State of Virginia Archives: on Jobs


Bob McDonnell: $38 million to spur job creation in targeted programs

Our work starts with finding work for the 260,000 Virginians who are currently unemployed. It is the most pressing issue facing our Commonwealth: Virginians need good paying private-sector jobs. This session, I am asking you to put $38 million more into targeted programs that spur job creation.

I have proposed state incentives and initiatives for tourism, film, agricultural and forestry products, technology, modeling and simulation, cyber security, international marketing, workforce development, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences. These are proven job and revenue generators.

I am also proposing a new investor tax credit to provide working capital to small businesses which create 70 percent of the new jobs in America, and the extension of time during which the major business facility job tax credit may be taken. States are competing against each other, and the world, for job-creating businesses.

Source: 2012 Virginia State of the State Address Jan 11, 2012

Bob McDonnell: Campaign bumper sticker: "Bob's for Jobs"

When I campaigned for this office, I got the message down to a bumper sticker: "Bob's for Jobs." What can I say, I have a good name for politics!

It wasn't just a slogan; it's why I ran. That's why our chief priority has been simple: to put in place the policies necessary to help the great free enterprise system create good jobs and opportunities for our people.... and then get the heck out of the way!

Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Virginia legislature Jan 8, 2014

Justin Fairfax: Increase minimum wage to $15 per hour

Fairfax has said Virginia's economy is heading in the right direction and that he would focus on promoting small businesses and improving educational and apprenticeship opportunities for "middle-skill" jobs such as welders, mechanics and truck drivers. He also wants to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
Source: Free Lance-Star on 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race Oct 29, 2017

Terry McAuliffe: Workforce development package: apprenticeships and training

Right now, employers across Virginia have thousands of high-tech jobs that they cannot find trained workers to fill. If we are going to keep those companies here, and bring new ones in, we must build a world-class workforce system that better aligns our training programs with the needs of employers.

I am introducing a bipartisan workforce development package that increases state funding for workforce programs, devotes greater state attention to apprenticeships and training in much-needed areas, and increases accountability and transparency for the millions of taxpayer dollars spent on a broken system. By streamlining our efforts and reducing redundancies, we can get students the skills they need to succeed while being better stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Virginia Legislature Jan 14, 2015

Tim Kaine: Today's minimum wage is not enough to take care of a family

Our economy would not be what it is today without our outstanding workforce. Virginia is blessed with a deep talent pool--our high median income and low unemployment rate prove that fact. But, we can do even more to give our people and businesses the skills they need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace. I am working diligently on your directive that we streamline an overly complicated workforce training system. The continuous improvement of our human capital has to be our top economic development priority.

And we have to reward work. Today's minimum wage means that some Virginians work 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, and earn less than $11,000. That is not enough to take care of a family, not enough to buy a home, not enough to afford health insurance. I look forward to working with you to make a change for the better for our working families by passing a fair increase in our minimum wage.

Source: 2007 State of the State address to Virginia Assembly Jan 10, 2007

Tim Kaine: Raise minimum wage from $7.25/hr to $15

Q: Raise the federal minimum wage from current $7.25/hr?

Tim Kaine (D): Yes. Co-sponsored $15/hour proposal.

Corey Stewart (R): No public statements found.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Ralph Northam: Strengthen workforce development and expand apprenticeships

I am committed to working to create more opportunities for Virginia workers to get a good job that empowers them to provide for their families and lead productive lives.

But bringing more jobs to Virginia is only half the battle. Too many of our fellow Virginians are out of work or underemployed because they lack the skills they need to begin a long-term career. And too many of our businesses are struggling to fill high-paying positions because they just can't find people with the right skills and training.

If we are going to make Virginia work better for everyone, strengthening our workforce development system and expanding access to registered apprenticeships are key.

During my campaign for Governor, I made connecting Virginians with the skills they need to succeed in a new economy the centerpiece of my agenda. My plan is to pay tuition and fees for any Virginian who pursues a credential in a high-demand field, if they commit to at least one year of public service.

Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Virginia legislature Jan 16, 2018

Ralph Northam: Raise minimum wage; distinguish contractors and employees

Just because you have a job doesn't always mean you can survive on it. The people who are building our economy should benefit from it too. The companies that recognize this will get ahead. So let's work together to raise the minimum wage. Let's work together to help companies properly distinguish between contractors and employees. This will help workers get the fair treatment and benefits they deserve.
Source: 2020 Virginia State of the State address Jan 8, 2020

Jennifer Carroll Foy: Sponsored bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour

As a Delegate, I:

We know that the opportunity to join a union--no matter where you work--is the best way to raise wages, improve working conditions, create family-sustaining jobs, and create an economy that works for everyone. As Governor, I will elevate workers' voices and make Virginia a pro-worker model for the nation.

Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign site JenniferCarrollFoy.com Feb 21, 2021

Terry McAuliffe: Everyone should have access to paid sick days

Nearly half of Virginia's private sector workers do not have access to paid sick days, meaning that employees must choose between getting paid or taking time to care for themselves or their families. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how critical this issue is not only to supporting low-wage workers, but also to ensuring that employees who are sick do not come to work and spread illnesses like COVID-19. It is past time that we provide this necessary benefit to Virginians.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website Terry McAuliffe.com Dec 22, 2020

Amanda Chase: Allow paying as tipped employees though banned from tips

Legislative Summary:HB56: Prohibits an employer from classifying an individual as a tipped employee if the individual is prohibited by applicable federal or state law or regulation from soliciting tips.

Analysis by 32BJ SEIU Service Union: Wheelchair attendants at Virginia airports were banned from asking for or soliciting tips yet could be still legally be paid as low as the $2.13 per hour, the Virginia tipped worker minimum wage. Because of this legislation, they will no longer be classified as tipped workers and now qualify for the airport minimum wage.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 86-14-0 on Jan/22/20; Passed Senate 23-17-0 on Mar/5/20; State Sen. Amanda Chase voted NO; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Apr/11/20

Source: 32BJ SEIU on Virginia voting records HB56 Mar 5, 2020

Creigh Deeds: Prohibit paying as tipped employees if banned from tips

Legislative Summary:HB56: Prohibits an employer from classifying an individual as a tipped employee if the individual is prohibited by applicable federal or state law or regulation from soliciting tips.

Analysis by 32BJ SEIU Service Union: Wheelchair attendants at Virginia airports were banned from asking for or soliciting tips yet could be still legally be paid as low as the $2.13 per hour, the Virginia tipped worker minimum wage. Because of this legislation, they will no longer be classified as tipped workers and now qualify for the airport minimum wage.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 86-14-0 on Jan/22/20; Passed Senate 23-17-0 on Mar/5/20; State Sen. Creigh Deeds voted YES; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Apr/11/20

Source: 32BJ SEIU on Virginia voting records HB56 Mar 5, 2020

Jen Kiggans: Allow paying as tipped employees though banned from tips

Legislative Summary: HB56: Prohibits an employer from classifying an individual as a tipped employee if the individual is prohibited by applicable federal or state law or regulation from soliciting tips.

Analysis by 32BJ SEIU Service Union: Wheelchair attendants at Virginia airports were banned from asking for or soliciting tips yet could be still legally be paid as low as the $2.13 per hour, the Virginia tipped worker minimum wage. Because of this legislation, they will no longer be classified as tipped workers and now qualify for the airport minimum wage.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 86-14-0 on Jan/22/20; Passed Senate 23-17-0 on Mar/5/20; State Sen. Jen Kiggans voted NO; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Apr/11/20

Source: 32BJ SEIU on Virginia voting records HB56 Mar 5, 2020

Jennifer McClellan: Prohibit paying as tipped employees if banned from tips

Legislative Summary:HB56: Prohibits an employer from classifying an individual as a tipped employee if the individual is prohibited by applicable federal or state law or regulation from soliciting tips.

