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January 14, 2026 - Joint Assembly

Wednesday, January 14, 2026·1h 29m·▶ Watch / Listen

Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered his State of the Commonwealth address to a joint session of the Virginia General Assembly, issuing pointed warnings against changes to right-to-work law, tax increases, and rejoining RGGI, while touting record business investment, a 59% reduction in fatal fentanyl overdoses, and a 30% decline in murder during his administration. The joint assembly also agreed by voice vote to a resolution notifying the Governor of its organization, then agreed by voice vote to adjourn and reconvene the following day at 12 noon, with the House separately voting by voice to stand adjourned until that time.

Key Actions

·Resolution – Joint Assembly Notifying Governor of OrganizationNo Vote

+ 3 more actions

Controversies

Right-to-work law

Governor Youngkin issued a direct warning to the General Assembly, stating 'Change right to work and jobs will disappear. People will leave, and they will take their tax dollars with them,' and calling for 'No amendments, no reforms, and no change.' The phrasing 'please hear me' twice implies anticipated or existing opposition among legislators, but no specific opposing legislator was named in the transcript.

+ 4 more controversies

Notable Quotes

“Virginia has been on a tear because we have protected right to work. And so I ask you, please hear me, Please hear me. Change right to work and jobs will disappear. People will leave, and they will take their tax dollars with them. Keeping Virginia soaring means keeping right to work right where it is. No amendments, no reforms, and no change.”

Governor Glenn Youngkin — Governor Youngkin issued a direct warning to the General Assembly against any changes to Virginia's right-to-work law, which he credited as a driver of business investment and job growth during his administration.

+ 4 more quotes

Votes

Adoption of the resolution of the joint assembly notifying the Governor of organizationNo Vote
Motion by Senator from Prince Edward, Senator Cifers [matched to roster: Luther Cifers, III] — specific subject unclear from transcript; followed Governor's address and departure of the SenateNo Vote
Motion by Senator from Loudoun, Senator Srinivasan [matched to roster: Kannan Srinivasan] — specific subject unclear from transcript; followed immediately after prior motion; clerk then announced 'The joint assembly has adjourned. Signing die.' [STT? — likely sine die]No Vote
That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to reconvene tomorrow at 12 noon (moved by Charniele L. Herring)No Vote
That the House do now adjourn (moved by Charniele L. Herring)No Vote
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TranscriptPreview
Come to order. Mr. Speaker. Members of the House just where we are. So we're waiting for the Senate. They will come over in due course. We'll introduce all of the members. Members of the various groups are going to be filling out the rest of the cabinet, filling out the rest of the chamber. Then at 7:02, 7:00 clock is when VPM will be gearing this all up. So we'll start at 7:02 and then we'll go through and do that and everything. And at the end of that the Senate will leave. I'll announce the committee assignments or, excuse me, the committee meetings for tomorrow. HHS is meeting at 8:30. Transportation at 9. The caucuses Democrats at 11, Republicans at 11:15. But that's what's going on. So we're sort of just in a holding pattern. But please kind of be at your seats because at some point the Senate's getting ready to come down here. In the next five minutes, House will be at ease. It's. It's. The House will come to order. Sergeant in Arms. Mr. Speaker. The Senate of Virginia. The members of the House will rise and receive the Senate of Virginia. It. The joint…
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