RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Monday his plan to make Virginia the first state in the nation to eliminate state income taxes on tips earned by service workers. Donning an apron while serving breakfast at McLean's Restaurant in Richmond, Youngkin emphasized his commitment to providing substantial support for Virginians as he gears up for the upcoming session of the Virginia General Assembly.
"Directly to supporting Virginians that I believe need substantial support. And so this is about a $70 million a year commitment from the Commonwealth. We can absolutely afford it," Youngkin said.
The governor said that Virginia's current budget surplus would allow the state to absorb the financial impact of this proposal. He plans to present the full details of the budget surplus during his budget amendment presentation to lawmakers on Wednesday.
"These are folks that literally work incredibly hard for their living, and this is a way for us to give them a raise. This is a way for us to let them keep more of their hard earned money in their pocket," Youngkin added.
Elaine Cunningham, a long-time server and mother of four, echoed the governor's sentiments.
Having worked in the service industry for over 20 years, she emphasized that tips make up the majority of her income.
Cunningham described the idea of eliminating taxes on tips as "amazing."
"That's really going to make a difference in all of our lives, and definitely add a lot to our pocket. It's going to be nice, life changing," she said.
State Democrats say they want to see the specifics of the proposal but support the idea in general.
"Any idea that's going to put money back into the pockets of Virginians -- we're going to strongly consider and take a look at," House Speaker Don Scott (D - Portsmouth) said.
Democrats on Monday afternoon unveiled some of their goals, including a package of they're calling the Momnibus, aimed at addressing maternal health care in Virginia.
Lawmaker say it will focus on four areas including technology and expanding access to care with some overlap.
For example, the March of Dimes says 30-percent of Virginia's counties are considered maternal health deserts.
That meaning moms have to travel 45 minutes or more to get care.
They want to create a pilot remote monitoring program for moms of hypertension and diabetes.
"Ensure that people who have complicated pregnancies will have access to that monitoring by a medical professional almost 24 hours a day," Del. Candi Mundon King (D-Prince William) said.
Another pilot would help create childcare options at schools for teachers.
"Make sure that they're they feel comfortable, and they're not rushing to get to school, rushing it to work, and that they're going to have their children within there," Del. Michael Feggans (D -Virginia Beach) said.
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