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VMA supports HB270 - modernizing the VEC is a necessity. VMA supports HB336, 337, 341- 51% approval is a near universal democratic standard for bargaining unit approval and union activities, including collecting dues, should be a cost of the union, not the taxpayer. VMA supports HB414 - the Commonwealth must have a reliable electric grid. VMA opposes HB1355 - the Commonwealth must have a diversified energy portfolio that is affordable, reliable, secure, and sustainable.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

If you believe there is a problem with Virginia's public education, then address the issues with the 100 million dollars the Governor wants to give to a for profit educational system and destroy our public schools! You can begin by fully funding your contractual obligation to all state employees through the VRS!

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

I am the economist that worked on the FIS for HB270.

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Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Good afternoon, honorable members of the Commerce and Energy Committee. My name is William Boger and I am an active firefighter in Henrico County, Virginia with nearly 20 years in my profession. I am president of Henrico Professional Fire Fighters Association and a district vice president with the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters representing over 9,000 of the firefighters who protect our Commonwealth. I am also a third generation union member. I have witnessed first hand the benefits union membership has had on working families and the sustainment and development of the middle class. I am here today to speak against HB 883, which seeks to repeal the freedom of workers like firefighters to collectively bargain terms of their employment, as well as HB 336, HB 337, and HB 341, and HB 790, which are all attacks against the freedom of public service employees to join together in a union and bargain collectively for a contract. Many people wrongly believe collective bargaining is all about money. It is not. Collective bargaining is about working conditions, safety, benefits, training, equipment and so much more. As frontline workers who have faced the Covid-19 pandemic daily, we are able to provide beneficial insight into what we need to keep our communities safe. And as firefighters and EMS providers, we know first hand what it takes to provide the best services possible. Since the law passed in 2020 allowing collective bargaining in Virginia, communities like Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Prince William County and others have begun the process. Please don’t repeal legislation of which communities are already seeing the benefit and that they desire. You can have a pro-business economy and a pro-worker economy. Collective bargaining is not against making Virginia the best place for business. Collective bargaining is a means for workers to have a voice in their employment. Through collaboration, employers and the communities they serve will see the benefit of having important decisions shared. Collective bargaining makes for stronger communities, where employees are not seen as simply line items on a budget, but as assets to the communities in which they live, work and raise their families. Thank you for this opportunity to speak against HB 883.

Harlie White - Good afternoon, my name is Harlie White - . and I’m a Traffic and Lights technician in the city of Alexandria. I am speaking in opposition of HB 883 which would repeal collective bargaining agreements, prevailing wage requirements, and remove the rights of municipalities like the City of Alexandria from entering into collective bargaining agreements. As an employee in the city of Alexandria, my work isn’t just a job it is a calling. I care deeply for my community. In April of last year, my coworkers and I worked with the city of Alexandria Council members to enact the first collective bargaining ordinance in the Commonwealth in almost forty years. The freedom to collectively bargain enables public service workers to fight for better services for the communities we serve. HB 883 would take us backward by repealing a 2020 law that empowers localities to give public service workers the freedom to join a union, and local municipalities the autonomy to enact union agreements as they see fit. I stand in opposition to HB 883 with other city of Alexandria AFSCME members. Thank you for your time.

Hi, my name is Luis Velez Sr. I am an Equipment Technician for Arlington County and AFSCME member. I am speaking in opposition to repealing collective bargaining rights and HB 337 As a resident of Alexandria, and a public employee with Arlington County, I am responsible for and rely on the quality public services that Northern Virginia’s communities are known for. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the importance of public service workers and our dedication to the jobs that protect our community and fuel our economy. The freedom to collective bargaining enables public service workers to fight for better services for the communities we serve. HB (337) would chip away at my right to collectively bargain and freedom to join a strong union. I stand in opposition to HB 337

To whom it may concern, Please vote No on the bill that infringes on teachers rights for collective bargaining. Collective Bargaining is an important part of a teachers voice and to be able to negotiate our salaries. Collective bargaining gives teachers a seat at the table for our voices to be heard and our ability to have a say in important decisions for our students and families. Thank you Mrs. Abdale

VMA supports HB270 - modernizing the VEC is a necessity. VMA supports HB336, 337, 341- 51% approval is a near universal democratic standard for bargaining unit approval and union activities, including collecting dues, should be a cost of the union, not the taxpayer. VMA supports HB414 - the Commonwealth must have a reliable electric grid. VMA opposes HB1355 - the Commonwealth must have a diversified energy portfolio that is affordable, reliable, secure, and sustainable.

As a President of the Virginia Beach Education Association, My members and I strongly oppose House Bills 336, 337, 341, 790, & 883 which ban collective bargaining for local public employees. My members are deeply concerned about the future of our students’ education and firmly believe that collective bargaining rights for educators are a win for everyone. Collective bargaining rights lead to the kind of high-quality schools our children and communities deserve by making students our primary focus. It capitalizes on the expertise of seasoned educators in decision making around such issues as lowering class sizes, adding important positions like school counselors and nurses, and providing extra resources for students, as well as other benefits for employees. Solving problems in education must involve the people who work with students daily. They are the ones with first-hand knowledge of how issues affect students’ learning. We know that the working environment of educators is the learning environment of students. When we elevate both of these, educational programs can expand their capacity to prepare students to be work-ready, making them productive and involved citizens who in turn contribute to the success of their communities. We need teachers to be part of this decision making process in building excellent public schools. Collective bargaining rights also help retain experienced educators, attract new highly qualified educators, and encourage young adults to enter preparation programs to work in this essential field of public service. We currently have a state with many unfilled public education openings and there are not nearly enough students in preparation programs coming to fill them. Students in today’s colleges and universities are aware of how the right to collective bargain will affect their quality of life and earning potential over the course of their chosen career. They are making informed decisions about their career choices and how those in leadership support or oppose actions that will affect those choices. Collective bargaining for all public employees results in better services, retention of employees, and enhances the appeal of our communities to new business and industry. Please commit to supporting education professionals and students and our other essential workers in Virginia by embracing collective bargaining and voting against HB 336, 337, 341, 790, and 883. Thank you.

Dear Commerce and Energy - Subcommittee #1 members, my name is Tyvon Bates, and on behalf of American Federation of Teachers Virginia, I am writing to urge you to oppose HB 336 chief patroned by Delegate Freitas. This legislation would impose an anti-democratic definition of an “electoral majority” just for the purpose of union elections, that is different from the normal definition and rules used for all elections in the Commonwealth. It would also require local governments to de-certify existing unions that were democratically elected, which would undermine stability in labor relations. I hope you will join me in opposing HB 336. Thank you,

Good afternoon honorable members of Subcommittee #1. My name is William Boger and I am an active firefighter in Henrico County, Virginia with nearly 20 years in my profession. I am president of Henrico Professional Fire Fighters Association and a district vice president with the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters representing over 9,000 of the firefighters who protect our Commonwealth. I am also a third generation union member. I have witnessed first hand the benefits union membership has had on working families and the sustainment and development of the middle class. I am here today to speak against HB 883, which seeks to repeal the freedom of workers like firefighters to collectively bargain terms of their employment, as well as HB 336, HB 337, and HB 341, which are all attacks against the freedom of public service employees to join together in a union and bargain collectively for a contract. Many people wrongly believe collective bargaining is all about money. It is not. Collective bargaining is about working conditions, safety, benefits, training, equipment and so much more. As frontline workers who have faced the Covid-19 pandemic daily, we are able to provide beneficial insight into what we need to keep our communities safe. And as firefighters and EMS providers, we know first hand what it takes to provide the best services possible. Since the law passed in 2020 allowing collective bargaining in Virginia, communities like Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Prince William County and others have begun the process. Please don’t repeal legislation of which communities are already seeing the benefit and that they desire. You can have a pro-business economy and a pro-worker economy. Collective bargaining is not against making Virginia the best place for business. Collective bargaining is a means for workers to have a voice in their employment. Through collaboration, employers and the communities they serve will see the benefit of having important decisions shared. Collective bargaining makes for stronger communities, where employees are not seen as simply line items on a budget, but as assets to the communities in which they live, work and raise their families. Thank you for this opportunity to speak against HB 883.

I am against these bills and against the limiting of collective bargaining rights in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The recent gains made in collective bargaining rights are incredibly important for workers—and employers—in the state. As a teacher, I am well aware of the fact that Virginia is near the bottom in teacher salaries. This is leading to many problems in our schools, including a shortage of teachers and trouble attracting and retaining new teachers. The teacher pay gap is just one thing that can be effectively—and cooperatively addressed through collective bargaining. Collective bargaining has time and time again been shown to lead to improved classrooms, educator recruitment and retention, and better working conditions. We need this in Virginia. Please vote “No” on these bills.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

Please move to report HB336, 337, 341, 790, 883. Thank you.

I urge you to vote NO on these bills that will silence the voices of educators. Educator negotiated contracts lead to quality educator recruitment and retention with improved classrooms and better working conditions. Please give us a seat at the table to maintain the integrity of our profession. Thank you.

PLEASE VOTE NO ON HB336, HB337, HB341 AND HB790. During these challenging times, legislators need to support public employees -- and this is particularly true for law enforcement officers. Police departments are woefully understaffed, and morale for all public employees -- particularly officers -- is at an all-time low. Measures such as these proposed bills will only serve to make matters worse. Collective bargaining is the best tool to allow employees to be part of the process, and is an excellent tool to help employers streamline communications with their employees. So much of the rhetoric is simply fear of the unknown. I've had the privilege of representing the MWAA police union, which has had collective bargaining rights and a collective bargaining agreement for decades. The ability to have everything in black and white for all parties is immensely helpful for everyone involved.

Educator voices are important to assist in classroom improvements educator voices are crucial in the recruitment and retention of qualified classroom teachers. Educator voices are vital in the improvement of working conditions for students and public school staff. I urge you to vote NO on the above House Bills. Thank you for your attention.

I have never understood why having a honest discussion and a signed agreement between employees and management is so scary that management must deny employees their collective voice. Is it because management is afraid that they will have to acknowledge that their employees are people not widgets? Will employers have to treat their employees as valued partners who are necessary for management’s success? Will management have to admit the employees doing the work really understand how the work is done over the management who only knows how it was done a long time ago? It is past time for employees representatives and management to talk and come to a MUTUAL agreement.

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

The educators within the Commonwealth deserve to have a voice in negotiating their contracts, working conditions, wages, salaries, or anything else that affects their work whether in the classroom or on a school bus. Working together with school boards for the betterment of all leads to happier educators, school boards, parents and the community is a must for the success of our children. It’s all for the children in the end. Virginia is #4 best in education so let’s keep it that way so we can work towards being #1.

As a public school teacher for the last 24 years, I have been advocating and working toward collective bargaining in Virginia. As a professional, it is important to have a voice in the present and future conditions of my profession. Teachers need to have input in working conditions, time management, and documentation. When the needs of the teachers are met, we can meet the needs of the students. Our children is what this is all about. Our working conditions are our children's learning conditions. Please continue to support collective bargaining for teachers. Thank you.

Please vote "No" on these bills. Virginia teachers have been punished enough. We service children and do so with open hearts and minds. Please do not revoke the rights that have been so hard won. Political agendas do not belong in our public school systems!

Vote No on these bills. I ask you to think about teachers. By voting NO on these bills you are helping teachers, not just our classroom and working conditions but by keeping teachers in the classroom.

Please keep Collective Bargaining. Collective Bargaining is very important and a needed meansof communication for RPS teachers/staff to have a voice in what happens for our school system. Please do not support any bills or legislature that would undermine the ability for RPS teachers/staff to come to the table through Collective Barganining. I implore you to not support the bills that have the goal to undermine Collective Barganining. PLease join hands with the Richmond City Schools teachers and staff to work together through Collective Bargaining and vote against any bill or legislature that has the goal of eradicating it or diminishing Collective Barganinings ability to allow RPS teachers/staff to come to the table and have a voice in meeting the needs of teachers/staff as we work to educate and support all the students in our system. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. have a

At a time when we should be empowering workers to improve working an living conditions for the citizens of the Commonwealth, these bills purposely seek to strip power from the middle class. Introduced by a party supposedly against government over-reach, these bills go directly against the mantra of local control. This is as unAmerican as it gets: stifling the ability of workers to ban together to improve their working conditions as a whole. In this case, it's even more damaging, as these bills seek to limit the power of the workers who are in charge of educating and protecting the public in the state of Virginia. In a time when we are struggling to fill these positions statewide, it is nonsensical to add another barrier to the recruitment and retention of highly-qualified and talented individuals. This is not the time nor the place for political posturing. This is the time for common-sense legislating. Therefore, you must vote NO on these measures.

Dear Legislators, Teachers must have a voice when it comes to collaborating working with the government. We have been through a period that has illuminated so many problems in the education system. It is ludicrous to leave us out of the conversation. We are the ones that know what works best for our students. People who make administrative decisions, including you, that have never been in the classroom in the last few years do not have the information to accurately make decisions in students' best interest. Sincerely, Amanda Wolfe

I am writing in opposition to any actions that would rescind or undermine education workers' recently-won collective bargaining rights. In many localities around the state, it is highly unlikely that education workers will be able to meet the requirements set forth in the bill as currently written. I am proud to live and work in the first Virginia locality to recognize our collective bargaining rights. This recognition did not come easily. My colleagues and I worked hundreds of unpaid hours to gain these rights, which will help improve our working conditions and our students' learning conditions. To change the playing field after we have invested so much of our personal time and resources into securing these rights would honestly be a slap in the face; not just my own face but the faces of my colleagues, the school board, and the students of Richmond Public Schools. The desire to change the rules when one does not like the outcome is a sign of poor character; I urge you to display your better natures as you debate these bills.

Delegates, As a high school teacher in Winchester, VA, I ask that you avoid repealing any positive movement towards collective bargaining. Education is incredibly difficult, and having the support of a union, a union representative, or a collectively bargained contract can be very helpful. Collective bargaining gives educators the back up in the face of shifting political headwinds, and allows for teachers to focus on what their job entails: teaching Virginia's youth. These bills before you would stall or reduce the momentum that educators in VA have worked towards over the past years. If you are "for" teachers or education, you need to be for collective bargaining. Thank you, Mike Siraguse

Teachers' jobs are incredibly difficult. Collective Bargaining and educator-negotiated contracts are essential for improved classrooms, educator recruitment and retention, and better working conditions.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

As an elementary school teacher working in a school with a large population of students who are of low economic status collective bargaining is key to ensure the best for our educators and students. Collective bargaining must be maintained and expanded. This will allow teachers to work with their school boards to have competitive wages in turn attracting the best educators possible to our schools. It will allow teachers to have a voice in negotiating our contractors. It is about working with school boards not against them to create a better environment for educators allowing us to provide our students with the high quality education they deserve. This also help with retaining high quality educators, which is so important to our students success. I implore you vote no to any legislation that will limit or take away our right to collective bargaining. Thank You for your time.

As a former teacher and current leader of an education union, I understand that when the folks who know the names of our students have a seat at the table, great things can happen. Educator-negotiated contracts help recruit and retain the top-notch teachers that our students deserve. Educators have used contract negotiations in the past to secure smaller class sizes, increase one-on-one attention for students from professionals like nurses and counselors, and make improvements on safety issues. No contract should be one-size-fits-all. Educator-negotiated contracts provide school districts with the freedom to tackle each school's local challenges head on. All Virginia workers should have the right to join a union and the right to bargain collectively so that they have a voice at work. The right to bargain collectively for a contract is not only a better bargain for our public service workers, it’s also a better bargain for our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public sector workers and their dedication to the jobs that protect our community and fuel our economy. Our nurses, first responders, teachers, and many more stepped up, putting their lives on the line to ensure that we all continued to thrive and survive. These workers are our situational experts and without their expertise, we would have been lost during the pandemic. Collective bargaining rights enable public workers to fight for better services for the communities they serve. Public service employees work for the state, its cities, and counties, providing vital services such as law enforcement and protections, healthcare, sanitation, and education. They advocate for things that benefit the entire community: up-to-date equipment for emergency responders, smaller class sizes, classroom resources, adequate training, and better staffing ratios in hospitals to name a few. Collective bargaining will also mean stronger local economies. Virginia public service workers make 14% less than the national average and 18% less than private sector employees right here in Virginia. It is not the time to repeal the collective bargaining progress we have made, but instead support and strengthen it so that hard-working public service workers can support their families and put money back into our local economies.

Good afternoon, honorable members of the Commerce and Energy Committee. My name is William Boger and I am an active firefighter in Henrico County, Virginia with nearly 20 years in my profession. I am president of Henrico Professional Fire Fighters Association and a district vice president with the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters representing over 9,000 of the firefighters who protect our Commonwealth. I am also a third generation union member. I have witnessed first hand the benefits union membership has had on working families and the sustainment and development of the middle class. I am here today to speak against HB 883, which seeks to repeal the freedom of workers like firefighters to collectively bargain terms of their employment, as well as HB 336, HB 337, and HB 341, and HB 790, which are all attacks against the freedom of public service employees to join together in a union and bargain collectively for a contract. Many people wrongly believe collective bargaining is all about money. It is not. Collective bargaining is about working conditions, safety, benefits, training, equipment and so much more. As frontline workers who have faced the Covid-19 pandemic daily, we are able to provide beneficial insight into what we need to keep our communities safe. And as firefighters and EMS providers, we know first hand what it takes to provide the best services possible. Since the law passed in 2020 allowing collective bargaining in Virginia, communities like Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Prince William County and others have begun the process. Please don’t repeal legislation of which communities are already seeing the benefit and that they desire. You can have a pro-business economy and a pro-worker economy. Collective bargaining is not against making Virginia the best place for business. Collective bargaining is a means for workers to have a voice in their employment. Through collaboration, employers and the communities they serve will see the benefit of having important decisions shared. Collective bargaining makes for stronger communities, where employees are not seen as simply line items on a budget, but as assets to the communities in which they live, work and raise their families. Thank you for this opportunity to speak against HB 883.

