RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – In an unprecedented postponement of the General Assembly opening, Governor Youngkin delivered an unprecedented late State of Commonwealth address around 10am as the 2025 session gaveled in. The Governor said, “We are gathering here a few days later than normal after the difficult and frustrating water crisis in Richmond last week. Thank you to everyone who stepped-up to serve neighbors, communities, and our capital city”. 

He declared the state of the Commonwealth as “strong… very strong” with unprecedented job growth, and an increase of people moving into Virginia. He urged continued increased spending in K-through-12 education, and once again urged to build on what has been $5-billion in tax relief by approving tax credits to counter what he calls “the most hated tax in America… Virginia’s car tax”.

“The Car Tax Credit for Working Class Families – will provide a permanent, refundable, income tax credit up to $150 for individuals earning under $50,000 a year and up to $300 for joint filers earning under $100,000 a year.  We can fund the first three years with $1.1 billion of the state’s projected surplus. And with the average car tax for a typical family of four being $290, it would fully cover their car tax while keeping localities whole”, the Governor said.

Click here to watch the Governor’s entire address.
Click here for the speech text.