Gov. Youngkin Tells General Assembly, ‘The State of the Commonwealth Is Not What it Should Be,’ ‘We Have the Ability to Course-Correct’

Governor Glenn Youngkin used his first State of the Commonwealth address to describe a Virginia in need of reform, with underfunded schools whose leaders are out of touch with parents, rising crime rates, rising cost of living, and a stalled economy. The Monday message contrasted with former Governor Ralph Northam’s State of the Commonwealth delivered last Wednesday, where Northam highlighted economic success, education that reckons with Virginia’s past, and progress on equity.

“From the perspective of everyday Virginia families, times are tough and the State of the Commonwealth is not what it should be,” Youngkin said. “The good news is that we have the ability to course-correct before this poor performance becomes permanent.”

That messaging contrast is reminiscent of the 2021 gubernatorial campaign. Youngkin’s speech echoed many of the promises he made on the campaign trail, including increased funding for police, cutting cost of living, improving Virginia’s business environment, and improving government through business-style leadership.

He stirred in a unity message for legislators: “Let’s set aside petty divisions, ego, self-advancement, and let’s join together to make the Virginia that we love better, stronger, freer.”… (Excerpts from the Virginia Star)