affordable across the Commonwealth.”
“Today’s unified announcement for the 2027 legislative session demonstrates our shared commitment to recognizing and addressing the challenges that everyday Virginians are facing,” said Senate Caucus Vice Chair Lashrecse Aird. “Whether it’s a family struggling with medical debt, a small business looking to grow, or a senior fighting to remain in their home, these are not abstract policy discussions. Behind every policy we debate are real people, with real experiences, looking for real solutions like these.”
Click here to read Governor Spanberger and Virginia Democrats’ ‘Moving Virginia Forward’ agenda.