Harlie White - Good afternoon, my name is Harlie White - . and I’m a Traffic and Lights technician in the city of Alexandria. I am speaking in opposition of HB 883 which would repeal collective bargaining agreements, prevailing wage requirements, and remove the rights of municipalities like the City of Alexandria from entering into collective bargaining agreements. As an employee in the city of Alexandria, my work isn’t just a job it is a calling. I care deeply for my community. In April of last year, my coworkers and I worked with the city of Alexandria Council members to enact the first collective bargaining ordinance in the Commonwealth in almost forty years. The freedom to collectively bargain enables public service workers to fight for better services for the communities we serve. HB 883 would take us backward by repealing a 2020 law that empowers localities to give public service workers the freedom to join a union, and local municipalities the autonomy to enact union agreements as they see fit. I stand in opposition to HB 883 with other city of Alexandria AFSCME members. Thank you for your time.

Hi, my name is Luis Velez Sr. I am an Equipment Technician for Arlington County and AFSCME member. I am speaking in opposition to repealing collective bargaining rights and HB 337 As a resident of Alexandria, and a public employee with Arlington County, I am responsible for and rely on the quality public services that Northern Virginia’s communities are known for. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the importance of public service workers and our dedication to the jobs that protect our community and fuel our economy. The freedom to collective bargaining enables public service workers to fight for better services for the communities we serve. HB (337) would chip away at my right to collectively bargain and freedom to join a strong union. I stand in opposition to HB 337

Good Afternoon. My name is Charlotte Malerich and I am a Library Assistant for Arlington Public Library and EVERY DAY, one of my patrons tells me how much the library means to them, like the elderly patron, who told me how everyone in her retirement community is frightened and despondent She told me how much she appreciates that she can still check out books because they give her an escape from that fear and isolation. As a library worker, I live for those moments -- and I know my coworkers do too. But if I get sick with Covid, if I pass it to my coworker who has diabetes, or who is pregnant, or who's a cancer survivor, no amount of pats on the back can make that right. My coworkers and I need actual, concrete support: sick leave, childcare, flexible schedules, teleworking for the things we can do at home (like answer phone calls from our patrons), and PPE for things we can't do at home (like empty the book drop and put the books back on the library shelves). And we need to have a voice at work to tell our managers what those needs are. Collective Bargaining and union rights give us that freedom. I stand in opposition to bills HB 337 with AFSCME members across Northern Virginia and other labor unions. This bill is a direct attack on our collective bargaining rights and freedom to join a union.

To whom it may concern, Please vote No on the bill that infringes on teachers rights for collective bargaining. Collective Bargaining is an important part of a teachers voice and to be able to negotiate our salaries. Collective bargaining gives teachers a seat at the table for our voices to be heard and our ability to have a say in important decisions for our students and families. Thank you Mrs. Abdale

VMA supports HB270 - modernizing the VEC is a necessity. VMA supports HB336, 337, 341- 51% approval is a near universal democratic standard for bargaining unit approval and union activities, including collecting dues, should be a cost of the union, not the taxpayer. VMA supports HB414 - the Commonwealth must have a reliable electric grid. VMA opposes HB1355 - the Commonwealth must have a diversified energy portfolio that is affordable, reliable, secure, and sustainable.

My name is Carol Bauer, and I have been an elementary teacher for 27 years, and I currently serve as the VEA VP. I urge you vote against HB 337. Partnerships and collaboration is how we accomplish great things. This bill would limit the ability to develop trusting relationships to collectively bargain on a level playing field. Anytime workers are denied the opportunity to meet with employers to discuss working conditions no one benefits. If you have ever seen the TV show Undercover Boss then you know exactly what I mean. Employers benefit and companies prosper when they listen to their employees and build stronger and more effective work places. Anytime restrictions are placed on the ability of an employer to pay their workers who are working to develop stronger, safer, and more equitable workplaces, you infringe on the employer’s ability to create stronger, safer, and more equitable working places. HB 337 would create wrongful pressure on employees when engaging in collective bargaining. HB 337 would interfere in employees’ right to organize and conduct collective bargaining. This legislation is a slap to dedicated employees who advocate for what is best for co-workers and who want to bargain for the common good. My name is Carol Bauer, and I have been an elementary teacher for 27 years, and I currently serve as the VEA VP. It is no secret that education workers are feeling the stress of the pandemic acutely. Workers need a voice at the table now. In a recent survey referenced by Forbes, 48% of all educators considered leaving the profession in the last 30 days. One obvious way to help lessen this crisis is take things off educators’ plates. HB 341 would do just the opposite, by creating additional obstacles that overtaxed educators would have to be overcome to organize, collectively bargain, and have their voice heard. Payroll deductions are essential to employees when securing benefits like health insurance, job security, and fair wages which are the very benefits that the Union and employee associations do in advocating for their members. Eliminating payroll deduction eliminates access for employees to representation and advocacy. Additionally, there is no need to create legislation to fix a problem that does not exist. It does not take HB 341 to allow employees to stop paying dues when requested. The legislation is simply not needed. HB 341 eliminates the ability for Unions and employee associations to effectively provide a voice for their members. HB 341 would continue to create conditions that lead to educator burnout and unsafe working conditions. It restricts the rights of workers. HB 341 is harmful and an overreach of government. HB 341 not only creates an unfair labor advantage but is an unnecessary additional obstacle that educators and employees would have to overcome to have their voice represented by requiring employees to authorized collective bargaining before dues are collected.

As a President of the Virginia Beach Education Association, My members and I strongly oppose House Bills 336, 337, 341, 790, & 883 which ban collective bargaining for local public employees. My members are deeply concerned about the future of our students’ education and firmly believe that collective bargaining rights for educators are a win for everyone. Collective bargaining rights lead to the kind of high-quality schools our children and communities deserve by making students our primary focus. It capitalizes on the expertise of seasoned educators in decision making around such issues as lowering class sizes, adding important positions like school counselors and nurses, and providing extra resources for students, as well as other benefits for employees. Solving problems in education must involve the people who work with students daily. They are the ones with first-hand knowledge of how issues affect students’ learning. We know that the working environment of educators is the learning environment of students. When we elevate both of these, educational programs can expand their capacity to prepare students to be work-ready, making them productive and involved citizens who in turn contribute to the success of their communities. We need teachers to be part of this decision making process in building excellent public schools. Collective bargaining rights also help retain experienced educators, attract new highly qualified educators, and encourage young adults to enter preparation programs to work in this essential field of public service. We currently have a state with many unfilled public education openings and there are not nearly enough students in preparation programs coming to fill them. Students in today’s colleges and universities are aware of how the right to collective bargain will affect their quality of life and earning potential over the course of their chosen career. They are making informed decisions about their career choices and how those in leadership support or oppose actions that will affect those choices. Collective bargaining for all public employees results in better services, retention of employees, and enhances the appeal of our communities to new business and industry. Please commit to supporting education professionals and students and our other essential workers in Virginia by embracing collective bargaining and voting against HB 336, 337, 341, 790, and 883. Thank you.

Dear Commerce and Energy - Subcommittee #1 members, my name is Tyvon Bates, and on behalf of American Federation of Teachers Virginia, I am writing to urge you to oppose HB 337 chief patroned by Delegate Freitas. This legislation would undermine public employees’ ability to advocate for improvements to our working conditions, and the services that we provide by taking away workers’ ability to use official time to negotiate collective bargaining agreements, represent our coworkers in grievances, or engage in other union work. A local government body should be free to decide that their communities would benefit from employees working together in employee unions and associations for specified purposes during work hours. I hope you will join me in opposing HB 337. Thank you,

Good afternoon honorable members of Subcommittee #1. My name is William Boger and I am an active firefighter in Henrico County, Virginia with nearly 20 years in my profession. I am president of Henrico Professional Fire Fighters Association and a district vice president with the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters representing over 9,000 of the firefighters who protect our Commonwealth. I am also a third generation union member. I have witnessed first hand the benefits union membership has had on working families and the sustainment and development of the middle class. I am here today to speak against HB 883, which seeks to repeal the freedom of workers like firefighters to collectively bargain terms of their employment, as well as HB 336, HB 337, and HB 341, which are all attacks against the freedom of public service employees to join together in a union and bargain collectively for a contract. Many people wrongly believe collective bargaining is all about money. It is not. Collective bargaining is about working conditions, safety, benefits, training, equipment and so much more. As frontline workers who have faced the Covid-19 pandemic daily, we are able to provide beneficial insight into what we need to keep our communities safe. And as firefighters and EMS providers, we know first hand what it takes to provide the best services possible. Since the law passed in 2020 allowing collective bargaining in Virginia, communities like Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Prince William County and others have begun the process. Please don’t repeal legislation of which communities are already seeing the benefit and that they desire. You can have a pro-business economy and a pro-worker economy. Collective bargaining is not against making Virginia the best place for business. Collective bargaining is a means for workers to have a voice in their employment. Through collaboration, employers and the communities they serve will see the benefit of having important decisions shared. Collective bargaining makes for stronger communities, where employees are not seen as simply line items on a budget, but as assets to the communities in which they live, work and raise their families. Thank you for this opportunity to speak against HB 883.

I am against these bills and against the limiting of collective bargaining rights in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The recent gains made in collective bargaining rights are incredibly important for workers—and employers—in the state. As a teacher, I am well aware of the fact that Virginia is near the bottom in teacher salaries. This is leading to many problems in our schools, including a shortage of teachers and trouble attracting and retaining new teachers. The teacher pay gap is just one thing that can be effectively—and cooperatively addressed through collective bargaining. Collective bargaining has time and time again been shown to lead to improved classrooms, educator recruitment and retention, and better working conditions. We need this in Virginia. Please vote “No” on these bills.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

Please move to report HB336, 337, 341, 790, 883. Thank you.

I urge you to vote NO on these bills that will silence the voices of educators. Educator negotiated contracts lead to quality educator recruitment and retention with improved classrooms and better working conditions. Please give us a seat at the table to maintain the integrity of our profession. Thank you.

PLEASE VOTE NO ON HB336, HB337, HB341 AND HB790. During these challenging times, legislators need to support public employees -- and this is particularly true for law enforcement officers. Police departments are woefully understaffed, and morale for all public employees -- particularly officers -- is at an all-time low. Measures such as these proposed bills will only serve to make matters worse. Collective bargaining is the best tool to allow employees to be part of the process, and is an excellent tool to help employers streamline communications with their employees. So much of the rhetoric is simply fear of the unknown. I've had the privilege of representing the MWAA police union, which has had collective bargaining rights and a collective bargaining agreement for decades. The ability to have everything in black and white for all parties is immensely helpful for everyone involved.

Educator voices are important to assist in classroom improvements educator voices are crucial in the recruitment and retention of qualified classroom teachers. Educator voices are vital in the improvement of working conditions for students and public school staff. I urge you to vote NO on the above House Bills. Thank you for your attention.

I have never understood why having a honest discussion and a signed agreement between employees and management is so scary that management must deny employees their collective voice. Is it because management is afraid that they will have to acknowledge that their employees are people not widgets? Will employers have to treat their employees as valued partners who are necessary for management’s success? Will management have to admit the employees doing the work really understand how the work is done over the management who only knows how it was done a long time ago? It is past time for employees representatives and management to talk and come to a MUTUAL agreement.

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

The educators within the Commonwealth deserve to have a voice in negotiating their contracts, working conditions, wages, salaries, or anything else that affects their work whether in the classroom or on a school bus. Working together with school boards for the betterment of all leads to happier educators, school boards, parents and the community is a must for the success of our children. It’s all for the children in the end. Virginia is #4 best in education so let’s keep it that way so we can work towards being #1.

As a public school teacher for the last 24 years, I have been advocating and working toward collective bargaining in Virginia. As a professional, it is important to have a voice in the present and future conditions of my profession. Teachers need to have input in working conditions, time management, and documentation. When the needs of the teachers are met, we can meet the needs of the students. Our children is what this is all about. Our working conditions are our children's learning conditions. Please continue to support collective bargaining for teachers. Thank you.

Please vote "No" on these bills. Virginia teachers have been punished enough. We service children and do so with open hearts and minds. Please do not revoke the rights that have been so hard won. Political agendas do not belong in our public school systems!

Vote No on these bills. I ask you to think about teachers. By voting NO on these bills you are helping teachers, not just our classroom and working conditions but by keeping teachers in the classroom.

Please keep Collective Bargaining. Collective Bargaining is very important and a needed meansof communication for RPS teachers/staff to have a voice in what happens for our school system. Please do not support any bills or legislature that would undermine the ability for RPS teachers/staff to come to the table through Collective Barganining. I implore you to not support the bills that have the goal to undermine Collective Barganining. PLease join hands with the Richmond City Schools teachers and staff to work together through Collective Bargaining and vote against any bill or legislature that has the goal of eradicating it or diminishing Collective Barganinings ability to allow RPS teachers/staff to come to the table and have a voice in meeting the needs of teachers/staff as we work to educate and support all the students in our system. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. have a

I am a public school teacher in Virginia. I have never asked for thanks, nor do I consider my job heroic. It has become an endurance test against the accumulation of external accountability that is determined by those less invested in educational outcomes but heavily invested in political and financial outcomes. Since my first year teaching in Virginia (2003) the layers of expectations have grown disproportionate to what should be normal. Teachers are not represented. The effort to make collective bargaining nearly impossible in Virginia is a play for status quo power in the hands of politicians and interest groups that profit from standardized tests and budget money going to testing platforms. Add to that, the absurd hysteria over political footballs such as CRT and a pandemic response meant to be protective of all people in crowded schools. Because the changing climate of education seems to be drifting further from what’s best for students, it is important that teachers have a voice strengthened through collective bargaining from which they can have a chance to do what’s best within the environment they know best.

At a time when we should be empowering workers to improve working an living conditions for the citizens of the Commonwealth, these bills purposely seek to strip power from the middle class. Introduced by a party supposedly against government over-reach, these bills go directly against the mantra of local control. This is as unAmerican as it gets: stifling the ability of workers to ban together to improve their working conditions as a whole. In this case, it's even more damaging, as these bills seek to limit the power of the workers who are in charge of educating and protecting the public in the state of Virginia. In a time when we are struggling to fill these positions statewide, it is nonsensical to add another barrier to the recruitment and retention of highly-qualified and talented individuals. This is not the time nor the place for political posturing. This is the time for common-sense legislating. Therefore, you must vote NO on these measures.

Dear Legislators, Teachers must have a voice when it comes to collaborating working with the government. We have been through a period that has illuminated so many problems in the education system. It is ludicrous to leave us out of the conversation. We are the ones that know what works best for our students. People who make administrative decisions, including you, that have never been in the classroom in the last few years do not have the information to accurately make decisions in students' best interest. Sincerely, Amanda Wolfe

I am writing in opposition to any actions that would rescind or undermine education workers' recently-won collective bargaining rights. In many localities around the state, it is highly unlikely that education workers will be able to meet the requirements set forth in the bill as currently written. I am proud to live and work in the first Virginia locality to recognize our collective bargaining rights. This recognition did not come easily. My colleagues and I worked hundreds of unpaid hours to gain these rights, which will help improve our working conditions and our students' learning conditions. To change the playing field after we have invested so much of our personal time and resources into securing these rights would honestly be a slap in the face; not just my own face but the faces of my colleagues, the school board, and the students of Richmond Public Schools. The desire to change the rules when one does not like the outcome is a sign of poor character; I urge you to display your better natures as you debate these bills.

Delegates, As a high school teacher in Winchester, VA, I ask that you avoid repealing any positive movement towards collective bargaining. Education is incredibly difficult, and having the support of a union, a union representative, or a collectively bargained contract can be very helpful. Collective bargaining gives educators the back up in the face of shifting political headwinds, and allows for teachers to focus on what their job entails: teaching Virginia's youth. These bills before you would stall or reduce the momentum that educators in VA have worked towards over the past years. If you are "for" teachers or education, you need to be for collective bargaining. Thank you, Mike Siraguse

Teachers' jobs are incredibly difficult. Collective Bargaining and educator-negotiated contracts are essential for improved classrooms, educator recruitment and retention, and better working conditions.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

As an elementary school teacher working in a school with a large population of students who are of low economic status collective bargaining is key to ensure the best for our educators and students. Collective bargaining must be maintained and expanded. This will allow teachers to work with their school boards to have competitive wages in turn attracting the best educators possible to our schools. It will allow teachers to have a voice in negotiating our contractors. It is about working with school boards not against them to create a better environment for educators allowing us to provide our students with the high quality education they deserve. This also help with retaining high quality educators, which is so important to our students success. I implore you vote no to any legislation that will limit or take away our right to collective bargaining. Thank You for your time.

