Virginia Capitol Connections, 2025 Annual Magazine 13 these relationships have transcended racial, political, and philosophical divides that have become deeper in today’s political environment. Although known for his Republican and conservative philosophy, the variety of issues that attract Senator Stanley is broad and unconventional. Here are a few examples: • School Construction: Even in the face of opposition from the Governor, the Senator has been a leader in efforts to allow local governments to adopt an additional local option sales tax dedicated to school construction and renovation. A tax increase would be seen as an anti-Republican idea. However, the needs of Southside’s aging and deteriorating schools went beyond party lines. • Animal rights: No single issue probably defines Bill Stanley more than animal rights. Traditional wisdom in the General Assembly says to never sponsor animal legislation. However, every year since joining the Senate, the Senator has introduced some type of animal rights legislation. The best known of these was a successful effort in 2022 to shut down a company called Envigo in Cumberland County, which was breeding beagles for pharmaceutical research. Not only was the effort successful— nearly 4,000 dogs from the facility were resettled into new homes around the country. Again, not a typical Republican issue. • New College Institute: Senator Stanley continues to be the leading supporter of the New College Institute, a non-traditional institution of higher learning focused on workforce development located in Martinsville. Despite opposition and budget pressures, Sen. Stanley has been a tireless promoter of both the need for such an institution and its programs. • Auto Racing: Short-track auto racing is part of the history of Southside Virginia. Sen. Stanley not only acknowledges that fact but promotes it. He believes these local short tracks are part of economic development. This hits close to home for the Senator, as he owns a NASCAR modified team with retired driver Hermie Sadler. Everyone in the General Assembly has a story. Frankly, some are more interesting than others. Today, many of the stories in both parties are becoming more similar. That is why it is important that we have more people like Senator Bill Stanley in the Virginia General Assembly. James Turpin has served as a lobbyist in Virginia since the 1970s. He is an affiliated consultant at David Bailey Associates. Legislators may begin prefiling bills as early as July 15! 1108 East Main Street, Suite 1200, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 643-5554 Visit our website at www.dbava.com DAVID L. BAILEY, Henrico cell: 804.405.8108 dbaileyadvocacy@gmail.com JIM TURPIN, Arlington cell: 434.964.6124 jamesturpin728@gmail.com CHRIS BAILEY, Amelia cell: 804.432.3270 csb.davidbaileyassociates@gmail.com JOYCE WAUGH, Roanoke cell: 540.354.5487 joyce.waugh@gmail.com Serving clients ranging from local governments, non-profits, trade/ professional associations, educational institutions, public campaigns, and more. Senator Bill Stanley makes remarks on the Senate floor. Bill Stanley is joined by his beloved beagles. V
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjQ0MA==