RICHMOND, VA – Today, House and Senate Republicans urged Democratic budget writers to provide relief to hard working Virginia families by suspending the state’s motor fuels tax.

“Gas prices are rising quickly, and it’s hurting Virginia families,” said House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore. “Much of this is driven by Iran and ongoing global conflicts. We can’t control those factors, but there is one thing we can control right here in Richmond. Every gallon of fuel Virginians buy right now includes about 32 cents in state motor fuels tax.”

“This past Session Democrats’ claims about affordability were nothing but a cynical hoax and straight-up con job,” said Senate Republican Leader Ryan T. McDougle. “If the Governor and her party are serious about helping families at the gas pump, they should join us right now to suspend the gas tax for 90 days. Virginia has surplus after surplus, enough to deliver this common-sense relief today, and we stand ready to work across the aisle.”

Both House Democrats and Governor Spanberger ran on promises to make life more affordable for Virginians. But despite promises to end the car tax and lower power bills, Democrats took no real action on any significant cost drivers. Indeed, in the case of electricity bills, they did the opposite – adding more and more charges to power bills.

“Suspending the gas tax gives us a chance to provide immediate, tangible help to Virginians in the short term. If we can’t control the price of oil, the least we can do is stop taxing it for a month,” Kilgore added.

This targeted, temporary suspension would deliver direct relief without long-term impact on transportation funding, thanks to the state’s ample reserves. It can be written into either the existing House Bill 30 document, or passed as a stand alone piece of legislation in the upcoming Special Session.

Each 90-day suspension would require roughly $375 million to backfill. Virginia has ample reserves available in revenue stabilization accounts that can be used with no impact to the Commonwealth’s bottom line or transportation funding.

Virginia House GOP Leader Terry Kilgore, Caucus Chair Scott Wyatt, and House GOP Whip Michael Webert issued the following statement on the passing Del. Barry Knight:

“Today, we are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, Barry Knight.

“Since first being elected to the House of Delegates in 2009, Barry faithfully represented the people of Virginia Beach with humility, steadiness, and an unwavering commitment to public service. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, he carried one of the most significant responsibilities in the General Assembly. He approached that work with seriousness, fairness, and a deep respect for taxpayer dollars, always focused on protecting Virginia’s strong fiscal foundation.

“Barry was known for his integrity, his calm and steady leadership, and his ability to bring people together, even during challenging budget negotiations. He earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle through his thoughtful approach and his genuine care for the people he served.

“Above all, Barry was a devoted husband to his wife, Paula, and a proud father to his sons, Hunter, Kyle, and Forrest. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and they were always at the center of his life.

“Our hearts and prayers are with Paula, Hunter, Kyle, Forrest, and the entire Knight family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask all Virginians to join us in honoring Barry’s life and his years of dedicated service to our Commonwealth.

“His presence in the House will be deeply missed, and his legacy will endure.”

###

RICHMOND — House Republicans Rolled out their “Affordability Done Right” agenda at a press conference this morning, detailing their plans to create real savings for all Virginians.

“Voters sent a clear message in November: they’re deeply concerned about the cost of living,” said House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott. “Republicans are listening — not just as elected officials, but as Virginians who live here, raise families here, and pay the same bills as everyone else.

“We all buy groceries. We all pay taxes. And we all see that our paychecks don’t go as far as they used to. Republicans are focused on real relief, not shell games. Our goal is simple: your bill should be lower next month than it is this month.”

Kilgore pointed to Virginia’s strong fiscal position as proof the Commonwealth can afford to deliver meaningful tax relief. Virginia is running a $1.2 billion surplus in the first half of the fiscal year, generating more than enough revenue to return money to working families while maintaining core state services.

“Power bills are out of control in Virginia, and it’s not hard to see why,” said Del. Tim Griffin, R-Bedford. “The Virginia Clean Economy Act put Virginians on the hook for billions of dollars in mandates and subsidies for energy sources that only produce power intermittently, while forcing the closure of power plants that can run 24/7.

“Our legislation suspends these costly requirements when prices spike or reliability is threatened. No Virginian should ever have to choose between putting food on the table and keeping the heat on.”

“Virginians hate the car tax, and rightly so,” said Del. Joe McNamara, R-Roanoke. “Decades ago, families were promised a full repeal of the car tax up to $20,000, and the General Assembly broke that promise. We now have the opportunity to put significant money back into the pockets of hardworking Virginians by finally making good on that commitment.”

Republicans are also moving to protect taxpayers from a looming tax increase by making the expanded standard deduction permanent.

“At the end of this year, the enhanced standard deduction is set to expire,” McNamara said. “This bill removes the sunset and locks it in, saving a married couple up to $661 per year.”

House Republicans are also targeting grocery costs.

“Everyone buys groceries, and we shouldn’t penalize people for living,” said Del. Anne Ferrell Tata, R-Virginia Beach. “Virginia is one of only ten states that still taxes groceries. Ending the grocery tax will save a family of four about $150 a year.”

The legislation dedicates ongoing state revenues to hold local governments harmless while still delivering lower grocery prices for families.

“Car insurance isn’t optional. It’s something nearly every Virginian has to pay for,” said Del. Delores Oates, R-Warren. “Current law prevents insurers from offering customers lower-cost repair options, even when those options could mean lower premiums.

“This bill gives companies the option — not a mandate — to create preferred repair networks. That flexibility opens the door to more affordable insurance policies for consumers,” Oates said.

Kilgore said the agenda reflects a clear contrast in priorities.

“Democrats talk about affordability,” Kilgore said. “Republicans are delivering it: one bill, one tax cut, and one lower monthly expense at a time.”

###

RICHMOND — What a difference two weeks can make. After focusing their campaigns on lowering costs for everyday Virginians, House Democrats have put forward their first legislation for 2026. None of them will lower any costs for Virginia’s working families.

House GOP Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City

“I’m at a loss to understand how mandating a higher minimum wage will lower costs for working families. It’s almost like their entire campaign was designed to hide the fact that Democrats plan to do what they always do — drive up costs, increase regulations, and chase jobs out of Virginia into neighboring states. If Democrats want to lower costs, they should start by dropping the bills that raise them.”

House GOP Caucus Chair Scott Wyatt, R-Mechanicsville

“This first round of bills from House Democrats shows they still haven’t realized that the House passes laws, not ideas. Putting new restrictions on privately-held affordable housing removes any incentive for developers to build such units. Forcing utilities to pay for home renovations will just drive up power bills for all consumers. Neither of these bills will lower costs for Virginia families. Republicans will be introducing legislation to make things more affordable by lowering costs.”

House GOP Whip Michael Webert, R-Fauquier

“I don’t know how you lower prices by passing laws that make everything more expensive. Democrats are adding mandates on employers, mandates on homebuilders, and now even mandates on our utility companies. If this is their plan to help working families, they’re going to be shocked when bills go up instead of down.”

The Virginia House Republican Caucus has elected Delegate Terry Kilgore (R-Scott County) as House Republican Leader, following the decision of Delegate Todd Gilbert to step down.

Kilgore, a veteran legislator first elected in 1993 and former House Majority Leader, brings decades of leadership experience and a focused plan to help House Republicans retake the majority in 2025.

“I’m honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me,” said Kilgore. “We need disciplined leadership, a unified message, and a clear strategy to take back the House. I’m ready to get to work.”

Kilgore emphasized the importance of unity and urgency: “We have no time to waste. The 2025 elections are around the corner, and we need to operate like a team ready to win. That starts now.”

###