As a former teacher and current leader of an education union, I understand that when the folks who know the names of our students have a seat at the table, great things can happen. Educator-negotiated contracts help recruit and retain the top-notch teachers that our students deserve. Educators have used contract negotiations in the past to secure smaller class sizes, increase one-on-one attention for students from professionals like nurses and counselors, and make improvements on safety issues. No contract should be one-size-fits-all. Educator-negotiated contracts provide school districts with the freedom to tackle each school's local challenges head on. All Virginia workers should have the right to join a union and the right to bargain collectively so that they have a voice at work. The right to bargain collectively for a contract is not only a better bargain for our public service workers, it’s also a better bargain for our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public sector workers and their dedication to the jobs that protect our community and fuel our economy. Our nurses, first responders, teachers, and many more stepped up, putting their lives on the line to ensure that we all continued to thrive and survive. These workers are our situational experts and without their expertise, we would have been lost during the pandemic. Collective bargaining rights enable public workers to fight for better services for the communities they serve. Public service employees work for the state, its cities, and counties, providing vital services such as law enforcement and protections, healthcare, sanitation, and education. They advocate for things that benefit the entire community: up-to-date equipment for emergency responders, smaller class sizes, classroom resources, adequate training, and better staffing ratios in hospitals to name a few. Collective bargaining will also mean stronger local economies. Virginia public service workers make 14% less than the national average and 18% less than private sector employees right here in Virginia. It is not the time to repeal the collective bargaining progress we have made, but instead support and strengthen it so that hard-working public service workers can support their families and put money back into our local economies.

Good afternoon, honorable members of the Commerce and Energy Committee. My name is William Boger and I am an active firefighter in Henrico County, Virginia with nearly 20 years in my profession. I am president of Henrico Professional Fire Fighters Association and a district vice president with the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters representing over 9,000 of the firefighters who protect our Commonwealth. I am also a third generation union member. I have witnessed first hand the benefits union membership has had on working families and the sustainment and development of the middle class. I am here today to speak against HB 883, which seeks to repeal the freedom of workers like firefighters to collectively bargain terms of their employment, as well as HB 336, HB 337, and HB 341, and HB 790, which are all attacks against the freedom of public service employees to join together in a union and bargain collectively for a contract. Many people wrongly believe collective bargaining is all about money. It is not. Collective bargaining is about working conditions, safety, benefits, training, equipment and so much more. As frontline workers who have faced the Covid-19 pandemic daily, we are able to provide beneficial insight into what we need to keep our communities safe. And as firefighters and EMS providers, we know first hand what it takes to provide the best services possible. Since the law passed in 2020 allowing collective bargaining in Virginia, communities like Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Prince William County and others have begun the process. Please don’t repeal legislation of which communities are already seeing the benefit and that they desire. You can have a pro-business economy and a pro-worker economy. Collective bargaining is not against making Virginia the best place for business. Collective bargaining is a means for workers to have a voice in their employment. Through collaboration, employers and the communities they serve will see the benefit of having important decisions shared. Collective bargaining makes for stronger communities, where employees are not seen as simply line items on a budget, but as assets to the communities in which they live, work and raise their families. Thank you for this opportunity to speak against HB 883.

Harlie White - Good afternoon, my name is Harlie White - . and I’m a Traffic and Lights technician in the city of Alexandria. I am speaking in opposition of HB 883 which would repeal collective bargaining agreements, prevailing wage requirements, and remove the rights of municipalities like the City of Alexandria from entering into collective bargaining agreements. As an employee in the city of Alexandria, my work isn’t just a job it is a calling. I care deeply for my community. In April of last year, my coworkers and I worked with the city of Alexandria Council members to enact the first collective bargaining ordinance in the Commonwealth in almost forty years. The freedom to collectively bargain enables public service workers to fight for better services for the communities we serve. HB 883 would take us backward by repealing a 2020 law that empowers localities to give public service workers the freedom to join a union, and local municipalities the autonomy to enact union agreements as they see fit. I stand in opposition to HB 883 with other city of Alexandria AFSCME members. Thank you for your time.

Hi, my name is Luis Velez Sr. I am an Equipment Technician for Arlington County and AFSCME member. I am speaking in opposition to repealing collective bargaining rights and HB 337 As a resident of Alexandria, and a public employee with Arlington County, I am responsible for and rely on the quality public services that Northern Virginia’s communities are known for. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the importance of public service workers and our dedication to the jobs that protect our community and fuel our economy. The freedom to collective bargaining enables public service workers to fight for better services for the communities we serve. HB (337) would chip away at my right to collectively bargain and freedom to join a strong union. I stand in opposition to HB 337

To whom it may concern, Please vote No on the bill that infringes on teachers rights for collective bargaining. Collective Bargaining is an important part of a teachers voice and to be able to negotiate our salaries. Collective bargaining gives teachers a seat at the table for our voices to be heard and our ability to have a say in important decisions for our students and families. Thank you Mrs. Abdale

VMA supports HB270 - modernizing the VEC is a necessity. VMA supports HB336, 337, 341- 51% approval is a near universal democratic standard for bargaining unit approval and union activities, including collecting dues, should be a cost of the union, not the taxpayer. VMA supports HB414 - the Commonwealth must have a reliable electric grid. VMA opposes HB1355 - the Commonwealth must have a diversified energy portfolio that is affordable, reliable, secure, and sustainable.

My name is Carol Bauer, and I have been an elementary teacher for 27 years, and I currently serve as the VEA VP. I urge you vote against HB 337. Partnerships and collaboration is how we accomplish great things. This bill would limit the ability to develop trusting relationships to collectively bargain on a level playing field. Anytime workers are denied the opportunity to meet with employers to discuss working conditions no one benefits. If you have ever seen the TV show Undercover Boss then you know exactly what I mean. Employers benefit and companies prosper when they listen to their employees and build stronger and more effective work places. Anytime restrictions are placed on the ability of an employer to pay their workers who are working to develop stronger, safer, and more equitable workplaces, you infringe on the employer’s ability to create stronger, safer, and more equitable working places. HB 337 would create wrongful pressure on employees when engaging in collective bargaining. HB 337 would interfere in employees’ right to organize and conduct collective bargaining. This legislation is a slap to dedicated employees who advocate for what is best for co-workers and who want to bargain for the common good. My name is Carol Bauer, and I have been an elementary teacher for 27 years, and I currently serve as the VEA VP. It is no secret that education workers are feeling the stress of the pandemic acutely. Workers need a voice at the table now. In a recent survey referenced by Forbes, 48% of all educators considered leaving the profession in the last 30 days. One obvious way to help lessen this crisis is take things off educators’ plates. HB 341 would do just the opposite, by creating additional obstacles that overtaxed educators would have to be overcome to organize, collectively bargain, and have their voice heard. Payroll deductions are essential to employees when securing benefits like health insurance, job security, and fair wages which are the very benefits that the Union and employee associations do in advocating for their members. Eliminating payroll deduction eliminates access for employees to representation and advocacy. Additionally, there is no need to create legislation to fix a problem that does not exist. It does not take HB 341 to allow employees to stop paying dues when requested. The legislation is simply not needed. HB 341 eliminates the ability for Unions and employee associations to effectively provide a voice for their members. HB 341 would continue to create conditions that lead to educator burnout and unsafe working conditions. It restricts the rights of workers. HB 341 is harmful and an overreach of government. HB 341 not only creates an unfair labor advantage but is an unnecessary additional obstacle that educators and employees would have to overcome to have their voice represented by requiring employees to authorized collective bargaining before dues are collected.

As a President of the Virginia Beach Education Association, My members and I strongly oppose House Bills 336, 337, 341, 790, & 883 which ban collective bargaining for local public employees. My members are deeply concerned about the future of our students’ education and firmly believe that collective bargaining rights for educators are a win for everyone. Collective bargaining rights lead to the kind of high-quality schools our children and communities deserve by making students our primary focus. It capitalizes on the expertise of seasoned educators in decision making around such issues as lowering class sizes, adding important positions like school counselors and nurses, and providing extra resources for students, as well as other benefits for employees. Solving problems in education must involve the people who work with students daily. They are the ones with first-hand knowledge of how issues affect students’ learning. We know that the working environment of educators is the learning environment of students. When we elevate both of these, educational programs can expand their capacity to prepare students to be work-ready, making them productive and involved citizens who in turn contribute to the success of their communities. We need teachers to be part of this decision making process in building excellent public schools. Collective bargaining rights also help retain experienced educators, attract new highly qualified educators, and encourage young adults to enter preparation programs to work in this essential field of public service. We currently have a state with many unfilled public education openings and there are not nearly enough students in preparation programs coming to fill them. Students in today’s colleges and universities are aware of how the right to collective bargain will affect their quality of life and earning potential over the course of their chosen career. They are making informed decisions about their career choices and how those in leadership support or oppose actions that will affect those choices. Collective bargaining for all public employees results in better services, retention of employees, and enhances the appeal of our communities to new business and industry. Please commit to supporting education professionals and students and our other essential workers in Virginia by embracing collective bargaining and voting against HB 336, 337, 341, 790, and 883. Thank you.

Dear Commerce and Energy - Subcommittee #1 members, my name is Tyvon Bates, and on behalf of American Federation of Teachers Virginia, I am writing to urge you to oppose HB 341 chief patroned by Delegate Freitas. This legislation is a direct attack on public employees in the Commonwealth’s ability to create and sustain organizations to improve our lives and public services. It would impose barriers to authorizing dues deduction and arbitrary deadlines for changing payments that we authorized to our unions, going far beyond the practices of other states, and of federal policy. I hope you will join me in opposing HB 341. Thank you,

Good afternoon honorable members of Subcommittee #1. My name is William Boger and I am an active firefighter in Henrico County, Virginia with nearly 20 years in my profession. I am president of Henrico Professional Fire Fighters Association and a district vice president with the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters representing over 9,000 of the firefighters who protect our Commonwealth. I am also a third generation union member. I have witnessed first hand the benefits union membership has had on working families and the sustainment and development of the middle class. I am here today to speak against HB 883, which seeks to repeal the freedom of workers like firefighters to collectively bargain terms of their employment, as well as HB 336, HB 337, and HB 341, which are all attacks against the freedom of public service employees to join together in a union and bargain collectively for a contract. Many people wrongly believe collective bargaining is all about money. It is not. Collective bargaining is about working conditions, safety, benefits, training, equipment and so much more. As frontline workers who have faced the Covid-19 pandemic daily, we are able to provide beneficial insight into what we need to keep our communities safe. And as firefighters and EMS providers, we know first hand what it takes to provide the best services possible. Since the law passed in 2020 allowing collective bargaining in Virginia, communities like Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Prince William County and others have begun the process. Please don’t repeal legislation of which communities are already seeing the benefit and that they desire. You can have a pro-business economy and a pro-worker economy. Collective bargaining is not against making Virginia the best place for business. Collective bargaining is a means for workers to have a voice in their employment. Through collaboration, employers and the communities they serve will see the benefit of having important decisions shared. Collective bargaining makes for stronger communities, where employees are not seen as simply line items on a budget, but as assets to the communities in which they live, work and raise their families. Thank you for this opportunity to speak against HB 883.

I am against these bills and against the limiting of collective bargaining rights in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The recent gains made in collective bargaining rights are incredibly important for workers—and employers—in the state. As a teacher, I am well aware of the fact that Virginia is near the bottom in teacher salaries. This is leading to many problems in our schools, including a shortage of teachers and trouble attracting and retaining new teachers. The teacher pay gap is just one thing that can be effectively—and cooperatively addressed through collective bargaining. Collective bargaining has time and time again been shown to lead to improved classrooms, educator recruitment and retention, and better working conditions. We need this in Virginia. Please vote “No” on these bills.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

Please move to report HB336, 337, 341, 790, 883. Thank you.

I urge you to vote NO on these bills that will silence the voices of educators. Educator negotiated contracts lead to quality educator recruitment and retention with improved classrooms and better working conditions. Please give us a seat at the table to maintain the integrity of our profession. Thank you.

PLEASE VOTE NO ON HB336, HB337, HB341 AND HB790. During these challenging times, legislators need to support public employees -- and this is particularly true for law enforcement officers. Police departments are woefully understaffed, and morale for all public employees -- particularly officers -- is at an all-time low. Measures such as these proposed bills will only serve to make matters worse. Collective bargaining is the best tool to allow employees to be part of the process, and is an excellent tool to help employers streamline communications with their employees. So much of the rhetoric is simply fear of the unknown. I've had the privilege of representing the MWAA police union, which has had collective bargaining rights and a collective bargaining agreement for decades. The ability to have everything in black and white for all parties is immensely helpful for everyone involved.

Educator voices are important to assist in classroom improvements educator voices are crucial in the recruitment and retention of qualified classroom teachers. Educator voices are vital in the improvement of working conditions for students and public school staff. I urge you to vote NO on the above House Bills. Thank you for your attention.

I have never understood why having a honest discussion and a signed agreement between employees and management is so scary that management must deny employees their collective voice. Is it because management is afraid that they will have to acknowledge that their employees are people not widgets? Will employers have to treat their employees as valued partners who are necessary for management’s success? Will management have to admit the employees doing the work really understand how the work is done over the management who only knows how it was done a long time ago? It is past time for employees representatives and management to talk and come to a MUTUAL agreement.

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

The educators within the Commonwealth deserve to have a voice in negotiating their contracts, working conditions, wages, salaries, or anything else that affects their work whether in the classroom or on a school bus. Working together with school boards for the betterment of all leads to happier educators, school boards, parents and the community is a must for the success of our children. It’s all for the children in the end. Virginia is #4 best in education so let’s keep it that way so we can work towards being #1.

As a public school teacher for the last 24 years, I have been advocating and working toward collective bargaining in Virginia. As a professional, it is important to have a voice in the present and future conditions of my profession. Teachers need to have input in working conditions, time management, and documentation. When the needs of the teachers are met, we can meet the needs of the students. Our children is what this is all about. Our working conditions are our children's learning conditions. Please continue to support collective bargaining for teachers. Thank you.

Please vote "No" on these bills. Virginia teachers have been punished enough. We service children and do so with open hearts and minds. Please do not revoke the rights that have been so hard won. Political agendas do not belong in our public school systems!

Vote No on these bills. I ask you to think about teachers. By voting NO on these bills you are helping teachers, not just our classroom and working conditions but by keeping teachers in the classroom.

Please keep Collective Bargaining. Collective Bargaining is very important and a needed meansof communication for RPS teachers/staff to have a voice in what happens for our school system. Please do not support any bills or legislature that would undermine the ability for RPS teachers/staff to come to the table through Collective Barganining. I implore you to not support the bills that have the goal to undermine Collective Barganining. PLease join hands with the Richmond City Schools teachers and staff to work together through Collective Bargaining and vote against any bill or legislature that has the goal of eradicating it or diminishing Collective Barganinings ability to allow RPS teachers/staff to come to the table and have a voice in meeting the needs of teachers/staff as we work to educate and support all the students in our system. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. have a

At a time when we should be empowering workers to improve working an living conditions for the citizens of the Commonwealth, these bills purposely seek to strip power from the middle class. Introduced by a party supposedly against government over-reach, these bills go directly against the mantra of local control. This is as unAmerican as it gets: stifling the ability of workers to ban together to improve their working conditions as a whole. In this case, it's even more damaging, as these bills seek to limit the power of the workers who are in charge of educating and protecting the public in the state of Virginia. In a time when we are struggling to fill these positions statewide, it is nonsensical to add another barrier to the recruitment and retention of highly-qualified and talented individuals. This is not the time nor the place for political posturing. This is the time for common-sense legislating. Therefore, you must vote NO on these measures.

Dear Legislators, Teachers must have a voice when it comes to collaborating working with the government. We have been through a period that has illuminated so many problems in the education system. It is ludicrous to leave us out of the conversation. We are the ones that know what works best for our students. People who make administrative decisions, including you, that have never been in the classroom in the last few years do not have the information to accurately make decisions in students' best interest. Sincerely, Amanda Wolfe

I am writing in opposition to any actions that would rescind or undermine education workers' recently-won collective bargaining rights. In many localities around the state, it is highly unlikely that education workers will be able to meet the requirements set forth in the bill as currently written. I am proud to live and work in the first Virginia locality to recognize our collective bargaining rights. This recognition did not come easily. My colleagues and I worked hundreds of unpaid hours to gain these rights, which will help improve our working conditions and our students' learning conditions. To change the playing field after we have invested so much of our personal time and resources into securing these rights would honestly be a slap in the face; not just my own face but the faces of my colleagues, the school board, and the students of Richmond Public Schools. The desire to change the rules when one does not like the outcome is a sign of poor character; I urge you to display your better natures as you debate these bills.

Delegates, As a high school teacher in Winchester, VA, I ask that you avoid repealing any positive movement towards collective bargaining. Education is incredibly difficult, and having the support of a union, a union representative, or a collectively bargained contract can be very helpful. Collective bargaining gives educators the back up in the face of shifting political headwinds, and allows for teachers to focus on what their job entails: teaching Virginia's youth. These bills before you would stall or reduce the momentum that educators in VA have worked towards over the past years. If you are "for" teachers or education, you need to be for collective bargaining. Thank you, Mike Siraguse

Teachers' jobs are incredibly difficult. Collective Bargaining and educator-negotiated contracts are essential for improved classrooms, educator recruitment and retention, and better working conditions.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

As an elementary school teacher working in a school with a large population of students who are of low economic status collective bargaining is key to ensure the best for our educators and students. Collective bargaining must be maintained and expanded. This will allow teachers to work with their school boards to have competitive wages in turn attracting the best educators possible to our schools. It will allow teachers to have a voice in negotiating our contractors. It is about working with school boards not against them to create a better environment for educators allowing us to provide our students with the high quality education they deserve. This also help with retaining high quality educators, which is so important to our students success. I implore you vote no to any legislation that will limit or take away our right to collective bargaining. Thank You for your time.

