The 46-day 2023 Virginia General Assembly session began Wednesday, Jan. 11. As in 2022, there is a “divided government” in the legislature, with a narrow Republican majority in the house and a narrow Democrat majority in the senate. As a result, any legislation will need at least some level of bipartisan support in order to pass.
As of the date this article was written, Sunday, Jan. 15, many bills have been introduced but additional ones will continue to surface. Of the bills that have already been filed, some will move forward quickly and others will not get traction. Though the full picture is still emerging, what is certain this year and – every year – is the strong stand the Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) will take for life, religious freedom, families and protecting the poorest and most vulnerable across a wide spectrum of issues. During the 2023 session, some of the issues on which the VCC will be especially focused are:
- Advancing state policies that provide unborn babies and their mothers the protection, care and resources they need;
- Opposing assisted suicide;
- Protecting religious freedom;
- Promoting marriage and parental rights;
- Expanding Virginia’s Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits (EISTC) program;
- Curbing marijuana’s risks to children, health and public safety;
- Creating a state adoption tax credit; and
- Providing vital assistance to the poor and vulnerable.
As bills impacting key areas of VCC advocacy continue to be filed, the VCC will be on the lookout for emerging opportunities and challenges.
To make a difference this session:
Connect: Visit www.vacatholic.org, where you can click “Join us!” to sign up to receive VCC email alerts, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We will provide action alerts throughout the session – easy and effective ways for you to contact your legislators before they vote on key bills.
Engage: Act on VCC action alerts. Legislators must hear from their constituents.
Be a powerful presence: Attend Virginia Pro-Life Day on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in Richmond. Join pro-life advocates from across Virginia for a full day of advocacy, witness and prayer for life. Visit vaprolifeday.org to register and learn more.
Jeff Caruso is the executive director of the Virginia Catholic Conference, public policy arm of Virginia’s Catholic bishops.