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Governor Northam Delivers State of the Commonwealth to Democratic Legislature

Steve Helber
/
AP

 

 

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam gave the annual State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night. He spoke of both fiscal responsibility and progressive goals. 

One of the first big applause lines of the night was a recognition by the Governor that he was standing in front of the state’s most diverse legislature. 

“It’s a proud moment to look out and see a General Assembly that reflects more than ever the Virginia that we see everyday,” said Northam. 

Throughout his speech Northam emphasized conservative fiscal policy, saying it was important to tuck away money into the state’s reserves and attract businesses to the Commonwealth. 

“Let’s always remember that good conditions for workers depend on a strong economy and a strong business climate,” Northam said. “That’s how healthy and prosperous states generate the revenue to invest in safe streets, public education, good transportation networks and more.” 

His to do list had plenty to please progressives too. He’s throwing his weight behind legislative proposals to roll back restrictions on abortion, decriminalize marijuana, and provide - for some - free community college. 

“If you need help and if you choose to go into a high demand field… and if you commit to community service, then Virginia will cover your tuition, fees and books,” said Northam. 

The Governor ended the night with gun control. Citing the shooting in Virginia Beach last summer, Northam said now is the time to pass legislation that he says would keep firearms away from dangerous people. 

“Virginians have had enough of the vigils and the funerals. Enough of the mourning. They made that clear at the ballot box,” he said. 

 

The Democratic focus on restricting access to firearms was particularly bothersome to Republican minority leader Todd Gilbert. “I don’t think the governor’s paying close enough attention to how upset people are all across Virginia," the Shenandoah Valley Delegate said after the speech.  "And when that pendulum begins to swing back the other way when we have a different political environment they will rue the day that they tread so heavily on people’s rights to defend themselves and their families as they see fit.”

soc_react.mp3
Michael Pope reports on reaction to Northam's speech

Former Republican House Speaker Kirk Cox said he was particularly upset by the governor’s agenda for abortion rights.   “I thought last year, especially with the third trimester abortion bill, I think Virginians were taken aback by those. And I think to basically say we’re going to see that agenda again, I thought was disturbing.”

On the other side of the aisle, freshman Democratic Senator Joe Morrissey of Richmond said the speech had a decidedly bipartisan tone and that it included many things Republicans should be able to support.  “I love the position that he had on Southwest Virginia and broadband, criminal justice reform, the environment, being good stewards of our lakes and rivers and our iconic Chesapeake Bay. There’s lots to like in this speech, and I liked it.”

Lawmakers get down to work on those things, and more, over the next two months of the legislative session.  

 

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

 

Mallory Noe-Payne is a Radio IQ reporter based in Richmond.
Michael Pope is an author and journalist who lives in Old Town Alexandria.
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