As a former teacher and current leader of an education union, I understand that when the folks who know the names of our students have a seat at the table, great things can happen. Educator-negotiated contracts help recruit and retain the top-notch teachers that our students deserve. Educators have used contract negotiations in the past to secure smaller class sizes, increase one-on-one attention for students from professionals like nurses and counselors, and make improvements on safety issues. No contract should be one-size-fits-all. Educator-negotiated contracts provide school districts with the freedom to tackle each school's local challenges head on. All Virginia workers should have the right to join a union and the right to bargain collectively so that they have a voice at work. The right to bargain collectively for a contract is not only a better bargain for our public service workers, it’s also a better bargain for our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public sector workers and their dedication to the jobs that protect our community and fuel our economy. Our nurses, first responders, teachers, and many more stepped up, putting their lives on the line to ensure that we all continued to thrive and survive. These workers are our situational experts and without their expertise, we would have been lost during the pandemic. Collective bargaining rights enable public workers to fight for better services for the communities they serve. Public service employees work for the state, its cities, and counties, providing vital services such as law enforcement and protections, healthcare, sanitation, and education. They advocate for things that benefit the entire community: up-to-date equipment for emergency responders, smaller class sizes, classroom resources, adequate training, and better staffing ratios in hospitals to name a few. Collective bargaining will also mean stronger local economies. Virginia public service workers make 14% less than the national average and 18% less than private sector employees right here in Virginia. It is not the time to repeal the collective bargaining progress we have made, but instead support and strengthen it so that hard-working public service workers can support their families and put money back into our local economies.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

VMA supports HB270 - modernizing the VEC is a necessity. VMA supports HB336, 337, 341- 51% approval is a near universal democratic standard for bargaining unit approval and union activities, including collecting dues, should be a cost of the union, not the taxpayer. VMA supports HB414 - the Commonwealth must have a reliable electric grid. VMA opposes HB1355 - the Commonwealth must have a diversified energy portfolio that is affordable, reliable, secure, and sustainable.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

At a time when we should be empowering workers to improve working an living conditions for the citizens of the Commonwealth, these bills purposely seek to strip power from the middle class. Introduced by a party supposedly against government over-reach, these bills go directly against the mantra of local control. This is as unAmerican as it gets: stifling the ability of workers to ban together to improve their working conditions as a whole. In this case, it's even more damaging, as these bills seek to limit the power of the workers who are in charge of educating and protecting the public in the state of Virginia. In a time when we are struggling to fill these positions statewide, it is nonsensical to add another barrier to the recruitment and retention of highly-qualified and talented individuals. This is not the time nor the place for political posturing. This is the time for common-sense legislating. Therefore, you must vote NO on these measures.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

This bill will provide an independent contractor with legal protection to explicitly self-identify as a contractor and prevent forced classification as an employee.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

Sometimes we need to step back and look at our legislation. As an on-air personality, MrHappyUSA.com; (named Happiest Man in America by USA Today Magazine) I am a 1099 contractor for many of my clients and I am writing in support of Delegate Amanda Batten’s House Bill 529. This is a common-sense measure that helps independent contractors maintain their autonomy and choice to remain independent while also knowing the established guidelines under the IRS guidelines and set criteria. It also protects our free market principles of choice. Is that not our basic freedom? I urge you to support HB 529 and continue the progress of moving Virginia forward. Please join me…this bill is good for all Virginians and will make our Commonwealth a “Happier Place to live.” J. P. “Gus” Godsey 1080 Old Clubhouse Road. Virginia Beach, VA 23453 757/685-6400 www.MrHappyUSA.com

Hello Mr. Chairman and members of the sub-committee, first I wanted to thank you for your continued leadership in continued progress of making Virginia the best state to do business in. On behalf of the Coastal Virginia Chamber of Commerce, we are writing in support of Delegate Amanda Batten's HB 529. As first glance, it looks like a clean-up bill; but it is more than that. The bill strengthens the original legislation by providing strong clarity as to what a 1099 independent contractor is and removes the ambiguity of what a business or independent contractor can do and cannot do. I think that you would all agree there really is never a one size fits all approach when it comes to our workforce and how we utilize the services/goods of vendors and contractors. This bill brings forth a common-sense approach. We urge you to support this bill for passage and for a full vote in Committee and bringing it to the House Floor for unanimous consent. Thank you to Delegate Batten for sponsoring this legislation and thank you all for your consideration. Sincerely, Hon. Ron Villanueva Executive Director, Coastal Virginia Chamber of Commerce

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

I respectfully submit this response for impacts on Virginia House of Delegates House bill HB529 regarding the misclassification of employees. As a practicing Certified Public Accountant for over 30 years, I wholeheartedly endorse the proposed bill to amend and reenact section 40.1-28.7:7. I have assisted entrepreneurs and non-profits in determining independent verse employee status. I have represented clients before Federal and State taxing authorities examining the question of employee verse independent contractors with the rise in the gig economy. Additional language will only assist in clarifying the sometimes-difficult decision. Thank you for the opportunity to provide input. Please contact the office for any additional information.

I’m honored to speak before you today on behalf of HB529 with the Independent Women’s Forum and share my freelance/independent contractor story. As a fulltime Virginia-based freelancer, I love having the freedom and flexibility associated with independent contracting. I started my journey six years ago at age 25. Since then, I’ve worked with multiple clients, traveled in and around the Commonwealth, maximized my earnings, and became an award-winning writer. Best of all, I’m in complete control of my work and am my own best negotiator. My being able to identify as an independent contractor is very empowering-especially as a woman. Women, who make up nearly 50 percent of the freelance economy, prefer flexible work arrangements to better balance work life and family obligations. And I’m not alone. Over 500,000 Virginians operate and identify as independent contractors. Freelancing is not exclusive to the Commonwealth. More gig workers nationwide self-identify as independent contractors. The future of work is freelance. Virginia allows independent contractors like me to thrive and succeed. And I hope it remains that way. Our Commonwealth should strive to support policies allowing our independent workforce to remain competitive, vibrant, prosperous and happy. Thank you.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

I SUPPORT HB 529 - Labor and employment; misclassification of workers - as introduced by Amanda Batten.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

I am a family nurse practitioner and implore you to eliminate the detrimental practice of non-competes by voting YES on HB 580 (or passing it out of committee to the floor for a vote). This restrictive clause is a barrier to nurse practitioners providing full access to care and meeting the health needs in their communities. It limits the types of jobs NPs are willing and able to take and pushes them out of state. Three years ago I did not accept a primary care position near my home because of a 1-year, 20-mile non-compete, which would have prevented me from working anywhere near my home after the end of my contract. I understand the employer perspective--the goal is to keep the employee under their thumb and limit drain of resources and loss of clients. But rather than through penalties and a heavy hand, employers should entice their employees and clients to stay with them through a positive work place, benefits, salary, customer service, and affordable, high quality care. I have nurse practitioner colleagues who are establishing licensure and independent practice in less restrictive states where a non-compete is a non-issue to returning to work in their community, so Virginia also faces a "brain drain" and loss of healthcare access by maintaining restrictive clauses in contracts. We need to lift restraints on healthcare providers and support their efforts to provide the best care in their communities. We need to entice NPs to stay in Virginia and to practice to their full scope. We need to focus on eliminating barrier to care, which includes removing non-compete clauses. Thank you for your consideration, Chrystal Doyle Family NP and PMHNP Student Glen Allen, VA

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Please be as specific as possible to define "invalid" and clarify in the legislation. It would be more helpful to have transparency in the process

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Comments Document

Dear members of the House Commerce and Energy committee sub #1, on behalf of the Virginia Conservation Network I respectfully ask that you oppose HB657 & HB894, and support HB664 & HB1288. For your convenience I have attached a document containing talking points for each bill. Thank you!

The United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) classifies Coal as a nonrenewable energy source because it takes millions of years to form. This fuel source produces significant climate and air pollution, which affects the VCEA program's main goal of reducing air pollution. Also, experts explain that the power sector must cease all carbon emissions by 2030-2035 and we must achieve carbon neutrality across all sectors by mid-century at the very latest. Narratives that a coal-fired power plant will still be operational in Virginia beyond 2045 are unhelpful both environmentally and economically. And it is for these reasons, CCAN Action Fund opposes this bill HB657.

Virginia currently has one of the weakest utility disconnection protections for customers of any of any state in the Southeast. This includes for households containing the very young, seniors, and people with disabilities or medical conditions. HB664 expands protections for families financially burdened by utility bills in times of crisis. This bill protects the access to essential utility services for populations that are socially and medically vulnerable.

During emergency periods like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, access to public utilities such as electricity, water, and sewage service is absolutely vital for maintaining public health and community stability. Temporary moratoriums on utility shutoffs are certainly helpful. A working paper published last year by the National Bureau for Economic Research estimated that COVID-related deaths could have been reduced by almost 15% had there been a nationwide moratorium on shutoffs. However, it should not require an unprecedented pandemic to provide Virginia residents with protection from harmful utility shutoffs. Medical emergencies of all types happen every day to people and families in our commonwealth, and these families should have the security of reliable access to public utilities during their time of hardship. Let us be a commonwealth that puts the health and security needs of our families above the revenue needs of utility corporations. Please pass HB 664.

Good afternoon. My name is Connie Wright-Zink and I live in Augusta County. I am here as an individual, a member of Virginia Organizing and the coalition of community activists that collaborated to help write this bill. This bill is not new legislation, but amends already existing protections against utility disconnections for vulnerable members of our community. There are many vulnerable groups who could be severely impacted by losing power during emergency situations. One such group with which I have personal connections is the deaf and hard of hearing. I have worked extensively with the deaf community to improve communication access at our local hospital, Augusta Health in Fishersville. Without protections against losing power the deaf community loses their ability to communicate with emergency service providers. Another personal example of how losing power during an emergency is what happens to people who depend on the assistance of breathing equipment like CPAP machines. My husband uses this equipment and in addition to needing it to sleep, our insurance company requires a minimum number of hours a night in order for them to cover the high cost of the machine. In closing, I would like to highlight the fact that Virginia’s utility disconnection policy for households including medically vulnerable people is over a decade old, and is among the weakest compared to other states in the region [1]. ● South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia and Mississippi each offer more protection for vulnerable customers, including prohibiting disconnections for households that include infants and the elderly, or by offering payment plans to help financially-strapped customers while they retain access to essential utility service. I hope we can count on your votes to pass this bill so that we can join other states in the Southeast in protecting our most vulnerable citizens. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak.

The Virginia State Conference NAACP is in full support of HB664. According to the NAACP's, Lights Out In The Cold, the report presented a comprehensive overview of utility disconnection and the human cost associated with these practices. it was determined that changes must be made to incorporate human rights into the utility business model to ensure that all individuals has the human right to safe, sustainable energy, particularly during personal and otherwise emergency events. Virginian's, during vulnerable times, should not be at risk at losing access to life-sustaining utilities such as water and electricity, due to non-payment. Black households are 3Xs more likely to experience utility disruptions, and we must protect our elderly, those with disabilities, our children, and infirm at any opportunity and this is one of those times. I urge you to please vote yes on HB664

Hello, my name is Ronna Wertman and I am a lifelong resident of Augusta County. I am writing as a citizen in support of HB 664. HB 664 updates current utility disconnection policies to take into consideration customers and households that have medical conditions, disabilities and chronic illnesses, and households with elders and/or infants. These households need access to reliable, essential utility services - water and power - to stay alive and are often the ones most impacted by limited income and quality housing. I remember the shock and embarrassment of having our water turned off when I was in elementary school. My mother, who is deaf, was doing her absolute best for our family after escaping a horrific domestic violence situation. I’ve never forgotten it. Utility cut-offs through no fault of your own take away dignity. HB 664 aims to extend current existing delays from 30 to 60 days, applying to all regulated gas, electric, and water utilities. Households with infants will be able to seek a delay up to 60 days following notice of service termination for non-payment. And importantly, customers with serious medical conditions will also have access to extended 60 day protections from service terminations. Some of Virginia’s utility disconnection policies are over a decade old and are among the weakest of any in the southern United States. Please give your support to HB 664 and bring fairness and dignity to our friends and neighbors in each of our districts who need it most. Thank you.

Please support Del. Kory's bill to stop utility shut-offs for our most vulnerable Virginians. I participated in VA Interfaith Power & Light's "Lights Out Power Fast" on Sunday to call out Virginia as having one of the weakest utility disconnection protections for customers of any state in the southeast – including customers who are vulnerable or medically compromised. ● It is critical to provide life-saving support for community members like the elderly, infants, and those who have medical conditions and/or disabilities. This bill protects access to essential utility services – water and power – for people who are socially and medically vulnerable. ● Some of our neighbors most impacted and financially burdened by utility bills are those in low-income families and communities of color. Black households are the most impacted by energy burdens and utility hardship—Black households are three times more likely to experience a utility service shut-off than non-blacks (15% versus 4%). This bill expands protections for families financially burdened by utility bills in times of crisis. Please support this bill to protect all Virginians, especially those who have suffered the most during this pandemic and winter crises, or during the summer months of greatest heat. Thank you for your caring and thoughtful support of this bill. Sincerely, Rev. Dr. Lakshmi Fjord

Comments Document

HB 664 updates current protections by extending the existing delay from disconnection for customers with serious medical conditions so that it applies to (a) all regulated electric, gas and water utilities, and (b) allows households including infants (12 months and under) to delay disconnection by 60 days following the notice of service termination for non-payment. The bill also increases the right of a customer to seek delays based on these medical and socially vulnerable exemptions from 2 to 3 times in a 12-month period, and requires utilities to report on the number of delays granted. In summary, Delegate Kory’s HB 664 … 1. Updates the existing utility disconnection policy for medically vulnerable customers of all regulated electric, gas and water utilities. 2. Updates eligibility requirements and allows nurse practitioners to certify that a customer qualifies for a disconnection delay due to a medical vulnerability. 3. Lengthens the duration of the delay. I call upon committee members to approve HB 664, not for my family members, but for those who do not enjoy the level of support that my loved ones do. Thank you for your consideration. Joy Loving

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

I am asking that the committee support HB 664. It is imperative that the Commonwealth care for its most vulnerable citizens in times of distress. The recent extremely cold weather is a stark reminder of the cost of allowing people to have their utilities shut off during extreme weather conditions. Please provide a system that allows these vulnerable neighbors, the very young, the elderly and those with health conditions to request delays in utility shut offs during these severe weather events. The covid has created another significant event that is damaging folks' ability to pay their bills in a timely manner. A system that permits delays for payments without shutting off utilities is crucial. Thank you. DeeDee Tostanoski

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

Please vote YES on HB 664 to expand the *delay of disconnections* for all utilities. Our neighbors who are vulnerable to utility disconnection require the protection this bill would provide! There are households whose residents include very young children, persons with medical vulnerabilities, and seniors who are not protected from disconnection, even during weather extremes. Please VOTE YES on HB 664.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

This legislation is important to me and would make it possible to expand Virginia's existing protection from utility disconnections. Virginia currently has among the weakest utility disconnection protections for customers of any state in the southeast – including customers who are vulnerable or medically compromised. As a person of conscience, it is critical to provide life-saving support for community members like the elderly, infants, and those who have medical conditions. Support HB 664 and protect access to essential utility services – water and power – for people who are socially and medically vulnerable

Comments Document

Dear committee members, I urge you to support HB 664. This legislation is important to me and would make it possible to expand Virginia's existing protection from utility disconnections. Virginia currently has among the weakest utility disconnection protections for customers of any state in the southeast – including customers who are vulnerable or medically compromised. As a person of conscience, it is critical to provide life-saving support for community members like the elderly, infants, and those who have medical conditions. Support HB 664 and protect access to essential utility services – water and power – for people who are socially and medically vulnerable. Thank you!

Comments Document

Dear members of the House Commerce and Energy committee sub #1, on behalf of the Virginia Conservation Network I respectfully ask that you oppose HB657 & HB894, and support HB664 & HB1288. For your convenience I have attached a document containing talking points for each bill. Thank you!

