To the Honorable Members of the Virginia House of Delegates, My name is Guillermo Creamer, and I am the co-founder of Pay Our Interns, an organization dedicated to ensuring that all young people—regardless of their socioeconomic background—have access to paid internship opportunities. Through our advocacy, Congress transitioned from a system where most interns worked without pay to one where paid internships are now the norm in both the U.S. House and Senate. The White House has also implemented a paid internship program, recognizing that financial barriers should not determine who gets to serve in government. Virginia now has the opportunity to follow this successful model and set an example for other states to do the same. Internships are often the first step in a career in public service, yet unpaid opportunities disproportionately exclude those who cannot afford to work for free. Far too many young people, particularly those from low-income and first-generation backgrounds, are forced to choose between gaining critical experience in government or taking on additional jobs and debt just to get by. This reality limits the talent pool for public service and reinforces systemic inequalities that have long made government less accessible to those without financial privilege. HB 2125 takes an important step toward addressing this issue by establishing a State Government Internship Coordinator, who will help develop and expand internship opportunities across Virginia’s state agencies. Just as Congress and the White House have successfully implemented paid internships to attract and retain a diverse workforce, Virginia should feel empowered to do the same. By ensuring that interns are compensated fairly for their work, this bill will not only remove financial barriers but also strengthen the pipeline of future public servants in the Commonwealth. Paying interns is not just about fairness—it’s about smart workforce development. Studies have consistently shown that paid internships lead to stronger career outcomes, higher retention rates, and a more engaged workforce. When young people are given the chance to gain experience in government without financial hardship, they are more likely to pursue long-term careers in public service. By passing HB 2125, Virginia will be investing in its future leaders while making state government more accessible, inclusive, and representative of the people it serves. At a time when faith in government is declining, providing fair compensation for interns is a clear and tangible way to demonstrate that public service is open to all—not just those who can afford to work for free. I urge the Virginia General Assembly to pass HB 2125 and ensure that young people across the Commonwealth have equal access to the invaluable experience that state government internships provide. This is a chance for Virginia to lead the way and inspire other states to follow suit, just as Congress and the White House have done on the federal level. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Guillermo Co-Founder, Pay Our Interns