Analysis by 32BJ SEIU Service Union: Wheelchair attendants at Virginia airports were banned from asking for or soliciting tips yet could be still legally be paid as low as the $2.13 per hour, the Virginia tipped worker minimum wage. Because of this legislation, they will no longer be classified as tipped workers and now qualify for the airport minimum wage.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 86-14-0 on Jan/22/20; Passed Senate 23-17-0 on Mar/5/20; State Sen. Jennifer McClellan voted YES; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Apr/11/20

Source: 32BJ SEIU on Virginia voting records HB56 Mar 5, 2020

Lee Carter: Prohibit paying as tipped employees if banned from tips

Legislative Summary:HB56: Prohibits an employer from classifying an individual as a tipped employee if the individual is prohibited by applicable federal or state law or regulation from soliciting tips.

Analysis by 32BJ SEIU Service Union: Wheelchair attendants at Virginia airports were banned from asking for or soliciting tips yet could be still legally be paid as low as the $2.13 per hour, the Virginia tipped worker minimum wage. Because of this legislation, they will no longer be classified as tipped workers and now qualify for the airport minimum wage.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 86-14-0 on Jan/22/20; State Rep. Lee Carter was chief sponsor and voted YES; Passed Senate 23-17-0 on Mar/5/20; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Apr/11/20

Source: 32BJ SEIU on Virginia voting records HB56 Jan 22, 2020

Nick Freitas: Allow paying as tipped employees though banned from tips

Legislative Summary:HB56: Prohibits an employer from classifying an individual as a tipped employee if the individual is prohibited by applicable federal or state law or regulation from soliciting tips.

Analysis by 32BJ SEIU Service Union: Wheelchair attendants at Virginia airports were banned from asking for or soliciting tips yet could be still legally be paid as low as the $2.13 per hour, the Virginia tipped worker minimum wage. Because of this legislation, they will no longer be classified as tipped workers and now qualify for the airport minimum wage.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 86-14-0 on Jan/22/20; State Del. Nick Freitas voted NO; Passed Senate 23-17-0 on Mar/5/20; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Apr/11/20

Source: 32BJ SEIU on Virginia voting records HB56 Jan 22, 2020

Ralph Northam: Prohibit paying as tipped employees if banned from tips

Legislative Summary:HB56: Prohibits an employer from classifying an individual as a tipped employee if the individual is prohibited by applicable federal or state law or regulation from soliciting tips.

Analysis by 32BJ SEIU Service Union: Wheelchair attendants at Virginia airports were banned from asking for or soliciting tips yet could be still legally be paid as low as the $2.13 per hour, the Virginia tipped worker minimum wage. Because of this legislation, they will no longer be classified as tipped workers and now qualify for the airport minimum wage.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 86-14-0 on Jan/22/20; Passed Senate 23-17-0 on Mar/5/20; Signed by Governor Ralph Northam on Apr/11/20

Source: 32BJ SEIU on Virginia voting records HB56 Apr 11, 2020

Daniel Gade: Against forced unionization

Q: Support "right-to-work" laws, stopping unions from mandating dues for workers they represent?

Daniel Gade: Yes. "Virginia, after 75 years, is about to destroy the right-to-work legislation and make it a forced unionized state."

Mark Warner: Unclear. Has said wants to increase worker protections but no specific position found on Virginia attempt to repeal right-to-work.

Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race Sep 30, 2020

Jennifer Wexton: Ensure women doing the same job as men receive equal pay

Wages and benefits are not keeping pace with costs. In the State Senate, I voted in favor of several measures that would raise the minimum wage, and have introduced legislation that would ensure women doing the same job as men receive equal pay and employment benefits. I also introduced legislation that would have established Paid Medical Leave in Virginia.
Source: League of Women Voters: 2018 Virginia voting records Sep 9, 2018

Ben Cline: Bar requiring prevailing wage on public works projects

Legislative Summary: HB2395: Prohibits state agencies from requiring contractors to pay prevailing wages in connection with a public works project.

Analysis by Progress Virginia: Requiring employers to pay their employees the prevailing wage guarantees firms will compete for public works contracts on the basis of the skills and acumen they bring to the table. Otherwise, firms would be more likely to compete by trying to pay their labor force as low a wage as they can get away with.