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reported that while employment is rising and strains on household budgets have eased in recent months, the employment rate remains below pre-pandemic levels, and millions still report that their households are not caught up on rent payments. Virginia currently has among the weakest utility disconnection protections, especially customers who are vulnerable or medically compromised. This bill protects access to essential utility services like water and power for people who are socially and medically vulnerable. This bill will extend the existing delay from service termination for serious medical conditions by 60 days following the notice of service termination for non-payment. It will increases the right for customers to seek delays based on their medical and social vulnerability as well. Hence, for these reasons, CCAN Action Fund supports bill HB664.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

I appreciate the Delegate's efforts on this legislation. The funding mechanism it contains fits with discussions held during study committee meetings. That section of the bill is appropriate. However, I am appalled to see that political organizations are being exempted from the provisions of it. Citizens DO NOT want any political organization to be able to collect and process our data. This was not discussed in the study committee. The Delegate has steadfastly refused to change his legislation. This last minute addition is making a bad situation worse. The public is tired of being targeted by various entities. The public does not want private data used to allow any political entity to target us. We don't want political parties, committees or anyone else to use out data in any way!!!! Please vote against this portion of HB714! Adding political organizations to the list of entities exempt from this legislation is being sneaked into the bill at the last minute. If this idea had been floated earlier, people would have risen up to oppose it. This bill was promoted as one to make technical changes that arose from the study committee. Exempting political organizations is NOT a technical change and it was not discussed during study committee proceedings. It is a substantive change that has not been fully aired. Consumers were already going to be angry when they discovered that the Consumer Data Protection Act is really just industry protection and that it will be very hard for the average person to avoid entities' collection and use of our data. When they realize that political organizations don't have to even give them the right to have data not collected, they will be extremely angry. Please do not do this! Irene Leech Virginia Citizens Consumer Council vaconsumeradvocate@gmail.com

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Good afternoon, honorable members of the Commerce and Energy Committee. My name is William Boger and I am an active firefighter in Henrico County, Virginia with nearly 20 years in my profession. I am president of Henrico Professional Fire Fighters Association and a district vice president with the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters representing over 9,000 of the firefighters who protect our Commonwealth. I am also a third generation union member. I have witnessed first hand the benefits union membership has had on working families and the sustainment and development of the middle class. I am here today to speak against HB 883, which seeks to repeal the freedom of workers like firefighters to collectively bargain terms of their employment, as well as HB 336, HB 337, and HB 341, and HB 790, which are all attacks against the freedom of public service employees to join together in a union and bargain collectively for a contract. Many people wrongly believe collective bargaining is all about money. It is not. Collective bargaining is about working conditions, safety, benefits, training, equipment and so much more. As frontline workers who have faced the Covid-19 pandemic daily, we are able to provide beneficial insight into what we need to keep our communities safe. And as firefighters and EMS providers, we know first hand what it takes to provide the best services possible. Since the law passed in 2020 allowing collective bargaining in Virginia, communities like Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Prince William County and others have begun the process. Please don’t repeal legislation of which communities are already seeing the benefit and that they desire. You can have a pro-business economy and a pro-worker economy. Collective bargaining is not against making Virginia the best place for business. Collective bargaining is a means for workers to have a voice in their employment. Through collaboration, employers and the communities they serve will see the benefit of having important decisions shared. Collective bargaining makes for stronger communities, where employees are not seen as simply line items on a budget, but as assets to the communities in which they live, work and raise their families. Thank you for this opportunity to speak against HB 883.

To whom it may concern, Please vote No on the bill that infringes on teachers rights for collective bargaining. Collective Bargaining is an important part of a teachers voice and to be able to negotiate our salaries. Collective bargaining gives teachers a seat at the table for our voices to be heard and our ability to have a say in important decisions for our students and families. Thank you Mrs. Abdale

Dear Commerce and Energy - Subcommittee #1 members, my name is Tyvon Bates, and on behalf of American Federation of Teachers Virginia, I am writing to urge you to oppose HB 790 chief patroned by Delegate LaRock. This legislation is a cynical attempt to advance an anti-worker agenda and weaken unions in the guise of addressing police abuses. Every working person should have the right to pursue equality, opportunity, and a voice on the job by forming a union and bargaining collectively for a better life. The power of a union, including a bargained contract, should not be exploited as a shield by police against abusive, discriminatory, or violent behaviors. I hope you will join me in opposing HB 790. Thank you,

As a President of the Virginia Beach Education Association, My members and I strongly oppose House Bills 336, 337, 341, 790, & 883 which ban collective bargaining for local public employees. My members are deeply concerned about the future of our students’ education and firmly believe that collective bargaining rights for educators are a win for everyone. Collective bargaining rights lead to the kind of high-quality schools our children and communities deserve by making students our primary focus. It capitalizes on the expertise of seasoned educators in decision making around such issues as lowering class sizes, adding important positions like school counselors and nurses, and providing extra resources for students, as well as other benefits for employees. Solving problems in education must involve the people who work with students daily. They are the ones with first-hand knowledge of how issues affect students’ learning. We know that the working environment of educators is the learning environment of students. When we elevate both of these, educational programs can expand their capacity to prepare students to be work-ready, making them productive and involved citizens who in turn contribute to the success of their communities. We need teachers to be part of this decision making process in building excellent public schools. Collective bargaining rights also help retain experienced educators, attract new highly qualified educators, and encourage young adults to enter preparation programs to work in this essential field of public service. We currently have a state with many unfilled public education openings and there are not nearly enough students in preparation programs coming to fill them. Students in today’s colleges and universities are aware of how the right to collective bargain will affect their quality of life and earning potential over the course of their chosen career. They are making informed decisions about their career choices and how those in leadership support or oppose actions that will affect those choices. Collective bargaining for all public employees results in better services, retention of employees, and enhances the appeal of our communities to new business and industry. Please commit to supporting education professionals and students and our other essential workers in Virginia by embracing collective bargaining and voting against HB 336, 337, 341, 790, and 883. Thank you.

PLEASE OPPOSE HB790. These bills are not about transparency or accountability. They are about denying the due process rights of thousands of dedicated public servants. As to several of the key provisions: 1. There are hundreds of police officers in Virginia who serve honorably despite long ago minor disciplinary matters. 2. Psychological research also tells us that giving a person 24-48 hours to process traumatic events before providing a statement will lead to a more accurate statement. 3. Almost all experienced investigators would agree that letting a witness review video footage of an incident before giving a written statement leads to better fact-finding. Requiring the officer to give a statement before seeing the footage is just a trap to catch the officer being inaccurate about a minor fact so that internal affairs investigators can accuse the officer of lying. 4. Impartial adjudication of disciplinary matters is important. There is a long history of police department management- like the management of any organization- using the disciplinary process as a means of retribution, political game playing, or favoritism. The matters addressed in the bill are best left to the localities to decide what makes sense for their communities. Thank you for your attention. Justin P. Keating Beins, Axelrod & Keating, P.C.

I am against these bills and against the limiting of collective bargaining rights in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The recent gains made in collective bargaining rights are incredibly important for workers—and employers—in the state. As a teacher, I am well aware of the fact that Virginia is near the bottom in teacher salaries. This is leading to many problems in our schools, including a shortage of teachers and trouble attracting and retaining new teachers. The teacher pay gap is just one thing that can be effectively—and cooperatively addressed through collective bargaining. Collective bargaining has time and time again been shown to lead to improved classrooms, educator recruitment and retention, and better working conditions. We need this in Virginia. Please vote “No” on these bills.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

Please move to report HB336, 337, 341, 790, 883. Thank you.

I urge you to vote NO on these bills that will silence the voices of educators. Educator negotiated contracts lead to quality educator recruitment and retention with improved classrooms and better working conditions. Please give us a seat at the table to maintain the integrity of our profession. Thank you.

PLEASE VOTE NO ON HB336, HB337, HB341 AND HB790. During these challenging times, legislators need to support public employees -- and this is particularly true for law enforcement officers. Police departments are woefully understaffed, and morale for all public employees -- particularly officers -- is at an all-time low. Measures such as these proposed bills will only serve to make matters worse. Collective bargaining is the best tool to allow employees to be part of the process, and is an excellent tool to help employers streamline communications with their employees. So much of the rhetoric is simply fear of the unknown. I've had the privilege of representing the MWAA police union, which has had collective bargaining rights and a collective bargaining agreement for decades. The ability to have everything in black and white for all parties is immensely helpful for everyone involved.

Educator voices are important to assist in classroom improvements educator voices are crucial in the recruitment and retention of qualified classroom teachers. Educator voices are vital in the improvement of working conditions for students and public school staff. I urge you to vote NO on the above House Bills. Thank you for your attention.

I have never understood why having a honest discussion and a signed agreement between employees and management is so scary that management must deny employees their collective voice. Is it because management is afraid that they will have to acknowledge that their employees are people not widgets? Will employers have to treat their employees as valued partners who are necessary for management’s success? Will management have to admit the employees doing the work really understand how the work is done over the management who only knows how it was done a long time ago? It is past time for employees representatives and management to talk and come to a MUTUAL agreement.

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

The educators within the Commonwealth deserve to have a voice in negotiating their contracts, working conditions, wages, salaries, or anything else that affects their work whether in the classroom or on a school bus. Working together with school boards for the betterment of all leads to happier educators, school boards, parents and the community is a must for the success of our children. It’s all for the children in the end. Virginia is #4 best in education so let’s keep it that way so we can work towards being #1.

As a public school teacher for the last 24 years, I have been advocating and working toward collective bargaining in Virginia. As a professional, it is important to have a voice in the present and future conditions of my profession. Teachers need to have input in working conditions, time management, and documentation. When the needs of the teachers are met, we can meet the needs of the students. Our children is what this is all about. Our working conditions are our children's learning conditions. Please continue to support collective bargaining for teachers. Thank you.

Please vote "No" on these bills. Virginia teachers have been punished enough. We service children and do so with open hearts and minds. Please do not revoke the rights that have been so hard won. Political agendas do not belong in our public school systems!

Vote No on these bills. I ask you to think about teachers. By voting NO on these bills you are helping teachers, not just our classroom and working conditions but by keeping teachers in the classroom.

Please keep Collective Bargaining. Collective Bargaining is very important and a needed meansof communication for RPS teachers/staff to have a voice in what happens for our school system. Please do not support any bills or legislature that would undermine the ability for RPS teachers/staff to come to the table through Collective Barganining. I implore you to not support the bills that have the goal to undermine Collective Barganining. PLease join hands with the Richmond City Schools teachers and staff to work together through Collective Bargaining and vote against any bill or legislature that has the goal of eradicating it or diminishing Collective Barganinings ability to allow RPS teachers/staff to come to the table and have a voice in meeting the needs of teachers/staff as we work to educate and support all the students in our system. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. have a

At a time when we should be empowering workers to improve working an living conditions for the citizens of the Commonwealth, these bills purposely seek to strip power from the middle class. Introduced by a party supposedly against government over-reach, these bills go directly against the mantra of local control. This is as unAmerican as it gets: stifling the ability of workers to ban together to improve their working conditions as a whole. In this case, it's even more damaging, as these bills seek to limit the power of the workers who are in charge of educating and protecting the public in the state of Virginia. In a time when we are struggling to fill these positions statewide, it is nonsensical to add another barrier to the recruitment and retention of highly-qualified and talented individuals. This is not the time nor the place for political posturing. This is the time for common-sense legislating. Therefore, you must vote NO on these measures.

Dear Legislators, Teachers must have a voice when it comes to collaborating working with the government. We have been through a period that has illuminated so many problems in the education system. It is ludicrous to leave us out of the conversation. We are the ones that know what works best for our students. People who make administrative decisions, including you, that have never been in the classroom in the last few years do not have the information to accurately make decisions in students' best interest. Sincerely, Amanda Wolfe

I am writing in opposition to any actions that would rescind or undermine education workers' recently-won collective bargaining rights. In many localities around the state, it is highly unlikely that education workers will be able to meet the requirements set forth in the bill as currently written. I am proud to live and work in the first Virginia locality to recognize our collective bargaining rights. This recognition did not come easily. My colleagues and I worked hundreds of unpaid hours to gain these rights, which will help improve our working conditions and our students' learning conditions. To change the playing field after we have invested so much of our personal time and resources into securing these rights would honestly be a slap in the face; not just my own face but the faces of my colleagues, the school board, and the students of Richmond Public Schools. The desire to change the rules when one does not like the outcome is a sign of poor character; I urge you to display your better natures as you debate these bills.

Delegates, As a high school teacher in Winchester, VA, I ask that you avoid repealing any positive movement towards collective bargaining. Education is incredibly difficult, and having the support of a union, a union representative, or a collectively bargained contract can be very helpful. Collective bargaining gives educators the back up in the face of shifting political headwinds, and allows for teachers to focus on what their job entails: teaching Virginia's youth. These bills before you would stall or reduce the momentum that educators in VA have worked towards over the past years. If you are "for" teachers or education, you need to be for collective bargaining. Thank you, Mike Siraguse

Teachers' jobs are incredibly difficult. Collective Bargaining and educator-negotiated contracts are essential for improved classrooms, educator recruitment and retention, and better working conditions.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

As an elementary school teacher working in a school with a large population of students who are of low economic status collective bargaining is key to ensure the best for our educators and students. Collective bargaining must be maintained and expanded. This will allow teachers to work with their school boards to have competitive wages in turn attracting the best educators possible to our schools. It will allow teachers to have a voice in negotiating our contractors. It is about working with school boards not against them to create a better environment for educators allowing us to provide our students with the high quality education they deserve. This also help with retaining high quality educators, which is so important to our students success. I implore you vote no to any legislation that will limit or take away our right to collective bargaining. Thank You for your time.

As a former teacher and current leader of an education union, I understand that when the folks who know the names of our students have a seat at the table, great things can happen. Educator-negotiated contracts help recruit and retain the top-notch teachers that our students deserve. Educators have used contract negotiations in the past to secure smaller class sizes, increase one-on-one attention for students from professionals like nurses and counselors, and make improvements on safety issues. No contract should be one-size-fits-all. Educator-negotiated contracts provide school districts with the freedom to tackle each school's local challenges head on. All Virginia workers should have the right to join a union and the right to bargain collectively so that they have a voice at work. The right to bargain collectively for a contract is not only a better bargain for our public service workers, it’s also a better bargain for our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public sector workers and their dedication to the jobs that protect our community and fuel our economy. Our nurses, first responders, teachers, and many more stepped up, putting their lives on the line to ensure that we all continued to thrive and survive. These workers are our situational experts and without their expertise, we would have been lost during the pandemic. Collective bargaining rights enable public workers to fight for better services for the communities they serve. Public service employees work for the state, its cities, and counties, providing vital services such as law enforcement and protections, healthcare, sanitation, and education. They advocate for things that benefit the entire community: up-to-date equipment for emergency responders, smaller class sizes, classroom resources, adequate training, and better staffing ratios in hospitals to name a few. Collective bargaining will also mean stronger local economies. Virginia public service workers make 14% less than the national average and 18% less than private sector employees right here in Virginia. It is not the time to repeal the collective bargaining progress we have made, but instead support and strengthen it so that hard-working public service workers can support their families and put money back into our local economies.

Please vote NO on HB883 before this bill comes to the House Commerce and the Energy Committee. Public employees have the right to engage in collective bargaining efforts. This is about huge number of families' struggle! Thank you.

Good afternoon, honorable members of the Commerce and Energy Committee. My name is William Boger and I am an active firefighter in Henrico County, Virginia with nearly 20 years in my profession. I am president of Henrico Professional Fire Fighters Association and a district vice president with the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters representing over 9,000 of the firefighters who protect our Commonwealth. I am also a third generation union member. I have witnessed first hand the benefits union membership has had on working families and the sustainment and development of the middle class. I am here today to speak against HB 883, which seeks to repeal the freedom of workers like firefighters to collectively bargain terms of their employment, as well as HB 336, HB 337, and HB 341, and HB 790, which are all attacks against the freedom of public service employees to join together in a union and bargain collectively for a contract. Many people wrongly believe collective bargaining is all about money. It is not. Collective bargaining is about working conditions, safety, benefits, training, equipment and so much more. As frontline workers who have faced the Covid-19 pandemic daily, we are able to provide beneficial insight into what we need to keep our communities safe. And as firefighters and EMS providers, we know first hand what it takes to provide the best services possible. Since the law passed in 2020 allowing collective bargaining in Virginia, communities like Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Prince William County and others have begun the process. Please don’t repeal legislation of which communities are already seeing the benefit and that they desire. You can have a pro-business economy and a pro-worker economy. Collective bargaining is not against making Virginia the best place for business. Collective bargaining is a means for workers to have a voice in their employment. Through collaboration, employers and the communities they serve will see the benefit of having important decisions shared. Collective bargaining makes for stronger communities, where employees are not seen as simply line items on a budget, but as assets to the communities in which they live, work and raise their families. Thank you for this opportunity to speak against HB 883.

As a teacher in the Commonwealth, I feel it necessary to voice how important it is for teachers and school staff to collectively bargain. The process of collective bargaining is necessary due to the lack of specificity in Virginia contracts. If negotiating cannot happen, teachers are pushed to breaking points that have already been noticeable for years. Without collective bargaining, students suffer from a lack of confident, supported teachers. Collective bargaining allows everyone to have a voice, and all of Virginia's teachers create rooms for students to have a voice. We should give the same opportunity to our teachers and staff. Thank you.

The law was changed to allow collective bargaining by teachers for a reason. I fear that by once again denying teachers the right to collectively bargain we will be clearly demonstrating a lack of respect and care for our teachers without whom, as the pandemic showed, society would rapidly fall apart. Right now our public school system is in danger, the department of education has provided data showing that we are already seeing educators leaving in droves. Now is not the time to tell our teachers, who are already dealing with ever increasingly stressful times teaching this year, that they aren't important enough or trustworthy enough to deserve being allowed to collectively bargain in good faith with their school boards.

Please vote to OPPOSE HB883. When educators have a seat at the table, they bargain for the common good. Not only does collective bargaining attract and retain more educators, it also improves student learning conditions, increases test scores, improves educator wages, and positively impacts the whole community. This bill would totally repeal the right of public employees to engage in collective bargaining efforts. Please OPPOSE. Anne Geraty

I am writing in opposition to bill HB883 which would repeal the right of public employees to engage in collective bargaining efforts. As a public school teacher, I should be able to negotiate wages and other conditions of my employment. This is a valuable right that I take seriously. If this bill passes my right to collective bargaining would be removed. This action should not be legal. I would like to request that you vote no to bill HB883. Respectfully, Jean Marie Mendelis

Teachers are in short supply & kids are just not learning what they need! Why would we want legislature to reduce their possible education? Why pass a bill that will further inhibit teachers and not only prevent retention of quality teachers, but un-incentivize new teachers? I say “NO” to bill HB883!

