We maintain a full-time presence in Richmond during the 2022
Virginia General Assembly
Chamber Advocacy Programs
The Chamber's NOVABIZPAC
Ensuring that our region has a voice in the legislative process, we have established the NOVABIZPAC to support a pro-business agenda.
Our Policy Committee
Our Chamber maintains multiple topic-focused business councils that host educational and networking events and welcome all members.
2022 Legislative Agenda
Stay up-to-date on the General Assembly Session in Richmond! The Northern Virginia Chamber has a full time presence throughout the 2022 legislative session.
Week 5 Summary
This week in Richmond was very consequential as we reached “crossover,” where the House and Senate can only take up bills passed by the other. About half of the bills introduced this session made it through their chamber of origination, and already the Senate at least is busy working on reducing that number of active bills on their side of the capitol.
The budget committees in each chamber will release their respective budgets on Sunday (Feb. 20). Here are the priorities for the Northern Virginia Chamber.
program |
FY23-24 amount |
Increase Funding for GO Virginia and Establish a Talent Pathways Program |
$83,900,000 |
ARPA: Hospitality and Tourism Business COVID-19 Grant Relief Program |
$200,000,000 |
ARPA: Transit Worker Pay |
$20,000,000 |
Virginia Business Ready Sites Funding |
$150,000,000 FY23 $14,437,500 ($20M/yr) |
Polystyrene Food Service Containers & Recycling Infrastructure Improvement Program |
$80,000 & Language Only |
Repeal Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus that Causes COVID-19 |
Language Only |
Capital Improvements at Norfolk State University |
$110,542,250 |
Capital Improvements at Virginia State University |
$59,483,635 |
Tech Talent Investment Fund |
$31,800,000 |
Another budget concern we have is in regards to potential replacement of transportation revenue lost to the grocery tax cut. The more modest Senate proposal still results in the loss of $135 million annually, less than the proposed gas tax cut but still very significant. The gas tax cut legislation was not approved by the Senate.
There was limited action on our bills this week. Here are some of the bills we are still watching, post-crossover, in addition to the budget:
Natural gas, biogas, and other gas sources of energy; definitions, energy conservation.
HB 1144 Gasoline and diesel fuel; lowers the rate of tax on July 1, 2022.
Private family leave insurance; definition, establishes as a class of insurance
HB 1257 Natural gas utilities; retail supply choice.
HB 1287 Virginia Public Procurement Act; preference for plastic recycled materials.