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Virginia
Friday, June 6, 2025

Virginia’s budget surplus grows as revenues beat expectations due to Republican management

Virginia’s general fund revenues rose sharply in April, bucking signs of a national economic cooldown as the state continues to post steady long-time job growth and rake in more tax dollars than projected.

Response to “Trump’s Attack on Offshore Wind is Hurting Virginia. Why Aren’t Republican Leaders Fighting for Us?”

The Virginia Mercury article (May 19, 2025) argues that President Donald Trump’s executive order halting offshore wind project approvals, permits, and funding is detrimental to Virginia’s economy, particularly the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, and criticizes Republican leaders like Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares for not opposing it.

Mike Chapman, Virginia’s Sheriff Keeping Streets Safe Through Enforcement of the Law

Traffic stops and searches of motorists in Loudoun County have increased dramatically the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2024, sparking complaints from activists and some residents.

First Responder Wellness Office Established, Increasing Coordination and Support for First Responder Wellness

, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today issued Executive Order 38, which directs the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to establish an Office of First Responder Wellness at the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to support the emotional, physical, and overall personal wellness of first responders in the Commonwealth. Given the significant cumulative effect of critical incidents involving tragedy and human suffering that first responders experience daily, more resources must be dedicated to supporting their mental and physical wellbeing.  

‘s tragic devastation of Southwest reminds us that our First Responders are always our frontline heroes that are there to rescue and aid Virginians in need. We must support them better,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The data clearly shows that repeated traumatic events experienced by first responders takes a toll on the human body, mind, and soul. The coordination and partnerships at the local, state, and federal level, along with the private sector, will provide much better support and results for our first responder heroes.”  

The formalizes the existing Office of First Responder Wellness at the Department of Criminal Justice Services, directing them to provide training and support for mental and physical of our first responder heroes, and creates a new Chief Coordinating Officer role under the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, directing the person to convene of work group of key state agencies, local first responder leaders, mental health professionals, clergy, and family members to advise on first responder wellness efforts.

The Governor has approved a request from DCJS to allocate $3 million in unexpended Fiscal Year 2024 balances to the Office of First Responder Wellness to offer grants for non-profits and local agencies supporting first responder wellness efforts.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that thirty percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions. Additionally, recent studies indicate that first responders are suffering from PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to work related stressors considerably above the national average and the divorce rate is fifteen to twenty-five percent higher than the general population. Unfortunately, almost one in ten first responders report having thoughts of suicide.  

“Thanks to the leadership of , we continue to support our men and women in law enforcement, corrections, , emergency medical services, and 911 dispatchers for their dedicated service to the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terry Cole. “The entire team in public safety and homeland security is excited to lead this significant initiative.” 

“As President of the Virginia Sheriffs Association, I am deeply grateful for the Governor’s continued support of law enforcement and first responders. Having one central platform at DCJS for training and resources will be valuable as we seek to support our employees every day,” said Sheriff Brad Nunnally.  

“I applaud Governor Youngkin’s leadership to support our men and women in the field who provide support to our citizens each and every day. First responders deal with tragedies day in and day out that take a toll on someone over time,” said Chief of Booth.  

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Read More: https://governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2024/october/name-1034064-en.html

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