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.”

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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.”

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House Republican Caucus leaders issued the following statements regarding Governor Youngkin’s State of the Commonwealth address:

House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert:

“Republicans recognize that Virginia families are still reeling from years of inflation that has made the essentials of life such as food, shelter, and energy more unaffordable than ever. At a time when Virginia collects billions of dollars in surpluses, we have an obligation to help by lowering Virginians’ tax burdens further. I look forward to working with Governor Youngkin to reduce the car tax for hard-working families, ending the tax on tips for those in the service industry, and reducing regulatory burdens that unnecessarily drive up costs.”

House Republican Caucus Chair Amanda Batten:

“If we want Virginia’s economy to continue growing, we must ensure the Commonwealth has reliable and affordable electricity. As noted by the Governor, we import 40 percent of our power, a huge increase since the Virginia Clean Economy Act became law in 2020. Now is the time to stop taking existing power stations offline and begin the critical work of adding ‘all of the above’ to our power mix. If we fail to do so, economic growth will not be the only casualty. Hard working Virginians will be forced to spend even more of their paychecks to keep the lights on.”

House Republican Whip Michael Webert:

“Economic success means nothing if Virginians aren’t safe in their communities. Governor Youngkin is right that we have an obligation to work with our Federal partners to deport illegal aliens who commit violent felonies. Mandating local law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement will save lives.”

Deputy House Republican Leader Israel O’Quinn:

“I want to thank Governor Youngkin for his repeated and ongoing efforts to help our communities rebuild and refurbish schools as part of our joint effort to improve education for all of Virginia’s students. As we heard today, we have made tremendous progress, but there is much left to do. I look forward to working with him and our entire Republican team to make it happen.”