The Capitol Corner
Written by: Julie Shaffer Director, Legislative Affairs Top of Virginia Regional Chamber The Capitol Corner is a monthly column that informs members about changes in legislation and how you can elevate your voice to be heard by legislators. The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is a Pro-Business organization. We represent the shared values of our members as it pertains to elevating commerce in the Top of Virginia region. This corner is not intended to endorse any particular political party or candidate.
Health Care for Small Businesses: TVRC is part of a consortium of businesses and Chambers that advocated for the creation of benefits consortiums for small businesses located in Virginia. The current proposal would allow for building upon existing Virginia code and creating a benefits consortium to expand access and lower health care premiums for small businesses (2 to 50 employees). OSHA Vaccine Mandate: On January 13th 2022, the Supreme Court blocked a Biden administration rule requiring larger businesses to ensure that workers are vaccinated against Covid-19 or wear masks and get tested weekly. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workplace rule was announced last fall. Redistricting: Boundary lines were redrawn for Virginia’s congressional and legislative districts as part of a redistricting process that accounts for population shifts every ten years. Our region will now be part of the new 6th Congressional District, currently represented by Ben Cline (versus the 10th Congressional District and Jennifer Wexton). In the General Assembly, the region will be part of the state Senate’s new 1st District (currently in the 27th District) and the House of Delegates’ new 31st and 32nd districts (currently in the 10th, 29th and 33rd districts). The new districts are set to take effect in the next general election for the respective offices — 2022 for the U.S. Congress, 2023 for the state Senate and 2023 for the Virginia House of Delegates. However, a pending lawsuit wants the new districts to be in full effect this fall. H.R. 608: Representative Wexton introduced a bill to establish an Office of Agritourism under the Department of Agriculture. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. TAKE ACTION AT REGIONALCHAMBER.BIZ Elevate Your Voice: Do you have a question, comment, or concern? Please reach out to Julie Shaffer at jshaffer@regionalchamber.biz
