From the VA Senate Democratic Caucus:
Virginia Families First Tour: A Resounding Success
Richmond, VA – Yesterday, the Virginia Senate and House Democrats have successfully concluded the first leg of the”Virginia Families First Tour,” a state-wide journey through the heart of our communities to discuss and showcase the recently designed bipartisan budget centered around the prosperity and well-being of Virginia’s families. House Appropriation Chair Luke Torian (D-Prince William) and Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), and Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) released the following statements:
“The Virginia Families First Tour was an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with our fellow Virginians. Engaging with citizens across the Commonwealth was profoundly meaningful, sharing insights and listening to their feedback. This tour underscored our dedicated effort in crafting a bipartisan budget with the genuine welfare of Virginia’s families at its core. It’s more than policy; it’s about our community’s future and the real lives it impacts,” Chairman Luke Torian remarked.
“This tour was much more than sharing our message; it was a vibrant showcase of our unwavering dedication to Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth. Witnessing the excitement and heartfelt gratitude from Virginians as they discovered the details of our visionary bipartisan budget was nothing short of electrifying. Despite the governor’s attempts to label our budget as ‘backward,’ we’ve demonstrated forward-thinking governance. We’ve not only set a new benchmark for prioritizing families but have also ignited a wave of support across Virginia. Let me be clear: this is only the beginning. We’re on the brink of a transformative era for our Commonwealth,” Chair L. Louise Lucas stated.
“The Virginia Families First Tour wasn’t just a series of meetings; it was the embodiment of what true leadership looks like in action. By engaging in direct dialogue and showing an unwavering commitment to listening and understanding, we’ve demonstrated a gold standard for state leadership. This tour made it clear: when leaders prioritize the best interests of their citizens and act decisively, the entire Commonwealth stands stronger together,” said Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke.
“Seeing such a strong showing of support from Democratic leadership in Southwest Virginia was truly inspiring. It underscored the unity and determination we have as a party to reach every corner of our Commonwealth, especially our rural communities that stand to benefit greatly from this budget”, said Delegate Sam Rasoul.
Following a series of impactful stops—from Hampton Roads to Southwest Virginia—Democrats engaged with communities, demonstrating a transparent and direct approach to governance. The tour emphasized critical investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, ensuring every Virginian knows they are seen, heard, and prioritized.
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