Veto message : This legislation attempts to lower wages and impedes future labor agreements. Virginia's efforts should be focused on increasing wages, rather than placing artificial restrictions on their future earning potential.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 67-32-1 on Feb/10/15; State Delegate Ben Cline co-sponsored bill and voted YES; Passed Senate 21-18-1 on Feb/24/15; Vetoed by Governor Terry McAuliffe on Mar/27/15.

Source: Progress Virginia analysis: Virginia voting records HB2395 Feb 10, 2015

Creigh Deeds: Allow requiring prevailing wage on public works projects

Legislative Summary: HB2395: Prohibits state agencies from requiring contractors to pay prevailing wages in connection with a public works project.

Analysis by Progress Virginia: Requiring employers to pay their employees the prevailing wage guarantees firms will compete for public works contracts on the basis of the skills and acumen they bring to the table. Otherwise, firms would be more likely to compete by trying to pay their labor force as low a wage as they can get away with.

Veto message : This legislation attempts to lower wages and impedes future labor agreements. Virginia's efforts should be focused on increasing wages, rather than placing artificial restrictions on their future earning potential.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 67-32-1 on Feb/10/15; Passed Senate 21-18-1 on Feb/24/15; State Sen. Creigh Deeds voted NO; Vetoed by Governor Terry McAuliffe on Mar/27/15.

Source: Progress Virginia analysis: Virginia voting records HB2395 Feb 24, 2015

Donald McEachin: Allow requiring prevailing wage on public works projects

Legislative Summary: HB2395: Prohibits state agencies from requiring contractors to pay prevailing wages in connection with a public works project.

Analysis by Progress Virginia: Requiring employers to pay their employees the prevailing wage guarantees firms will compete for public works contracts on the basis of the skills and acumen they bring to the table. Otherwise, firms would be more likely to compete by trying to pay their labor force as low a wage as they can get away with.

Veto message : This legislation attempts to lower wages and impedes future labor agreements. Virginia's efforts should be focused on increasing wages, rather than placing artificial restrictions on their future earning potential.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 67-32-1 on Feb/10/15; Passed Senate 21-18-1 on Feb/24/15; State Sen. Donald McEachin voted NO; Vetoed by Governor Terry McAuliffe on Mar/27/15.

Source: Progress Virginia analysis: Virginia voting records HB2395 Feb 24, 2015

Jennifer McClellan: Allow requiring prevailing wage on public works projects

Legislative Summary: HB2395: Prohibits state agencies from requiring contractors to pay prevailing wages in connection with a public works project.

Analysis by Progress Virginia: Requiring employers to pay their employees the prevailing wage guarantees firms will compete for public works contracts on the basis of the skills and acumen they bring to the table. Otherwise, firms would be more likely to compete by trying to pay their labor force as low a wage as they can get away with.

Veto message: This legislation attempts to lower wages and impedes future labor agreements. Virginia's efforts should be focused on increasing wages, rather than placing artificial restrictions on their future earning potential.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 67-32-1 on Feb/10/15; State Del. Jennifer McClellan voted NO; Passed Senate 21-18-1 on Feb/24/15; Vetoed by Governor Terry McAuliffe on Mar/27/15.

Source: Progress Virginia analysis: Virginia voting records HB2395 Feb 10, 2015

Scott Taylor: Bar requiring prevailing wage on public works projects

Legislative Summary: HB2395: Prohibits state agencies from requiring contractors to pay prevailing wages in connection with a public works project.

Analysis by Progress Virginia: Requiring employers to pay their employees the prevailing wage guarantees firms will compete for public works contracts on the basis of the skills and acumen they bring to the table. Otherwise, firms would be more likely to compete by trying to pay their labor force as low a wage as they can get away with.

Veto message : This legislation attempts to lower wages and impedes future labor agreements. Virginia's efforts should be focused on increasing wages, rather than placing artificial restrictions on their future earning potential.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 67-32-1 on Feb/10/15; State Delegate Scott Taylor voted YES; Passed Senate 21-18-1 on Feb/24/15; Vetoed by Governor Terry McAuliffe on Mar/27/15.

