Spanberger Plan for Growing Virginia

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger this week announced her “Growing Virginia Plan” to build Virginia’s economy and create job opportunities for Virginians across the Commonwealth.

Spanberger stood alongside union workers, business leaders, educators, and local elected officials as she outlined her priorities focused on growing workforce training efforts, growing business investment in Virginia, and growing trade opportunities for Virginia businesses.

Workforce training efforts “We will work with Virginia’s K-12 schools, community colleges, and four-year universities to promote career and technical education programs that provide students with meaningful, career-ready experiences,” Spanberger said. “This is about preparing Virginians for high-demand, good-paying careers.”

Business Investment “If Virginia’s leaders support our talent here at home, our skilled workforce will continue to drive growth within the Commonwealth and attract private investment and major employers to Virginia,” Spanberger said. “But Virginia needs more than a skilled and prepared workforce to attract and grow investments…. We need a Governor who will show that he or she will stand up for Virginia jobs, because how is it that we can attract businesses to Virginia if we have a Governor who is demonstrating that when Virginia jobs are under attack, the Governor is either nowhere to be found or excusing that job loss.”

Trade Opportunities “Virginia needs a governor who is focused on maintaining our trade relationships and finding new markets for Virginia exports,” Spanberger said. “Not cheering on potential trade wars or hoping it will all just work out.”

The “Growing Virginia” Plan

Spanberger’s three-pillar plan includes nearly two dozen goals and initiatives. They range from promoting apprenticeship programs and dual-enrollment courses for high school students; increasing investment in infrastructure and rural broadband internet; continuing port investment; bolstering departmental cooperation to better assist small businesses; and to increasing agricultural exports.

To accomplish any of those goals, Spanberger said the next governor will have to make living in the state more affordable. The congresswoman announced her Affordable Virginia plan earlier in the summer, which includes ideas for lowering the costs of health care, housing, and energy.