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When I talk about infrastructure, I don’t just mean water and sewer. I am talking about the provision of a transportation system for all parts of the Commonwealth, whether it is highway, rail, airports, bike paths, or trails. A reliable system is critical not just for people getting from home to work, but to attract companies and jobs to the Commonwealth.
I am talking about having electrical and internet infrastructure to support growth in every part of Virginia. We have spent millions of dollars to expand broadband in Virginia. We are still short of our goal in large part because of the distance between houses in some parts of rural Virginia. But we will continue to push for high-speed internet in every home and business.
Likewise, we have to ensure our electrical grid and other communications infrastructure are updated and can meet current demands. We have learned in the last ten years, with the growth of data centers in Virginia, that we have to constantly invest in electrical infrastructure. One of the debates this session will be about how we meet the demand. Should the data centers, which are responsible for a large part of the demand for electricity, have to pay more for that electricity?
I am talking about intellectual infrastructure. We have to continue to invest in our public K-12 schools and our system of higher education so that we are preparing young people for the next level of education and the workforce. Every Virginia should have the opportunity to succeed. This is not cheap or easy.
It takes two sets of skills to do legislative work. First, you have to be a salesperson so you can be elected. That requires the ability to communicate and understand the issues of real people in the communities you strive to represent. But second, and more importantly, you have to be able to govern. You have to put rubber to the road and focus on getting things done for the people you represent and all of Virginia. Lots of people who want to be elected will talk about tax cuts or other things they will do for their constituents, but at the end of the day services cost money. Tax cuts are great when you can do them, but the services that people need must be paid for.
This session we will have real choices and real work to accomplish the goals of making sure the infrastructure that supports economic growth and our quality of life remains strong.
I am committed to that job.
It continues to be my high honor to represent you. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you would like to visit the Capitol or if we can be of assistance to you. You can reach me at senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov or by calling 804-698-7511
Best,
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The 2025 Session of the General Assembly gaveled in on January 8. In odd years, we meet for a short 46-day session. One of the primary objectives in short sessions is to amend the biennial budget that was adopted the year before.