Collective bargaining is so crucial to provide a quality education for children. With a national teacher shortage and an antiquated education system, we teachers need ways to advocate for our students. Don't silence teachers.

If you value education at all you will vote NO on bill HB883! There’s already a dangerous teacher shortage. We can’t afford to lose anymore teachers! They should have the right to participate in collective bargaining. Haven’t you stripped enough away? Teachers have rights too!

Harlie White - Good afternoon, my name is Harlie White - . and I’m a Traffic and Lights technician in the city of Alexandria. I am speaking in opposition of HB 883 which would repeal collective bargaining agreements, prevailing wage requirements, and remove the rights of municipalities like the City of Alexandria from entering into collective bargaining agreements. As an employee in the city of Alexandria, my work isn’t just a job it is a calling. I care deeply for my community. In April of last year, my coworkers and I worked with the city of Alexandria Council members to enact the first collective bargaining ordinance in the Commonwealth in almost forty years. The freedom to collectively bargain enables public service workers to fight for better services for the communities we serve. HB 883 would take us backward by repealing a 2020 law that empowers localities to give public service workers the freedom to join a union, and local municipalities the autonomy to enact union agreements as they see fit. I stand in opposition to HB 883 with other city of Alexandria AFSCME members. Thank you for your time.

Hi, my name is Luis Velez Sr. I am an Equipment Technician for Arlington County and AFSCME member. I am speaking in opposition to repealing collective bargaining rights and HB 337 As a resident of Alexandria, and a public employee with Arlington County, I am responsible for and rely on the quality public services that Northern Virginia’s communities are known for. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the importance of public service workers and our dedication to the jobs that protect our community and fuel our economy. The freedom to collective bargaining enables public service workers to fight for better services for the communities we serve. HB (337) would chip away at my right to collectively bargain and freedom to join a strong union. I stand in opposition to HB 337

Leaving educators out of the decision-making process is something we continually lambaeste government officials for doing when creating educational policy. I applaud those of you that oppose House Bill 883. This Bill doesn’t seem to fit Virginia and Governor Youngkin’s vision of better public education for our students. As we learned last year, public education is more important now than ever. Collective bargaining for public education staff will improve working conditions, which in turn, will provide a better educational environment for our students, smaller class sizes, and will lead to less turnover in our schools. Staff are continually asked to do more each year. Without collective bargaining, staff will continue to be stretched which will ultimately affect students across Virginia as educators continue to leave the profession more and more. All we are asking for as educators, is for the Virginia House and Senate to support us, believe in us, and allow us to continue to have the right to gain collective bargaining so we can continue to improve working conditions in our public school systems. Trust us to continue the work that is needed to improve our schools across the Commonwealth by voting down this Bill - thank you.

Collective bargaining is the right of the employee and when educators do so, they bargain for the common good. Not only does collective bargaining attract and retain more educators, it also improves student learning conditions, increases test scores, improves embarrassing educator wages, and positively impacts the whole community.

We are saying No to this Bill Thank you

It is very disappointing to see coward such a dissponsor this bill are still trying to refuse public employees the right of elective bargaining. We have won this road in Virginia, and you so quickly taken away again is aid dastardly move, and shows how much those on the right tear us using our voice to stand up for what is right.

Vote No!

Members of the Committee- My name is Katherine Lekbad and I am a middle school social studies teacher in Prince William. I urge you to vote no on HB 883. I urge you to give teachers the respect and acknowledgment they so richly deserve. I appeal to your desire to provide the best education possible to the youth of our Commonwealth. Teachers all across the Commonwealth are in the process of obtaining collective bargaining (CB). For this committee to preemptively shut down this process with this egregious legislation would be a slap in the face for all these teachers. You all must consider the following- Virginia ranks 50th in teacher pay in the USA. 50th!! Can you understand how that will impact future procurement of quality teachers? Virginia already faces a CRITICAL shortage of teachers. Do you want to increase that shortage? I assume you all understand that having quality teachers is one of the largest determiners of a quality education. Virginia is already a Right to Work state. Unions are not mandatory. Teachers can be a part of an association or not. There is no ability to strike as leverage. Indeed, even the Janus decision of the US Supreme Court prohibits unions to charge fees for CB. What is the fear of CB? It is the teachers who are the experts on how to provide quality education. It is the teachers who best understand what the schools and classrooms need. It is teachers who should have representation when contracts are written. Teachers have the best interests of our students at heart. CB will benefit BOTH staff and students! When your staff feels appreciated, respected, and acknowledged for the experts they are, the quality of their work product improves. Isn’t this a basic understanding? Please stop HB 833 now. Please show me and all other professional educators in the Commonwealth that acknowledge and respect our expertise and value. Let the CB organizing continue and allow CB improve the future of education here in Virginia. Respectfully, Mrs. Lekbad

Both I, a public school teacher in Fairfax County, and the Virginia Education Association OPPOSE HB 883. This destructive bill would totally repeal the right of public employees to engage in collective bargaining efforts.

When educators have a seat at the table, they bargain for the common good. Not only does collective bargaining attract and retain more educators, it also improves student learning conditions, increases test scores, improves educator wages, and positively impacts the whole community.

To whom it may concern, Please vote No on the bill that infringes on teachers rights for collective bargaining. Collective Bargaining is an important part of a teachers voice and to be able to negotiate our salaries. Collective bargaining gives teachers a seat at the table for our voices to be heard and our ability to have a say in important decisions for our students and families. Thank you Mrs. Abdale

It is no secret that teachers across the US are underpaid and that VA teachers are particularly underpaid. As of July 2021, VA teachers, along with DC teachers, were ranked last in the country in salary. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/new-report-virginia-dc-teacher-pay-ranks-last-country/65-72f34f95-ca7d-4707-9c77-fc413a50105e As someone who taught in VA public schools for 43 years, I can attest to the fact that VA teachers do NOT work any less hard nor give any less time to school related matters than teachers anywhere else in this country. After many years of hard work, VA teachers have won the right to bargain collectively. This is the only way they have any chance of being paid fairly for all they do for their students. Good pay attracts teachers, which is important during a time when many college students are eschewing teaching as a profession due to such low pay for work that continues after school hours, during holidays, and even during what some people think is a long summer vacation. Please put partisan politics aside and vote no on HB883, a bill that would completely repeal the rights of public employees to engage in public bargaining. VA will not descend into bankruptcy if teacher pay is raised.

Please vote no on HB883. Collective bargaining for teachers will improve the education for students in Virginia. It gives a process for school boards and teachers to collaborate on improving schools and will improve the moral of educators. They will no longer feel that they are being ignored in decision making in schools. Keep collective bargaining and give it a chance to succeed.

When this bill comes before the House Commerce and Energy Committee this week, please vote NO on HB883. Not only does collective bargaining attract and retain more educators, but it also improves student learning conditions, increases test scores, improves educator wages, and positively impacts the whole community.

The right to collectively bargain must be maintained. Please do not infringe upon it, this right it is already entirely too constricted in this state as it is. Teachers are constantly at the forefront of this conflict but understand that Instructional Assistants have little ability to defend themselves at present and some of our conditions and wages in any other industry would be considered criminal.

When educators have a seat at the table, they bargain for the common good. Not only does collective bargaining attract and retain more educators, it also improves student learning conditions, increases test scores, improves educator wages, and positively impacts the whole community. Please vote NO on HB883! This destructive bill would totally repeal the right of public employees to engage in collective bargaining efforts.

When educators have a seat at the table, they bargain for the common good. Not only does collective bargaining attract and retain more educators, it also improves student learning conditions, increases test scores, improves educator wages, and positively impacts the whole community. vote no on HB 833

Please do not take the right to collective bargain from teachers. We are all ready to leave the profession because of years of mistreatment. If we work together through collective bargaining we will be able to better benefit the students and repair the broken system. Otherwise it will continue to break.

Please vote NO Allow public workers bargaining power for their jobs Thank you

Please do not quash collective bargaining for public workers. All workers deserve the right to negotiate the terms of their employment. Forcing public service workers into contracts in which they have no say is patently unfair. I'm sure you would not like to work somewhere where you can't negotiate the terms of your employment at all. The only reason to disallow collective bargaining is because you enjoy exploiting our workforce.

As an educator, I can guarantee that teachers across the state already feel as though we are not heard. Our Governor is setting up programs to replace and report us and the maximum wage in my district, after 30 years of service with a Masters degree, is the same as someone who comes out of trade school the first year. Ask why schools are failing, better ask why anyone would want to spend $80,000 going to college to come out and make $40,000 for the first 8 years with no opportunity for promotion? If educators aren’t paid more money, and sooner, you are going to have to lower teacher requirements to an Associate’s degree level requirement. You already see the effects in places like New Mexico, where they are using National Guard volunteers as subs, and others that are using police. If nothing is done there won’t be any teachers left in 10 years.

I have been a Prince William County high school teacher for 18 years and have been trying to get all of us a seat at the table to make choices about education. It is not right that the majority of people making those decisions are not educators or even in the educational community. Month after month, I go in person to the the PWC School Board Meetings and I'm allocated 3 minutes to speak. It is the only way for the public to hear what we want and what we are lacking in our schools. The SB has to pay attention when you're on television. It should not be that way. Part-time SB members who are business women, men and others outside of education should not have the sole to power to determine what regulations, policies are made that affect all of us who are actually in the schools and have to enforce said policy. I respectfully request that you allow collective bargaining or at least a shot at it go forward. Thank you. Shannon M. Geraghty Woodbridge, Va. Teacher of 34 years Forest Park High School Government

When educators have a seat at the table, they bargain for the common good. Not only does collective bargaining attract and retain more educators, it also improves student learning conditions, increases test scores, improves educator wages, and positively impacts the whole community. Vote NO on HB883!

HB883 destroys the Commonwealth’s valuable opportunity to improve public education statewide. I’m a retired educator and former president of our local association. I know firsthand how the lack of collective bargaining hinders a community’s improvement for the common good. Not only does collective bargaining attract and retain more educators, it also improves student learning conditions, increases test scores, improves educator wages, and positively impacts the whole community.

The Commonwealth's citizens do not derive any benefit from a refusal to authorize a locality to recognize a labor union. In some areas, such as food service, businesses struggle to attract workers owing to a failure to offer appropriately livable working conditions, wages, or benefits. In other sectors, such as education, teachers and classified employees have worked in service for our Commonwealth's youngest citizens for compensation that has not always been equitable to what should be expected for performance, job description, experience, and geographical area. While allowing for collective bargaining does not guarantee any gains for employees in various careers, these employees would retain a voice in their working conditions, as is the case in most other states. To repeal the recognition of labor unions and the ability of employees to engage in collective bargaining will quash opportunities to improve the livelihoods of employees, including those who serve our children, whose need for financial stability is greatest. There is no competing benefit for our citizens in advancing this bill.

When educators have a seat at the table, they bargain for the common good. Not only does collective bargaining attract and retain more educators, it also improves student learning conditions, increases test scores, improves educator wages, and positively impacts the whole community. Tell your legislator today - Vote NO on HB883! When this bill comes before the House Commerce and Energy committee this week, tell them to vote NO on HB883. This destructive bill would totally repeal the right of public employees to engage in collective bargaining efforts.

No.

Please vote "NO" on HB883. Teachers and all public servants deserve the right to have collective bargaining. This destructive bill would totally repeal the right of public employees to engage in collective bargaining efforts.

I respectfully ask you to vote NO on House Bill 883. Educators deserve a seat at the table. With the extended hours that are put in and the struggles of the pandemic I want to see you the leadership of Virginia to respect that in all that you do this session. Teacher retention is a major issue for school districts. Not only does collective bargaining attract and retain more educators, it also improves student learning conditions, increases test scores, improves educator wages, and positively impacts the whole community. Vote NO on HB883! Respectfully Submitted Jackie Wilson Atkins, VA

Support of HB883 is anti-democratic. Allow workers to have a seat at the table and allow collective bargaining.

Why are you trying to get rid of collect bargaining? This is something that could raise teacher pay in a time of crisis and teacher shortage. Burnout is high and teachers are tired of being treated like we are disposable. Please do not create a crisis by taking away such a fundamental right.

I am a Special Education paraprofessional who has gone above and beyond working at a local high school with special needs students. Every educator whether it’s a teacher or paraprofessional deserves a raise with every thing that we’ve had to endure over these last few years with the pandemic. The amount of money that we currently make is barely enough to live off of when the cost of living continues to go up. Add on the fact that there are many educators who have no choice but to get multiple jobs just to make ends meet. We should be fighting FOR those in education vs trying to tear things down and let things continue the way that they are with people getting burned out due to being stretched thin with everything that they’re doing to help students reach their full potential. Bill HB883 can’t be passed because it would prevent educators from being able to fight for the things that we have desperately needed for a long time & the number one thing is a better living wage compared to what it currently is.

The right to collectively bargain, regardless of profession, is vital to the protection of workers against potential abuses by employers. It is, simply, a moral imperative that ensures all people are treated fairly and equally. In schools, the ability to collectively bargain allows schools to attract and retain qualified and dedicated staff by providing the security of knowing that they will be allowed to provide the best possible learning conditions for students. Teachers’ working conditions ARE students’ learning conditions, and collective bargaining protects both.

Do not vote to get rid of collective bargaining.

Dear Commerce and Energy - Subcommittee #1 members, my name is Tyvon Bates, and on behalf of American Federation of Teachers Virginia, I am writing to urge you to oppose HB 883 chief patroned by Delegate Byron. Repeals in its entirety permissive legislation passed in 2020 that overturned Virginia’s long time ban on collective bargaining for local public employees. I hope you will join me in opposing HB 883. Thank you,

As a President of the Virginia Beach Education Association, My members and I strongly oppose House Bills 336, 337, 341, 790, & 883 which ban collective bargaining for local public employees. My members are deeply concerned about the future of our students’ education and firmly believe that collective bargaining rights for educators are a win for everyone. Collective bargaining rights lead to the kind of high-quality schools our children and communities deserve by making students our primary focus. It capitalizes on the expertise of seasoned educators in decision making around such issues as lowering class sizes, adding important positions like school counselors and nurses, and providing extra resources for students, as well as other benefits for employees. Solving problems in education must involve the people who work with students daily. They are the ones with first-hand knowledge of how issues affect students’ learning. We know that the working environment of educators is the learning environment of students. When we elevate both of these, educational programs can expand their capacity to prepare students to be work-ready, making them productive and involved citizens who in turn contribute to the success of their communities. We need teachers to be part of this decision making process in building excellent public schools. Collective bargaining rights also help retain experienced educators, attract new highly qualified educators, and encourage young adults to enter preparation programs to work in this essential field of public service. We currently have a state with many unfilled public education openings and there are not nearly enough students in preparation programs coming to fill them. Students in today’s colleges and universities are aware of how the right to collective bargain will affect their quality of life and earning potential over the course of their chosen career. They are making informed decisions about their career choices and how those in leadership support or oppose actions that will affect those choices. Collective bargaining for all public employees results in better services, retention of employees, and enhances the appeal of our communities to new business and industry. Please commit to supporting education professionals and students and our other essential workers in Virginia by embracing collective bargaining and voting against HB 336, 337, 341, 790, and 883. Thank you.

Good afternoon honorable members of Subcommittee #1. My name is William Boger and I am an active firefighter in Henrico County, Virginia with nearly 20 years in my profession. I am president of Henrico Professional Fire Fighters Association and a district vice president with the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters representing over 9,000 of the firefighters who protect our Commonwealth. I am also a third generation union member. I have witnessed first hand the benefits union membership has had on working families and the sustainment and development of the middle class. I am here today to speak against HB 883, which seeks to repeal the freedom of workers like firefighters to collectively bargain terms of their employment, as well as HB 336, HB 337, and HB 341, which are all attacks against the freedom of public service employees to join together in a union and bargain collectively for a contract. Many people wrongly believe collective bargaining is all about money. It is not. Collective bargaining is about working conditions, safety, benefits, training, equipment and so much more. As frontline workers who have faced the Covid-19 pandemic daily, we are able to provide beneficial insight into what we need to keep our communities safe. And as firefighters and EMS providers, we know first hand what it takes to provide the best services possible. Since the law passed in 2020 allowing collective bargaining in Virginia, communities like Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Prince William County and others have begun the process. Please don’t repeal legislation of which communities are already seeing the benefit and that they desire. You can have a pro-business economy and a pro-worker economy. Collective bargaining is not against making Virginia the best place for business. Collective bargaining is a means for workers to have a voice in their employment. Through collaboration, employers and the communities they serve will see the benefit of having important decisions shared. Collective bargaining makes for stronger communities, where employees are not seen as simply line items on a budget, but as assets to the communities in which they live, work and raise their families. Thank you for this opportunity to speak against HB 883.

I am against these bills and against the limiting of collective bargaining rights in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The recent gains made in collective bargaining rights are incredibly important for workers—and employers—in the state. As a teacher, I am well aware of the fact that Virginia is near the bottom in teacher salaries. This is leading to many problems in our schools, including a shortage of teachers and trouble attracting and retaining new teachers. The teacher pay gap is just one thing that can be effectively—and cooperatively addressed through collective bargaining. Collective bargaining has time and time again been shown to lead to improved classrooms, educator recruitment and retention, and better working conditions. We need this in Virginia. Please vote “No” on these bills.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

Please move to report HB336, 337, 341, 790, 883. Thank you.

