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Saturday, Dec 06, 2025
Outside the box.
Virginia’s governor-elect Spanberger unveils agenda prioritising affordability and workforce development
Abigail Spanberger sets out plans on cost-of-living, healthcare, skills and housing ahead of January inauguration
Abigail Spanberger, governor-elect of Virginia, has laid out the core priorities she intends to pursue upon entering office in January 2026 — focusing first on reducing costs for families, bolstering workforce competitiveness, and reforming public services.
In a speech to the state’s business leaders she described the newly published “Blueprint Virginia 2035” as a roadmap for her administration’s agenda and broader state policy.
Central to her plan is a drive to ease financial burdens on ordinary Virginians.
Spanberger emphasised lowering living costs by tackling healthcare expenses — including prescription drug prices — and supporting affordable housing, childcare and accessible healthcare coverage.
She stated that obstacles such as expensive drugs, lack of childcare, and high housing costs should not prevent residents from working or raising families.
Workforce development stands as another pillar of her strategy.
Spanberger aims to strengthen training and apprenticeship programmes in sectors ranging from manufacturing to technology and healthcare.
She stressed that a well-prepared workforce, combined with reliable infrastructure, will attract investment and help Virginia compete as a hub for business and innovation.
On the public-services side, Spanberger has announced a key appointment: Marvin Figueroa, a veteran of federal health services policy, as her secretary of health and human resources.
That choice underscores her commitment to improving health service delivery, supporting rural hospitals, and safeguarding Medicaid and social benefits without compromising coverage.
The incoming governor also said her administration will pursue bipartisan collaboration.
She indicated readiness to work with members of both parties, local governments and private sector partners to implement policies tailored to regional needs across the Commonwealth.
This approach reflects Spanberger’s broader promise to blend pragmatism, fiscal realism and inclusive governance.
As she prepares to take office, Spanberger’s early agenda signals a shift toward economic resilience, social support and workforce readiness — aiming to position Virginia for long-term growth while easing the daily burdens of its citizens.
In a speech to the state’s business leaders she described the newly published “Blueprint Virginia 2035” as a roadmap for her administration’s agenda and broader state policy.
Central to her plan is a drive to ease financial burdens on ordinary Virginians.
Spanberger emphasised lowering living costs by tackling healthcare expenses — including prescription drug prices — and supporting affordable housing, childcare and accessible healthcare coverage.
She stated that obstacles such as expensive drugs, lack of childcare, and high housing costs should not prevent residents from working or raising families.
Workforce development stands as another pillar of her strategy.
Spanberger aims to strengthen training and apprenticeship programmes in sectors ranging from manufacturing to technology and healthcare.
She stressed that a well-prepared workforce, combined with reliable infrastructure, will attract investment and help Virginia compete as a hub for business and innovation.
On the public-services side, Spanberger has announced a key appointment: Marvin Figueroa, a veteran of federal health services policy, as her secretary of health and human resources.
That choice underscores her commitment to improving health service delivery, supporting rural hospitals, and safeguarding Medicaid and social benefits without compromising coverage.
The incoming governor also said her administration will pursue bipartisan collaboration.
She indicated readiness to work with members of both parties, local governments and private sector partners to implement policies tailored to regional needs across the Commonwealth.
This approach reflects Spanberger’s broader promise to blend pragmatism, fiscal realism and inclusive governance.
As she prepares to take office, Spanberger’s early agenda signals a shift toward economic resilience, social support and workforce readiness — aiming to position Virginia for long-term growth while easing the daily burdens of its citizens.