Source: Progress Virginia analysis: Virginia voting records HB2395 Feb 10, 2015

Terry McAuliffe: Vetoed ban of prevailing wage on public works projects

Legislative Summary: HB2395: Prohibits state agencies from requiring contractors to pay prevailing wages in connection with a public works project.

Analysis by Progress Virginia: Requiring employers to pay their employees the prevailing wage guarantees firms will compete for public works contracts on the basis of the skills and acumen they bring to the table. Otherwise, firms would be more likely to compete by trying to pay their labor force as low a wage as they can get away with.

Veto message : This legislation attempts to lower wages and impedes future labor agreements. Virginia's efforts should be focused on increasing wages, rather than placing artificial restrictions on their future earning potential.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 67-32-1 on Feb/10/15; Passed Senate 21-18-1 on Feb/24/15; Vetoed by Governor Terry McAuliffe on Mar/27/15.

Source: Progress Virginia analysis: Virginia voting records HB2395 Mar 27, 2015

Tom Garrett: Bar requiring prevailing wage on public works projects

Legislative Summary: HB2395: Prohibits state agencies from requiring contractors to pay prevailing wages in connection with a public works project.

Analysis by Progress Virginia: Requiring employers to pay their employees the prevailing wage guarantees firms will compete for public works contracts on the basis of the skills and acumen they bring to the table. Otherwise, firms would be more likely to compete by trying to pay their labor force as low a wage as they can get away with.

Veto message : This legislation attempts to lower wages and impedes future labor agreements. Virginia's efforts should be focused on increasing wages, rather than placing artificial restrictions on their future earning potential.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 67-32-1 on Feb/10/15; Passed Senate 21-18-1 on Feb/24/15; State Sen. Tom Garrett voted YES; Vetoed by Governor Terry McAuliffe on Mar/27/15.

Source: Progress Virginia analysis: Virginia voting records HB2395 Feb 24, 2015

Mark Herring: Repay miners who remain unpaid due to mine bankruptcy

Virginia and Kentucky are working to get over 1,000 workers paid after a coal operator with mines in both states unexpectedly slammed its doors. Approximately 480 Virginia miners and 600 Kentucky miners missed their last paychecks after Blackjewel LLC filed for bankruptcy on July 1.

In a joint letter sent yesterday, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring & Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear asked the Office of the United States Trustee to ensure the "immediate repayment" of paychecks owed to workers. "All workers who have labored for the company and are owed back wages should be made whole. And they should be made whole immediately," the attorneys general wrote.

Herring & Beshear said Blackjewel's poor financial planning led to its "haphazard" bankruptcy wherein it issued paychecks backed by insufficient funds.

"Despite knowing for years of its precarious financial situation, the Debtor did nothing to prepare itself or its workforce for this month's bankruptcy," the letter said.

Source: The Dogwood Daily on 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race Jul 17, 2019

Ralph Northam: Tiebreaker in favor of increasing the minimum wage

Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam officially announced that he will run for governor in 2017: "In the two years I've been lieutenant governor, we've been able to make great strides," wrote Northam in an email to supporters. "We've expanded access to affordable health care, created over 40,000 jobs and opened up pre-K to thousands of young Virginians. I've broken ties on Senate votes in favor of increasing the minimum wage, banning discrimination in the workplace and repealing the invasive ultrasound mandate."
Source: Washington Blade on 2017 Virginia governor's race Nov 17, 2015

Creigh Deeds: Tax break for every job created

With the current economy, both Deeds & McDonnell are focusing on jobs in Virginia. "Part of my plan is to give a tax break for every job created," says Deeds.

"I've set a goal of Virginia being the best place in America for small business," says McDonnell. "Get rid of some of the bureaucracy, the tax and the regulatory policies. 48-hour turn around time, one stop permitting to get entrepreneurs. I want to see the next Bill Gates come out of Virginia,".

Source: WHSV-TV-3 coverage: 2009 Virginia gubernatorial debate Jul 25, 2009

  • The above quotations are from Commonwealth of Virginia Politicians: Archives.
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2024 Presidential contenders on Jobs:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026