I urge you to vote NO on these bills that will silence the voices of educators. Educator negotiated contracts lead to quality educator recruitment and retention with improved classrooms and better working conditions. Please give us a seat at the table to maintain the integrity of our profession. Thank you.

Educator voices are important to assist in classroom improvements educator voices are crucial in the recruitment and retention of qualified classroom teachers. Educator voices are vital in the improvement of working conditions for students and public school staff. I urge you to vote NO on the above House Bills. Thank you for your attention.

I have never understood why having a honest discussion and a signed agreement between employees and management is so scary that management must deny employees their collective voice. Is it because management is afraid that they will have to acknowledge that their employees are people not widgets? Will employers have to treat their employees as valued partners who are necessary for management’s success? Will management have to admit the employees doing the work really understand how the work is done over the management who only knows how it was done a long time ago? It is past time for employees representatives and management to talk and come to a MUTUAL agreement.

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

The educators within the Commonwealth deserve to have a voice in negotiating their contracts, working conditions, wages, salaries, or anything else that affects their work whether in the classroom or on a school bus. Working together with school boards for the betterment of all leads to happier educators, school boards, parents and the community is a must for the success of our children. It’s all for the children in the end. Virginia is #4 best in education so let’s keep it that way so we can work towards being #1.

As a public school teacher for the last 24 years, I have been advocating and working toward collective bargaining in Virginia. As a professional, it is important to have a voice in the present and future conditions of my profession. Teachers need to have input in working conditions, time management, and documentation. When the needs of the teachers are met, we can meet the needs of the students. Our children is what this is all about. Our working conditions are our children's learning conditions. Please continue to support collective bargaining for teachers. Thank you.

Please vote "No" on these bills. Virginia teachers have been punished enough. We service children and do so with open hearts and minds. Please do not revoke the rights that have been so hard won. Political agendas do not belong in our public school systems!

Vote No on these bills. I ask you to think about teachers. By voting NO on these bills you are helping teachers, not just our classroom and working conditions but by keeping teachers in the classroom.

Please keep Collective Bargaining. Collective Bargaining is very important and a needed meansof communication for RPS teachers/staff to have a voice in what happens for our school system. Please do not support any bills or legislature that would undermine the ability for RPS teachers/staff to come to the table through Collective Barganining. I implore you to not support the bills that have the goal to undermine Collective Barganining. PLease join hands with the Richmond City Schools teachers and staff to work together through Collective Bargaining and vote against any bill or legislature that has the goal of eradicating it or diminishing Collective Barganinings ability to allow RPS teachers/staff to come to the table and have a voice in meeting the needs of teachers/staff as we work to educate and support all the students in our system. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. have a

I am a public school teacher in Virginia. I have never asked for thanks, nor do I consider my job heroic. It has become an endurance test against the accumulation of external accountability that is determined by those less invested in educational outcomes but heavily invested in political and financial outcomes. Since my first year teaching in Virginia (2003) the layers of expectations have grown disproportionate to what should be normal. Teachers are not represented. The effort to make collective bargaining nearly impossible in Virginia is a play for status quo power in the hands of politicians and interest groups that profit from standardized tests and budget money going to testing platforms. Add to that, the absurd hysteria over political footballs such as CRT and a pandemic response meant to be protective of all people in crowded schools. Because the changing climate of education seems to be drifting further from what’s best for students, it is important that teachers have a voice strengthened through collective bargaining from which they can have a chance to do what’s best within the environment they know best.

I am not providing an attachment however I am opposed to this bill because it guts all worker rights if working for the Commonwealth in any capacity. It makes treating workers with dignity optional everywhere.

At a time when we should be empowering workers to improve working an living conditions for the citizens of the Commonwealth, these bills purposely seek to strip power from the middle class. Introduced by a party supposedly against government over-reach, these bills go directly against the mantra of local control. This is as unAmerican as it gets: stifling the ability of workers to ban together to improve their working conditions as a whole. In this case, it's even more damaging, as these bills seek to limit the power of the workers who are in charge of educating and protecting the public in the state of Virginia. In a time when we are struggling to fill these positions statewide, it is nonsensical to add another barrier to the recruitment and retention of highly-qualified and talented individuals. This is not the time nor the place for political posturing. This is the time for common-sense legislating. Therefore, you must vote NO on these measures.

Dear Legislators, Teachers must have a voice when it comes to collaborating working with the government. We have been through a period that has illuminated so many problems in the education system. It is ludicrous to leave us out of the conversation. We are the ones that know what works best for our students. People who make administrative decisions, including you, that have never been in the classroom in the last few years do not have the information to accurately make decisions in students' best interest. Sincerely, Amanda Wolfe

I am writing in opposition to any actions that would rescind or undermine education workers' recently-won collective bargaining rights. In many localities around the state, it is highly unlikely that education workers will be able to meet the requirements set forth in the bill as currently written. I am proud to live and work in the first Virginia locality to recognize our collective bargaining rights. This recognition did not come easily. My colleagues and I worked hundreds of unpaid hours to gain these rights, which will help improve our working conditions and our students' learning conditions. To change the playing field after we have invested so much of our personal time and resources into securing these rights would honestly be a slap in the face; not just my own face but the faces of my colleagues, the school board, and the students of Richmond Public Schools. The desire to change the rules when one does not like the outcome is a sign of poor character; I urge you to display your better natures as you debate these bills.

Delegates, As a high school teacher in Winchester, VA, I ask that you avoid repealing any positive movement towards collective bargaining. Education is incredibly difficult, and having the support of a union, a union representative, or a collectively bargained contract can be very helpful. Collective bargaining gives educators the back up in the face of shifting political headwinds, and allows for teachers to focus on what their job entails: teaching Virginia's youth. These bills before you would stall or reduce the momentum that educators in VA have worked towards over the past years. If you are "for" teachers or education, you need to be for collective bargaining. Thank you, Mike Siraguse

Teachers' jobs are incredibly difficult. Collective Bargaining and educator-negotiated contracts are essential for improved classrooms, educator recruitment and retention, and better working conditions.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

As an elementary school teacher working in a school with a large population of students who are of low economic status collective bargaining is key to ensure the best for our educators and students. Collective bargaining must be maintained and expanded. This will allow teachers to work with their school boards to have competitive wages in turn attracting the best educators possible to our schools. It will allow teachers to have a voice in negotiating our contractors. It is about working with school boards not against them to create a better environment for educators allowing us to provide our students with the high quality education they deserve. This also help with retaining high quality educators, which is so important to our students success. I implore you vote no to any legislation that will limit or take away our right to collective bargaining. Thank You for your time.

As a former teacher and current leader of an education union, I understand that when the folks who know the names of our students have a seat at the table, great things can happen. Educator-negotiated contracts help recruit and retain the top-notch teachers that our students deserve. Educators have used contract negotiations in the past to secure smaller class sizes, increase one-on-one attention for students from professionals like nurses and counselors, and make improvements on safety issues. No contract should be one-size-fits-all. Educator-negotiated contracts provide school districts with the freedom to tackle each school's local challenges head on. All Virginia workers should have the right to join a union and the right to bargain collectively so that they have a voice at work. The right to bargain collectively for a contract is not only a better bargain for our public service workers, it’s also a better bargain for our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public sector workers and their dedication to the jobs that protect our community and fuel our economy. Our nurses, first responders, teachers, and many more stepped up, putting their lives on the line to ensure that we all continued to thrive and survive. These workers are our situational experts and without their expertise, we would have been lost during the pandemic. Collective bargaining rights enable public workers to fight for better services for the communities they serve. Public service employees work for the state, its cities, and counties, providing vital services such as law enforcement and protections, healthcare, sanitation, and education. They advocate for things that benefit the entire community: up-to-date equipment for emergency responders, smaller class sizes, classroom resources, adequate training, and better staffing ratios in hospitals to name a few. Collective bargaining will also mean stronger local economies. Virginia public service workers make 14% less than the national average and 18% less than private sector employees right here in Virginia. It is not the time to repeal the collective bargaining progress we have made, but instead support and strengthen it so that hard-working public service workers can support their families and put money back into our local economies.

To whom it may concern, Please vote No on the bill that infringes on teachers rights for collective bargaining. Collective Bargaining is an important part of a teachers voice and to be able to negotiate our salaries. Collective bargaining gives teachers a seat at the table for our voices to be heard and our ability to have a say in important decisions for our students and families. Thank you Mrs. Abdale

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

The price of energy affects the poor and working man much more than it does any rich politician or or entitled class. The idiocy espoused by the Biden administration and the leftist politicians in America is it is not just laughable, it is anti-American and impacts impacts each one of us in a negative way. Stop the spread of communism in our country. Put America First. Let us together make America Great Again.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

The Roanoke Regional Chamber supports HB 1156, which provides businesses the option to purchase paid family leave insurance policies. This will help participating small businesses compete with the benefit packages that larger and out of state businesses offer, while ensuring that a burdensome mandate isn't placed on all businesses. Thank you for your consideration.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

The price of energy affects the poor and working man much more than it does any rich politician or or entitled class. The idiocy espoused by the Biden administration and the leftist politicians in America is it is not just laughable, it is anti-American and impacts impacts each one of us in a negative way. Stop the spread of communism in our country. Put America First. Let us together make America Great Again.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

To whom it may concern, Please vote No on the bill that infringes on teachers rights for collective bargaining. Collective Bargaining is an important part of a teachers voice and to be able to negotiate our salaries. Collective bargaining gives teachers a seat at the table for our voices to be heard and our ability to have a say in important decisions for our students and families. Thank you Mrs. Abdale

I have been ignored in the workplace while having seizures because people did not recognize them and some did not know what to do. This could have harmed me and it did in some cases because I was scrutinized at my job by fellow employees and it held me back from advancing and a number of times cost me my career. Signs need to be put up in every workplace for not only the protection of the individuals with epilepsy, but for others to assist them also

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

The price of energy affects the poor and working man much more than it does any rich politician or or entitled class. The idiocy espoused by the Biden administration and the leftist politicians in America is it is not just laughable, it is anti-American and impacts impacts each one of us in a negative way. Stop the spread of communism in our country. Put America First. Let us together make America Great Again.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

HB 1201 Unemployment benefits should be carefully controlled. We must avoid providing disincentives to work.

HB 118 Yes, include solar!

HB 1243 Mammography must be optional, based on the woman's choice. For a lot of thinking women it is wrong (does not make sense) to invade breasts with radiation in an effort to "detect" breast cancer.

HB 126 Yes, by all means.....Proton therapy works, I think.

HB 1288 Yes, by all means.....And rate reviews must allow for the power of solar to help us save the environment.

HB 153 Yes, by all means.....no state funds should be paid to workers illegally impaired.

HB 1160 I am in favor of this----a necessity nowadays to keep our communities healthy.

HB 263 If this bill will help to ensure that banks will be able to help people save money in virtual currency and add that to FDIC-like assurances for saving consumers......it has my blessing.

HB 225 -- It is a good idea to carefully define this disorder in the bill. Make sure NOT to simply repeat psychiatric jargon in the wording of the law, or it will be uninterpretable by the public that is being served. At a minimum, provide a clear definition of autism in plain English in the bill.

Comments Document

Dear Delegates: 1 in 10 people will have a seizure. 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy, like my teen daughter. Please vote Yes to HB1178. This is a zero cost, easy to implement, high impact bill. Seizure First Aid is almost always an overlooked component of first aid. The Seizure First Aid informational posters referenced in HB1178 are available for FREE from Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA, referenced in the amendment). The poster can be found at this link, in 14 different languages (EFA has also forwarded a letter to you confirming this. It is attached to these comments, as well.): https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/first-aid-seizures-stay-safe-side Here is the English version: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/SFA%20Flier_HQ_8.5x11_PDF.pdf The distribution is as easy as an automated email OR simply placing the link to the poster on the Employer Resources website maintained by the Department of Labor and Industry: (https://www.virginia.gov/services/business/employer-resources/) Please consider this information as you review HB 1178 in the Appropriations Committee and on the House floor. Respectfully, Concerned VA resident, mom, and advocate for seizure safety and epilepsy awareness

Comments Document

Dear Delegates: 1 in 10 people will have a seizure. 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy, like my teen daughter. Please vote Yes to HB1178. This is a zero cost, easy to implement, high impact bill. Seizure First Aid is almost always an overlooked component of first aid. The Seizure First Aid informational posters referenced in HB1178 are available for FREE from Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA, referenced in the amendment). The poster can be found at this link, in 14 different languages (EFA has also forwarded a letter to you confirming this.): https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/first-aid-seizures-stay-safe-side Here is the English version: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/SFA%20Flier_HQ_8.5x11_PDF.pdf The distribution is as easy as an automated email OR simply placing the link to the poster on the Employer Resources website maintained by the Department of Labor and Industry: (https://www.virginia.gov/services/business/employer-resources/) Please consider this information as you review HB 1178 in the Appropriations Committee and on the House floor. Respectfully, A concerned VA resident, mom, and advocate.

Public posting of Seizure First Aid signs in the workplace could have a positive impact on the safety of not just those with epilepsy, but everyone in the workplace, including fellow employees and in the case of businesses, patrons. I urge you to support this proposed legislation

To Our Honorable Delegates, I want to add to the personal request that was sent last night/early this a.m.: I implore you all to PLEASE VOTE YES ON HB-1178. This will SAVE LIVES of those with seizures and/or epilepsy in the workplace or in public! Seizures affect lives in many ways: LIVELIHOOD LIFESTYLE LOVED ONES LIFE TIMELINE If there are individuals familiar with the simple steps to take to aid someone having a seizure for whatever reason, this can greatly improve the 4 Ls listed above! My husband has suffered from seizures for years. PLEASE VOTE YES ON HB-1178! May God bless you and your families. Best Regards, Mrs Kathleen Evans

As a wife and mother of someone with Epilepsy I ask that you please vote in favor of HB1178. Currently over 84,000 Virginians have Epilepsy. Majority of these individuals are working in our community. We need to keep them safe and allow them to live a normal life as anyone else by simple education or signs in the workplace. As a wife of someone with epilepsy we have personally been impacted by the lack of education in the workplace for seizure safety. We are the fortunate ones to have gone 10 years seizure free but many do not and seizures are a daily challenge. We have been in situations where if my husband and felt a seizure coming on he would call and hide in a safe place until I could arrive because he feared what others at work would do or think. We also have had situations where the wrong safety measures were performed that caused more harm then care. These are situations no spouse ever wants to be in as it’s very fearful when your not present snd no one has the knowledge to help your significant other. In my medical profession I have come across numerous individuals that still believe “old wives tales” and outdated education is the way to treat seizures. In the future when my husband goes into work or when my son is old enough to work I want both of them and the other Members of the Epilepsy community to be able to goto work safely. Epilepsy has had a bad stigma for years and it’s time to break this cycle. Members in the Epilepsy community can live a normal life and have the right to work. My Husband has been a firefighter for 16 years and is very educated in the field. We never have let Epilepsy defeat him in his career or personal life. We have been put in some uncomfortable situations and had to deal with negative backlash at times. Instead of giving up we educate others and fight on! Even from someone who saves lives his life is just as important to save too. I ask that you support HB1178 to provide seizure education in the workplace.

As a wife and mother of someone with Epilepsy I ask that you please vote in favor of HB1178. Currently over 84,000 Virginians have Epilepsy. Majority of these individuals are working in our community. We need to keep them safe and allow them to live a normal life as anyone else by simple education or signs in the workplace. As a wife of someone with epilepsy we have personally been impacted by the lack of education in the workplace for seizure safety. We are the fortunate ones to have gone 10 years seizure free but many do not and seizures are a daily challenge. We have been in situations where if my husband and felt a seizure coming on he would call and hide in a safe place until I could arrive because he feared what others at work would do or think. We also have had situations where the wrong safety measures were performed that caused more harm then care. These are situations no spouse ever wants to be in as it’s very fearful when your not present snd no one has the knowledge to help your significant other. In my medical profession I have come across numerous individuals that still believe “old wives tales” and outdated education is the way to treat seizures. In the future when my husband goes into work or when my son is old enough to work I want both of them and the other Members of the Epilepsy community to be able to goto work safely. Epilepsy has had a bad stigma for years and it’s time to break this cycle. Members in the Epilepsy community can live a normal life and have the right to work. My Husband has been a firefighter for 16 years and is very educated in the field. We never have let Epilepsy defeat him in his career or personal life. We have been put in some uncomfortable situations and had to deal with negative backlash at times. Instead of giving up we educate others and fight on! Even from someone who saves lives his life is just as important to save too. I ask that you support HB1178 to provide seizure education in the workplace.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

To Our Honorable Delegates, I want to thank you all in advance for considering and then VOTING YES on HB1178. Our communities so need this bill to be passed. This bill being passed can ultimately make SUCH A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE in the lives of our population in VA who suffer with seizures, whether due to epilepsy or other disorders. SUCH A SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONAL POSTER being posted in workplaces has the potential to take away the fears of loved ones whose child or adult relatives are in the workplace or are out and about living their lives and happen to suffer a seizure! It literally WILL SAVE LIVES! My husband suffers from epilepsy due to a fall he suffered while in college. One in 10 people are diagnosed with seizures; 1 in 26 are diagnosed with epilepsy. That could be one of YOUR OWN LOVED ONES. Let's take this out of the shadows. PLEASE VOTE YES ON HB1178. Sincerely, Kathleen Evans

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

My daughter has epilepsy and has had multiple seizures at work. Her epilepsy does not limit her ability to do her job however each instance of her having a seizure is almost like ground hog day all over again in that new employees who have not seen her have a seizure are not sure what to do. Placing this poster in all work places will make her safer and help others know how to respond to a seizure. I especially like the "Call 911 if..." part of the poster. Since her employer and her peers know she has epilepsy there is NO need to call 911 when she has a seizure. However due to lack of knowledge an administrator insisted on calling 911 during a seizure. A seizure is embarrassing enough without being surrounded by EMT's and fire fighters during postictal state after the seizure. She is able to continue working once she has had her seizure and recovers right after the seizure. As a regional director for Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia I hear of instances where employers and coworkers do not know how to respond to a seizure. Witnessing a seizure can be frightening the first time you see someone have a clonic tonic type seizure however, having a simple poster telling people how to respond to a seizure would be helpful. Please support this bill, the more people are educated on the simple steps of reacting to a seizure will reduce the stress and anxiety of the people of have epilepsy and are afraid to be out in public due to the lack of knowledge about epilepsy. BTW-Stress and Anxiety are two common triggers for epileptic episodes so we can educate all and help reduce onset seizure activity at the same time is a Win Win situation.

