Virginia Delegate Champions Bills for Workers and Environment
ALEXANDRIA, VA-Last week, Delegate Kaye Kory acted as chief co-patron of two important bills up for vote in the Virginia House of Delegates. The first is meant to assist Virginia workers through the creation of the office of the Secretary of Labor. The purpose of the second is to create a rebate program associated with the purchase or lease of electronic vehicles.
Both pieces of legislation passed in the House and will now require a Senate vote and the governor’s approval to become laws.
Regarding the bill for Virginia workers, Kory said, ““The passage of this bill will help the Commonwealth’s workers by cutting bureaucratic red tape that will streamline services to the workers who need help amid a historic pandemic.”
If it becomes law, the legislation would effectively result in the transfer of responsibility from the Virginia Employment Commission’s secretary of commerce to the new secretary of labor. This cabinet position would be the first in state history. The office would oversee various regulations and the department of Labor and Industry.
The bill concerning rebates calls for a $2,500 rebate at time of purchase or lease for a new or used vehicle. A person who falls into either category with an annual household income that does not exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level would be entitled to an additional $2,000 rebate for a new electric vehicle. The purchase of a used vehicle would bring a $500 rebate. Rebate eligibility would start in tax year 2022.
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