The Speaker's Update

Vote YES to level the playing field

As early voting began last week on the redistricting referendum, I encourage Virginians to make their voices heard and vote YES.

We did not start this fight — Donald Trump did when he called on Texas Republicans to rig congressional maps before voters could hold them accountable. Now Virginia — and Virginia voters — have the chance to end it.

This amendment is a temporary step to level the playing field and protect fair representation at a moment when it is under direct threat. It ensures that the people of Virginia — not politicians in Washington — decide our future.

Now the decision rests with the people of Virginia. Go to Iwillvote.com to find your polling place. Election day is April 21st.

Speaker Don Scott Speaks at Chief Justice Cleo Powell’s Investiture

The Honorable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Cleo Powell, was sworn in as the first Black woman to serve as Chief Justice in the Commonwealth’s history. I had the honor of witnessing this historic moment and delivering remarks as the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.

This year has been a historic one for Virginia. In January, we swore in our first woman Governor, and now we celebrate the swearing-in of our first Black Chief Justice.

These milestones reflect the progress of our Commonwealth and the promise of the future we are building together.

An Update on the 2026 Session

This session has been focused on making Virginia more affordable, secure, and resilient.

Virginia House Democrats have passed 849 bills this year — including 225 focused on building a more affordable Commonwealth for Virginia families. We’re lowering the cost of buying and renting a home, cutting co-pays and prescription drug costs, reducing premiums and utility bills, and expanding access to affordable child care. These bill are now in the Senate.

We’re focused on one thing: making it easier for you to build a stable, secure life right here in Virginia. Here are some major bills we’ve passed already:

HB1 raises Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2028, with annual cost-of-living adjustments beginning in 2029 to ensure wages keep pace with inflation. There should be no reason Virginians need to work more than 4o-hours a week to afford to live in Virginia. Let’s make our way toward livable wages.
HB2 lowers heating costs for low-income Virginians by requiring major utilities to deliver cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades to eligible households. You’ll no longer have to choose between paying your energy bills and buying groceries.
HB3 creates the Income-Qualified Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Task Force within the Department of Energy to identify barriers to enrollment in established energy-efficiency programs for low-income Virginians. Bureaucracy will no longer stop Virginians from getting the help they need.
HB4 empowers local governments to protect affordable housing by giving them the means to preserve their affordability for at least 15 years. It is past time we start controlling unnecessary housing increases.
HB6 codifies the right to contraception and protects Virginians’ ability to access birth control and make personal medical decisions without government interference. You should consult your doctors, not your legislators.

Constitutional Amendments

House and Senate Democrats passed four constitutional amendments at the beginning of the session. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation allowing Virginians to vote on these amendments.

These amendments are about freedom, fairness, and democracy, and the Governor made clear that Virginia will not block its own voters from having a voice to protect our rights.

Bills Governor Spanberger signed include:

HB612: Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition.
HB781: Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); fundamental right to reproductive freedom.
HB963: Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); qualifications of voters; right to vote; persons not entitled to vote.
HB138: Constitutional amendment; April 21, 2026, special election; voter referendum; appropriations.
SB6: Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); qualifications of voters; right to vote; persons not entitled to vote.
SB449: Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); fundamental right to reproductive freedom.

Out of the Shadows

As the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me.

Last year, we brought the stories of the more than 100 Black men who served in the House during Reconstruction out of the shadows. I have the honor of carrying that work forward.

This year, we also honored the trailblazing women of the General Assembly — leaders like Yvonne B. Miller, the first Black woman elected to the House of Delegates and the Senate, who charted a path for women to lead. We recognized President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas, Senator and Caucus Chair Mamie Locke, and Majority Leader Charniele Herring — women whose leadership continues to shape this Commonwealth.

Now, my daughter — and daughters across Virginia — can walk into their Capitol, see women leading at the highest levels, and know without question that their voices belong there.