VCC Summer-Fall 2021

V irginia C apitol C onnections , S ummer /F all 2021 8 Lifting Up All Virginians By TERRY R. M C AULIFFE While this past year and a half has presented Virginians with unprecedented challenges, it has also given us a major opportunity to address the needs of our Commonwealth’s future. I'm running for governor to rebuild a stronger economy that lifts up all Virginians. We've got to create good-paying jobs, invest in education, and keep Virginia open and welcoming to all, and I've got a plan to do it. Since launching my campaign in December, I have released 18 detailed policy plans outlining how I will invest in Virginia's future. As Virginia's next governor, I will make a record investment to deliver every Virginia child a world-class education. I will make healthcare more affordable by lowering premiums and standing up against rising drug prices so that no Virginian has to choose between medication and a meal. And I will create good-paying jobs, attract top employers, and build a stronger workforce, growing every corner of the state. I know we can do this because we've achieved big things before. As Virginia's 72nd Governor, I woke up every single day working to make life better for Virginians. We created 200,000 good paying jobs, announced 1,100 new economic development projects, increased personal income 14 percent, and unemployment dropped in every city and county in the Commonwealth. I made a record $1 billion investment in education, fought to expand healthcare to hundreds of thousands, and created a first-in-the-nation innovative workforce development and training programs to help Virginians get good jobs without a four-year degree. One of my top priorities as Virginia’s next governor is to invest a record $2 billion annually in education, which will raise teacher pay, give every child in need access to pre-k and get every student online. I will also fight for affordable, flexible options for higher education by working to increase programs that allow students to obtain relevant certifications while they pursue a degree. To build a strong post-COVID economy we must invest in our students and our educators, preparing the next generation of workers to thrive. Following my term as governor, Virginia was named the best state in the nation to do business, and we received that recognition again this year. That’s the kind of momentum we need to move forward, and we must make sure small businesses have the support they need to be successful. That’s why I’ve introduced a plan to support small businesses with access to the capital and technical assistance that will support successful, thriving businesses. As governor, I will give hardworking Virginians a raise by raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2024. I will also make sure every Virginian has access to paid sick, family and medical leave so every Virginian can take care of themselves and their loved ones without putting their livelihood at risk. As governor, I will reduce healthcare costs, starting with taking on the drug companies, which have raised prices on over 1,000 drugs just during this pandemic, by negotiating for lower prices and creating a sunlight law to expose unfair price increases. My administration also leaned in on clean energy to tackle climate change and create the jobs of the 21st century. As governor, I grew solar sector jobs 65 percent in 2016 alone and increased solar production nearly 8,000 percent. This is the kind of investment needed to make Virginia a leader in the post-COVID economy. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to the future of our communities, and as governor I will get Virginia to 100 percent clean energy by 2035. Now is the time for action and investing in a clean energy future and the good jobs that come with it will be one of my priorities. While I am running to lift up Virginians, my opponent Glenn Youngkin is running for Donald Trump. Glenn Youngkin has said that "Donald Trump represents so much of why” he is running and he is "honored" to have Trump's endorsement. Unsurprisingly, they share a right-wing agenda that is completely out-of-touch with Virginians. Glenn Youngkin launched his campaign with an "election integrity" plan based on Donald Trump's conspiracy theory about the 2020 election and even called it the "most important issue" of his campaign. When he talks about Virginia’s economy, Glenn likes to say Virginia is “in the ditch.” Unfortunately for Glenn, Virginia was just named the “Top State for Business” for the second time in a row—the first time any state has received that designation twice in a row. The reality is Glenn has outlined an economic plan that would decimate Virginia’s essential services—slashing funding for education and public safety and defunding our law enforcement. On top of the cuts this disastrous plan would cause to public education, Glenn also wants to siphon taxpayer money away from public schools and into private schools with no accountability to taxpayers. That is a recipe for disaster for Virginia students. Glenn Youngkin has also called the American Rescue Plan “unnecessary.” The truth is, the American Rescue Plan has injected new life into our economy, keeping small businesses afloat and providing more than $3 billion in funding for Virginia’s schools. In addition to those funds, the families of 1.5 million children in Virginia are now receiving extra help thanks to President Biden's Child Tax Credit. The American Rescue Plan has helped our recovery and it will help make life better for Virginians seeking to rebuild from this pandemic. Virginians are getting back to work, businesses are thriving and we are on the right track to put this pandemic behind us. But we still have a long way to go. I have had the experience of rebuilding after a recession before, and I am ready to do it again. I’m running for governor to move the Commonwealth forward, and create a stronger, thriving economy well into the future that lifts up all Virginians. For a uniquely Richmond experience, stay at Richmond’s oldest and newest boutique hotel. From the tatooed entrance doors on our suites, to the art and furnishings from local artisans, to the finest RVA craft beers and Black Hand Coffee Company products, The Commonwealth is like none other. Our luxurious suites are equally comfortable for an overnight romantic getaway or a long- term assignment. Located in the heart of downtown, directly across from the Virginia State Capitol. Welcome Home Located steps from the General Assembly, Virginia State Capitol, and federal courts buildings, we’ve been the Richmond hom for legislators and lobbyists f r over a ce tury. With 59 guest suites and 3,000 square f et of flexible event space, we are large en ugh to host your meeting or reception, yet small enough to offer the personal attention you deserve. V DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR