On Thursday I held our fifth Kitchen Table Conversation to discuss the “Cutting Taxes for ALL Virginians” Plan. Over the last nine days, I sat down with Virginians at their own kitchen tables in Loudoun, Fairfax, Norfolk, Williamsburg, Roanoke, and Abingdon to explain how my tax plan will make life easier for all Virginians.
I know Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth are being squeezed by stagnant wages and higher costs for just about everything, from groceries to college tuition. These are the conversations that families have at the kitchen table every day, and they’re the kind of issues I will focus on as governor.
In Loudoun, Northern Virginians told me how the onerous personal income tax made it more difficult for them to keep up with the cost of living. They spoke about what the $1300 would mean for families and how they would reinvest in the Virginia economy.
In Fairfax, small business owners talked about the need to lessen the tax burden. Their businesses need keep more of the money they earn so that they can continue to grow and create jobs. I know the government doesn’t create jobs; small businesses do. The “Cutting Taxes for ALL Virginians” Plan reflects that.
In Norfolk, the economy largely depends on the military families who make it their home. We talked about the many veterans who leave Hampton Roads after they retire from active duty, and the need make our tax climate more appealing so these families will call Virginia home permanently.
Similarly, in Roanoke, we discussed the need to keep talented young people in the area. Far too often, young Virginians leave the Commonwealth for neighboring states. Virginia’s next governor must make sure that they have the opportunities they need to stay here, and my tax plan will take vital steps to that end.
You can watch the Roanoke Kitchen Table Conversation here:
In Abingdon, where the war on coal has ravaged the economy, we talked about the need to create a business-friendly environment so Southwest Virginians can find work. I recognize the power of start ups and scale ups to revitalize the economy, and my plan will help orient Virginia’s economy toward start ups and scale ups, which are dynamic job creators.
At every roundtable discussion, participants were rightly shocked to learn the income tax rate that it hadn’t been cut since 1972 – and rightly so! Virginians told me again and again that any relief is beneficial.
Across the Commonwealth, everyone at the Kitchen Table Conversations agreed: “Cutting Taxes for ALL Virginians” Plan is a bold step forward.