Democratic candidate for governor Abigail Spanberger laid out a plan for growing Virginia’s economy and creating jobs during a speech in Manassas on July 23.
“It’s not hyperbole to say that Virginia’s economy is under threat right now,” Spanberger said at the apprenticeship training center for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 26.
“The Trump Administration’s DOGE cuts and tariffs are threatening Virginia’s workers, businesses, families, and overall economy,” she said. “Virginia needs a governor who will not casually dismiss these threats to our economy and who actually has a plan to build a more resilient economy.”
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At the IBEW event, Spanberger outlined a “Growing Virginia Plan,” which is based on three pillars: growing the workforce, growing business investment, and growing trade opportunities.
Among other recommendations, the plan would grow Virginia’s workforce by boosting pathways to registered apprenticeship programs for middle and high school students, expanding access to paid internships, and increasing dual enrollment opportunities for high school students.
The plan calls for reducing barriers to work by increasing access to affordable childcare.
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Spanberger would expand investment in Virginia by demonstrating to businesses why Virginia is the best place to start or grow their operations. She would bolster partnerships among entrepreneurs, institutions of higher education, and industries.
In addition, Spanberger’s plan calls for providing support to new small businesses and boosting tourism to stimulate economic growth and jobs.
To grow trade opportunities for Virginia businesses, the Growing Virginia Plan calls for helping farmers grow their markets and helping small business owners market and sell their products abroad.
Spanberger would also reinforce Virginia’s role as a global leader in the fields of national security, defense, shipbuilding, and cybersecurity, due to the state’s significant military presence.
“Virginia deserves a governor who is focused on building an economy where every Virginian can earn a good living, take care of their families, and know they’ll have a secure retirement,” Spanberger said.
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