Staff Reports
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a proud and passionate Republican, wasted no time in laying down the law on his stance against antisemitism as the new joint Assembly kicked off its legislative session in Virginia. The governor, who knows a thing or two about business being a former successful businessman himself, boldly called for a bill that would prevent the commonwealth from doing business with companies that boycott Israel. In his State of the Commonwealth address, he didn’t hold back as he challenged the Assembly to pass a hate crime bill that would ensure all forms of antisemitism are treated as hate crimes under the law.
Youngkin made it crystal clear that he refuses to tolerate an atmosphere of fear and intimidation due to antisemitism in Virginia. From college campuses to local grocery stores, and even places of worship, he emphasized that no Virginian should live in fear of being targeted because of their religion, race, or creed. “We’re better than this. We’re Virginia,” he exclaimed as he urged the Assembly to take decisive action against antisemitism.
Governor @GlennYoungkin: “It’s time to lead. It’s time to lead together. To build a Virginia that is overflowing with opportunity and arrive at our ultimate destination — which is that proverbial shining city on the hill. And in order to get there, we must do it together.” pic.twitter.com/i09GOuTzYn
— Team Youngkin – Spirit of Virginia (@TeamYoungkin) January 10, 2024
The governor’s unwavering support for Israel has been evident in his actions, from ordering American flags to be flown at half-staff for the victims of Hamas terror attacks to actively engaging with Jewish community leaders across the state. He didn’t stop there, issuing an executive directive to combat antisemitic attacks on Jewish people at educational institutions and threats in the community, cementing his commitment to fighting antisemitism at every level.
Beyond taking on antisemitism, Governor Youngkin proudly highlighted the impressive addition of 233,000 jobs and a whopping $5 billion in tax relief for Virginians in 2023. His contagious excitement for the potential move of Monumental Sports and Entertainment to Alexandria, Virginia, with its promise of 30,000 new jobs, was palpable. Additionally, his $20.2 billion plan to bolster schools and his call to lawmakers to eliminate the car tax demonstrate his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Virginians across the state.
Despite facing a tough crowd with a new legislature fully under Democratic control, Youngkin holds the power of the veto pen, ready to wield its might during the 60-day work period to shape a new two-year state budget. His bold and unapologetic approach to governance is a refreshing change in a political landscape often marred by indecision and partisan bickering. Governor Youngkin is clearly a force to be reckoned with, and his passion for standing up against antisemitism and fighting for the prosperity of Virginia shines brightly as he takes on the challenges that lie ahead.
