Halfway through General Assembly session, Virginia Dems say they’re making life more affordable, Republicans disagree

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- At the halfway point of the 2026 General Assembly Session, Virginia Democrats say they’ve delivered on their affordability agenda. 

“Lower bills, common sense solutions -- that’s been our promise since day one, and today, we are halfway there,” said House Majority Leader Del. Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria). 

Democrats are saying they’ve advanced multiple bills -- including ones to raise Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028 and bills to create a prescription drug affordability board -- that will make life more affordable for Virginians.

Democrats also highlighted the passage of several proposed constitutional amendments, including one to protect reproductive rights and another to green-light mid-decade congressional redistricting. 

“We’re focused on making sure we take care of the paid family sick leave, make sure that we take care of affordable child care, make sure that we protect our environment, keep our schools safe [and] protect our communities -- and that’s what we’ve done,” said House Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth).

However, Republicans argue Democrats haven’t held up their end of the bargain when it comes to affordability. They say Democrats have killed Republican bills that would have eliminated the grocery and car taxes. 

“Things that can make Virginians life more affordable, our Democratic friends have killed,” said Senate Minorty Leader Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover).

McDougle added that Democratic-sponsored bills advanced by Democrats to create a state-run paid family and medical leave program and to allow most public sector employees to collectively bargain in Virginia will take money out of Virginians' pockets. 

“Things that will make employees pay more, make you spend more on your power bill, make you spend more in everyday life, our Democratic friends have passed,” McDougle.