Affordability set to dominate the 2026 General Assembly Session

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- On the eve of this year’s General Assembly session, Virginia lawmakers are unveiling their legislative priorities with both Democrats and Republicans agreeing that affordability is on the agenda. 

“Affordability is our top priority,” said Senator Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), who serves as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair. 

“Our focus this entire session is on making sure that Virginians can keep more money in their pockets,” Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) told 8News. 

However, how exactly lawmakers plan to reduce costs is causing some division between the two parties. 

Democrats, who are in the majority in both the House and Senate, said they’ll raise the minimum wage, create a state-run paid family and medical leave program and focus on ways to make housing more affordable. 

“Families across Virginia are being squeezed by rising costs from housing and healthcare to childcare and everyday necessities, and they deserve real relief,” Locke said.

However, McDougle said those efforts will actually raise costs. McDougle said if Democrats were serious about affordability, they’d repeal the Virginia Clean Economy Act and work to reduce taxes. 

“We want to return money to their wallets, to their purses, and making sure that they have the ability to fund the things their families need and making costs more affordable,” McDougle said. 

Once Democratic Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger is sworn in on Jan. 17, any bills passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly will be considered by her.