The price of energy affects the poor and working man much more than it does any rich politician or or entitled class. The idiocy espoused by the Biden administration and the leftist politicians in America is it is not just laughable, it is anti-American and impacts impacts each one of us in a negative way. Stop the spread of communism in our country. Put America First. Let us together make America Great Again.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

My daughter has epilepsy and has had 2 seizures at work. Her epilepsy does not limit her ability to do her job well. She is well respected by her employers and she has received recognition from her peers for making a difference. Placing this poster in all work places will make her safer and help others know how to respond to a seizure. I especially like the "Call 911 if..." part of the poster. Since her employer and her peers know she has epilepsy there is NO need to call 911 when she has a seizure. However due to lack of knowledge an administrator insisted on calling 911 during a seizure. A seizure is embarrassing enough without coming to surrounded by EMT's and fire fighters. As a leader in a local support group I hear of instances where employers and coworkers do not know how to respond to a seizure. Witnessing a seizure can be frightening. Having a simple poster telling people how to respond to a seizure would be helpful. Please support this bill.

Quoting from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8051941/ “The History of Epilepsy: From Ancient Mystery to Modern Misconception” by Muacevic and Adler: “Societal knowledge and perception of epilepsy have been directly correlated to the successful treatment of epilepsy…. In essence, the more that is understood about epilepsy by the public, the better the lives are for people with epilepsy.” First Aid knowledge is one of the tools which enhance employability of people with epilepsy, while also protecting their health when a health incident occurs. This bill is simply good public policy.

I experienced discrimination while working at my place of employment because of my epilepsy. It was used against me to help terminate me from my job. It was stated that I was dangerous to others at the workplace when actually it was a place that dealth with people with health conditions. It was not fair to me at all and I tried to educate management about this but they would not listen. I was forced to work from home and then it was stated that my work was not sufficient. None of this was true.

My name is Peggy Hartley. I currently care for an epileptic student in York County schools. My family owns a private business, also. I urge you to support HB 1178 to provide First Aid instruction to businesses. I believe it is vital for seizure patients to have the assurance of safety in the event of a seizure in public places. By providing basic first aid instructions for employees or in the form of a poster, visible to the public, seizure patients can be cared for until medical personnel arrives. By providing the safety of informed care, seizure patients can feel comfortable in any setting. Thank you for your support!

The Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia, representing more than 84,800 people living with epilepsy, supports this bill. In addition to the epilepsy community we represent, 1 in 10 people are affected by a seizure at some point in their life. Given the prevalence of seizures, it is common sense that every workplace have a seizure first aid sign.

I am in support of this.

Back in the mid-60s I was erroneously taught to do the 2 things that are only listed on the DO NOT DO list as my aunt had epilepsy. The general public NEEDS to know what to do and what not to do. I urge you to do the job for which you were elected: our biding. Thanks you for your willingness to serve.

This bill is so important to the safety and livelihood of those living with this- usually invisible- disease. The previous bill passed in schools was an enormous and great step, and now that step needs to be taken further. There is no reason or excuse not to pass this bill. Thank you.

The Arc of Virginia supports HB 1178. Many people with developmental disabilities experience seizures. The Bill will increase access to employment for people with disabilities by helping to build workplaces where people can feel safer knowing their teammates have access to information on how to respond in the event that they have a seizure while at work without burden on businesses. Thank you

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

The price of energy affects the poor and working man much more than it does any rich politician or or entitled class. The idiocy espoused by the Biden administration and the leftist politicians in America is it is not just laughable, it is anti-American and impacts impacts each one of us in a negative way. Stop the spread of communism in our country. Put America First. Let us together make America Great Again.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

HB 1201 Unemployment benefits should be carefully controlled. We must avoid providing disincentives to work.

HB 118 Yes, include solar!

HB 1243 Mammography must be optional, based on the woman's choice. For a lot of thinking women it is wrong (does not make sense) to invade breasts with radiation in an effort to "detect" breast cancer.

HB 126 Yes, by all means.....Proton therapy works, I think.

HB 1288 Yes, by all means.....And rate reviews must allow for the power of solar to help us save the environment.

HB 153 Yes, by all means.....no state funds should be paid to workers illegally impaired.

HB 1160 I am in favor of this----a necessity nowadays to keep our communities healthy.

HB 263 If this bill will help to ensure that banks will be able to help people save money in virtual currency and add that to FDIC-like assurances for saving consumers......it has my blessing.

HB 225 -- It is a good idea to carefully define this disorder in the bill. Make sure NOT to simply repeat psychiatric jargon in the wording of the law, or it will be uninterpretable by the public that is being served. At a minimum, provide a clear definition of autism in plain English in the bill.

HB 1288 TECHNICAL INTERVENTION This bill will allow the State Corporation Commission to set future electricity rates based on the cost of service. Currently the SCC has arbitrary restrictions to order a decrease in rates even when the cost of providing electricity to customers has decreased. Currently, Customers are paying more than they should for electricity and this bill can fix the problem. For example, Dominion is overcharging customers by 200 million every year, but the current provisions in the code do not allow the commission to decrease rates. Let me give you a bit of background To establish the rates of all water and gas monopolies in the state the regulator does a forward looking analysis of rates. This analysis basically determines what price of water or gas customers should pay for the utility to recover all costs plus a competitive profit. If costs in the next three years will be higher than what current rates are recovering then there is a rate increase. If costs in the next three years will be lower there is a rate decrease. The problem in Virginia is that in 2007 and 2018 Dominion and APCO wrote special rules for them that make a rate decrease practically impossible, even when rates are above costs and fair profits. Under the special rules that only apply for Dominion and APCO there are two conditions before ordering a rate cut: The first condition is that the SCC must do a backward looking analysis of the last three years to see how much money they collected compared to their costs. Only if the utility overcharged in the last three years the SCC can decrease future rates. But then there is a second condition. Dominion can choose to recover the cost of specific projects with the money they overcharged in the past. If these projects cost is higher than the overcharges the SCC can not decrease rates. Every time, the utility can choose to use the overcharges to pay for projects with a higher value than overcharges and prevent a rate cut. This bill will get rid of these two barriers allowing the SCC to set lower rates that reflect lower costs of service looking forward. This is how all investor owned water and natural gas utilities are currently regulated and it is how APCO and Dominion were regulated before 2007. There is no justification to keep these barriers to rate cuts when Dominion has been overcharging customers by at least 200 million dollars every year. Currently, customers are paying more than they should for electricity and this bill can fix the problem.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

The price of energy affects the poor and working man much more than it does any rich politician or or entitled class. The idiocy espoused by the Biden administration and the leftist politicians in America is it is not just laughable, it is anti-American and impacts impacts each one of us in a negative way. Stop the spread of communism in our country. Put America First. Let us together make America Great Again.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,

On behalf of the Virginia Grassroots Coalition, I urge you to support HB1288 which would restore critical authority to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to ensure that energy bills to ratepayers are just and reasonable. Lowering bills is a kitchen table issue - Virginians pay the 8th highest energy bills in the country. In the 2021 Dominion rate, the Attorney General and SCC staff demonstrated that Dominion Energy had overcharged ratepayers between $1 and $1.2 billion in excess profits over a 4-year period. SCC authority to refund ratepayers, however, was capped at $50 million. Please protect Virginians by restoring authority to the SCC to determine fair rates. Eliminate loopholes that enable Dominion Energy to earn beyond its statutory rate of return at the ratepayers’ expense.

Comments Document

Dear members of the House Commerce and Energy committee sub #1, on behalf of the Virginia Conservation Network I respectfully ask that you oppose HB657 & HB894, and support HB664 & HB1288. For your convenience I have attached a document containing talking points for each bill. Thank you!

HB 1201 Unemployment benefits should be carefully controlled. We must avoid providing disincentives to work.

HB 118 Yes, include solar!

HB 1243 Mammography must be optional, based on the woman's choice. For a lot of thinking women it is wrong (does not make sense) to invade breasts with radiation in an effort to "detect" breast cancer.

HB 126 Yes, by all means.....Proton therapy works, I think.

HB 1288 Yes, by all means.....And rate reviews must allow for the power of solar to help us save the environment.

HB 153 Yes, by all means.....no state funds should be paid to workers illegally impaired.

HB 1160 I am in favor of this----a necessity nowadays to keep our communities healthy.

HB 263 If this bill will help to ensure that banks will be able to help people save money in virtual currency and add that to FDIC-like assurances for saving consumers......it has my blessing.

HB 225 -- It is a good idea to carefully define this disorder in the bill. Make sure NOT to simply repeat psychiatric jargon in the wording of the law, or it will be uninterpretable by the public that is being served. At a minimum, provide a clear definition of autism in plain English in the bill.

Good afternoon members of the Commerce and Energy Subcommittee; I am asking you to please support the HB 1355 Fossil Fuel Moratorium bill that is front of you today. Any serious effort to address the climate emergency we are facing must contain a full Moratorium on all new Fossil Fuel projects in Virginia. We need an environmental bill that protects transitioning workers. Delegate Kory’s bill includes the development of transition assistance programs for workers and communities associated with the fossil fuel industry. Our communities will be protected from unnecessary fossil fuel infrastructure while establishing a just energy transition Virginia takes pride in promoting moving towards a more sustainable economy. A sustainable future is of great economic importance. Fossil fuels have consequences on the three pillars of sustainable development. In a study entitled "the social and economic consequences of the fossil fuel supply chain: “Fuels are resources that can be used to fill the needs of society. So it would intuitively follow that an abundance of these resources would lead to improved economies and more stable nations. But this is in fact clearly not the case for oil & gas resources. Of the 34 countries who are able to derive more than 5% of their GDP from oil exports, only 9 are ranked as stable nations” https://link.springer.com/article/10.1557/mre.2016.7 We can cite lots more cases of the instability that fossil fuel has proven to bring to our state. While we figure out how to best serve and protect our citizens and our environment, a moratorium can serve to clear the vision for a sustainable and safe economy and environment. I am asking you to please support HB 1355 to protect the health and economy of all future generations.

VMA supports HB270 - modernizing the VEC is a necessity. VMA supports HB336, 337, 341- 51% approval is a near universal democratic standard for bargaining unit approval and union activities, including collecting dues, should be a cost of the union, not the taxpayer. VMA supports HB414 - the Commonwealth must have a reliable electric grid. VMA opposes HB1355 - the Commonwealth must have a diversified energy portfolio that is affordable, reliable, secure, and sustainable.

I am a resident of Charles City County, a rural community that our local government approved two merchant fracked gas power plants. The enormous lack of notification from our local government for over 10 years on these projects was addressed at the DEQ Air Board Hearing in 2019. A subcommittee was formed to look into these issues. A moratorium on Fossil Fuel projects are important for many reasons the most important to the residents of Charles City County and surrounding areas is to make sure that our local government and the State of VIrginia can not approve more power plants for this minority community or any community in the State of Virginia. Sacrifice zones for profit off the backs of minorities is no longer acceptable. Please do not let corporations destroy the health of the citizens of Virginia, the land, air and water in our beautiful state for out of state companies that give nothing back to Virginia. VOTE for HB 1355

HB1355 is a crucial link necessary to transition Virginia to a new clean energy economy while protecting ratepayers and workers. This bill presents a streamlined blueprint that incorporates the pro-active action to remove virginia from fuel dependency, and allocates resources to ensure workers are able to compete and not be left behind. Furthermore, it protects ratepayers from getting stuck with the bill (again) by having to pay for expensive fossil fuel infrastructure and experience environmental degradation, loss of farmland, and homesteads. I urge you to vote YES today and then support HB1355 in full committee.

I am writing in my capacity as a private citizen, and ask the Committee to please support HB 1355. We are are a critical point in mitigating existing harms from climate emissions and must swiftly make a transition to a clean and equitable energy future for Virginia. This bill aptly considers both the present by establishing transitional assistance for workers within the fossil fuel industry, and the future by preventing harmful emissions that impact our Virginia communities. The bill is reflective of both the public health risks associated with fossil fuel infrastructure, and the expanding renewable energy sector, a robust and thriving economic industry. Please support HB 1355. Thank you, Jessica Sims, Henrico, VA.

I urge you to support HB1355. This bill is important for ratepayers - it prevents ratepayers having to pay for unnecessary and more expensive fossil fuel infrastructure. This bill is important for our economy - renewable energy jobs are some of the fastest growing, and it would be a mistake for Virginia to buildout infrastructure that locks Virginia into decades of fossil fuel dependence and produces less jobs when we should be doing everything we can to tap into the better-paying, faster-growing jobs of the renewable energy industry; further, this bill provides assistance for workers transitioning out of the fossil fuel industry. And this bill is important for communities - it prevents utilities and out-of-state companies from forcing unwanted and polluting infrastructure into Virginia communities. Again, I urge you to vote in support of HB1355.

Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining. Employees in the state of VA deserve Collective Bargaining. Teachers, firefighters and Policeman deserve a position in determining what happens in their profession. For too long they have had to sit back and let others who are not part of their profession, decide what happens in their profession. Give them a voice to determine what is in the best interest for their profession. Teachers work day and night to provide what is in the best interest of students- no one knows better then they do how to achieve this- they deserve a voice in the decision-making We will lose the best teachers, firefighters and policemen if we take away this critical opportunity for them to have a voice in their professions. Say NO to the bills that take away Collective Bargaining.

Good morning honorable members of the Committee, Massachusetts is often said to have the strongest public schools in the nation. Did you also know that Massachusetts Educators also have strong collective bargaining rights. Massachusetts invests in education. With the current staffing shortages, show Virginia families and educators that you are in strong support of education by supporting collective bargaining rights. Virginia educators earn 7k below the national average and many are abandoning the profession. Can you blame them? Sincerely Brian McGovern

We know what are students need more than anyone. I work out Special Education students every day. They always asking why do we have to do this or that. They ask why people who don't know them make them take test they know that they will pass. I want to speak for these students who fight a different type of battle every day. Let us who know what to do have a say. Most of you have no idea what special needs children fights every day because you have never been around my students.

January 31, 2022 SUPPORT HB 1355: Fossil fuel projects moratorium On behalf of Food & Water Watch’s nearly 30,000 members, we want to urge the committee to vote in favor of passing HB 1355 so that a moratorium is put in place to stop the development of new fossil fuel projects in Virginia. Over the past several years, Virginia has continued to permit that buildout of fossil fuel power plants and infrastructure. Natural gas powered facilities, pipelines, compressor stations and other infrastructure project, in particular, have been proposed across numerous communities in the state. These projects have brought with them health and safety concerns, violation of property rights, and the degradation of the environment. A moratorium on new fossil fuel projects is needed now because Virginia has pledged to move to 100% clean energy in the next few decades and the state should be putting all of its emphasis on the development of truly clean options. As the costs for renewables also continue to decrease, the continued development of fossil fuels would mean higher costs for Virginians and an exponential increase in utility rates in the long run. A 2019 independent analysis written by Advanced Clean Energy Economy also found that an ambitious scenario for moving to 100% ‘carbon zero’ by 2030 in Virginia produces “the greatest benefits in terms of GDP, job growth, and labor income” when compared with modeling for continued reliance on fossil fuels and other less ambitious clean energy options. Finally, state legislators need to address the climate crisis head on now and take on the fossil fuel industry that are the main drivers of climate change. Increasing our dependence on and use of fossil fuels with new dirty energy projects would only exacerbate the negative impacts of climate change. Virginia is already seeing these impacts regularly in the form of flooding, snow storms, aquifer depletion, and a host of other environmental disasters that are costing hundreds of millions in damages and in efforts to mitigate the scope of the problem. For all of these reasons, Food & Water Watch urges you to vote to pass HB 1355 as favorable.

The price of energy affects the poor and working man much more than it does any rich politician or or entitled class. The idiocy espoused by the Biden administration and the leftist politicians in America is it is not just laughable, it is anti-American and impacts impacts each one of us in a negative way. Stop the spread of communism in our country. Put America First. Let us together make America Great Again.

These bills will repeal educators' progress toward gaining collective bargaining. They will silence educators' voices. School decisions will not be able to capitalize on the experiences and skills of their experts in their school systems, the educators. Why deny educators a seat at the table? Why squelch expert input? Educators are the experts in our schools. Bargaining with educators benefits our students' learning conditions. It improves educator working conditions, and ultimately benefits our Virginia communities. Bring the experts to the table. I urge you to vote no on these bills. Sincerely,