Examining Abigail Spanberger’s “Moderate” Agenda in Virginia
In this 757 Living segment from The Know Buddies 757, Jackie and Kashmir take a deep dive into what’s being described as Abigail Spanberger’s “moderate” agenda — and why that label deserves closer scrutiny.
After the election, the hosts committed to doing the research, reading the bills, and verifying claims beyond social media headlines. What they found raised serious questions about public safety, taxes, election integrity, and government accountability in Virginia.
What Does “Moderate” Actually Mean?
Jackie and Kashmir open the conversation by acknowledging hope — hoping that Spanberger would govern as a true moderate. They also acknowledge personal growth, compassion for voters who may have made choices without full information, and the importance of staying humble while staying informed.
But as they begin walking through the actual executive orders and House bills, concern quickly replaces optimism.
Law Enforcement & Immigration Cooperation
One of the first major red flags discussed is a proposal to revoke requirements for Virginia state police to assist federal immigration enforcement.
The hosts connect this directly to what’s unfolding in Minnesota, where ICE agents have been left isolated, facing violent protests without local law enforcement support. Jackie and Kashmir question whether Virginia could be heading toward sanctuary-state-style consequences, not through legislation — but executive action, with no public input.
They raise a core concern:
When local agencies disengage, federal officers are left vulnerable — and chaos fills the gap.
Rejoining Costly Climate Compacts
Next, the conversation turns to rejoining a regional emissions compact that Virginia previously exited under Glenn Youngkin.
Jackie and Kashmir question why Virginia would re-enter a New York–based nonprofit emissions group — especially when estimates suggest it could cost taxpayers over $1 billion. They argue that money would be better returned directly to Virginians rather than funneled into symbolic climate participation.
Taxes, Taxes… and More Taxes
A major portion of the segment focuses on proposed tax increases, including:
- Raising Virginia’s state income tax rate from 5.75% to as high as 13.8%
- Creating new income brackets at 8%, 10%, and higher
- Expanding sales taxes to everyday services such as:
- Counseling
- Dry cleaning and laundry
- Home repairs and maintenance
- Landscaping
- Cleaning services
- Storage units
- Shipping services
- Website hosting and digital storage
Jackie and Kashmir stress that these taxes disproportionately hit middle- and working-class families, small businesses, and service providers — not just high earners.
Contracting by Identity, Not Merit
The discussion then shifts to HB 61, a bill that introduces mandated preferences in government contracting.
Under the proposal, discretionary contracts under $100,000 could exclude white male-owned businesses entirely — prioritizing identity over competitive merit.
The hosts question how this aligns with fairness, equal opportunity, or true diversity, and whether it risks deepening division rather than promoting excellence.
Sentencing Changes & Public Safety Concerns
One of the most alarming sections centers on minimum sentencing reforms, including bills that would:
- Eliminate or reduce minimum sentences for:
- Manslaughter
- Rape
- Child pornography offenses
- Assault on law enforcement officers
- Repeat violent felonies
- Weaken sentencing standards for robbery
Jackie and Kashmir warn that lowering consequences does not reduce crime — it emboldens it. They question whether Virginia is heading toward the same retail theft, repeat-offender, and safety crises seen in states like California.
Election Integrity & Ballot Handling
- Ban hand-counting ballots, mandating machine use only
- Extend absentee ballot acceptance days after Election Day
- Restrict immigration enforcement near polling locations
- Conceal prior convictions during legal proceedings
Election policy changes also raise concern, including proposals to:
The hosts argue that transparency builds trust — and removing safeguards does the opposite.
Nonprofit Oversight & Fraud Risk
Another key issue involves removing requirements for nonprofits to verify eligibility before receiving federal funds.
Jackie and Kashmir connect this directly to past daycare fraud scandals, warning that lack of verification invites corruption, abuse, and misuse of taxpayer dollars.
Final Call to Action
The segment closes with urgency — but not despair.
Jackie and Kashmir encourage listeners to:
- Read the bills for themselves
- Verify information beyond social media
- Contact legislators
- Use their voices respectfully but firmly
Jackie and Kashmir encourage listeners to:
- Read the bills for themselves
- Verify information beyond social media
- Contact legislators
- Use their voices respectfully but firmly
🌟 Final Thoughts
This 757 Living conversation is about awareness — not fear. Jackie and Kashmir believe informed citizens are powerful citizens, and that Virginia’s future depends on people paying attention before policies become permanent.
VA EXECUTIVE ORDERS & PROPOSED LEGISLATION
Executive Orders:
Law Enforcement: Abigail revokes requirements for state police to assist federal immigration enforcement, focusing on local crimes, but this shift might undermine national security efforts and strain community safety.
Rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), expected to raise utility bills for carbon reduction.
VIRGINIA LAWS
Report: The Virginia state tax rate could rise from 5.75% to 13.8%, a change that would make it the highest in the country
-Creation of higher income tax brackets: 8% and 10% for those earning over $600K, plus a 10% bracket for over $1M.
****Heard from Glenn Beck to have tax relief for Federal Workers
HB 378 3.8% investment tax on top of state income taxes.
HB 61: Racial Discrimination in Contracting: Prefer woman and minorities in government contracts
Setting goals for minority business preferences, but mandated set-asides could favor identity over competitive merit.
For discretionary contracts under $100K, White men are barred from even being considered unless there’s literally no competition.
And even then, this bill allows agencies to award contracts to women or minority-owned firms that are 5% more expensive than a bid from a business owned by a White man.
HB 900 – increase sales tax for transportation in Northern Virginia (Amazon, Uber Eats, FedEx, UPS, etc.),
HB 978 – Extends taxes to the following services
Counseling services
Dry cleaning & laundry
Home repairs & maintenance
Landscaping
Cleaning services
Vehicle repairs
Storage units
Shipping services
Travel planning
Website hosting, data, and storage
Digital personal property
HB 919 – 11% firearm and ammunition tax
HB 968: Ban on Hand-Counting Ballots:
It mandates machine use over manual counts, but relying solely on technology might erode confidence in electoral processes.
HB1369 ban VA from requiring nonprofits to verify whether people are eligible for certain federal taxpayer benefits.
HB863 Minimum Sentencing for:
manslaughter, rape, possession and distribution of child pornography, assaulting a law enforcement officer and other repeat violent felonies.
HB 244: Weaker Sentencing for Robbery
HB557 – New personal property tax on landscaping equipment.
HB881- Ban gas powered leaf blowers.
HB 773: Absentee Ballot Cure Process: Extend the time absentee ballots can be received after election day to three days
HB 1070: Hiding Prior Convictions Preventing disclosure of past crimes in trials
but withholding relevant information could bias proceedings against fair justice.
HB 1442: Bans immigration law from being enforced 40 ft from polling centers
HB858 Replace Columbus Day with “Indigenous Peoples Day.”
Additional:
– Create two new higher tax brackets of 8% and 10% on people making over $600K.
-Looking to get a pay raise for law makers
-Mandates for “inclusive history” education covering transgender, queer, and all marginalized groups in schools.
-Ban on arresting illegal immigrants in state courthouses.
-Authorization for localities to install and use speed/red-light cameras for revenue.
-Allow people to cast their votes electronically through the internet.
– $500 sales tax on firearm suppressors
– Ban the arrest of illegal aliens in courthouses
– Allow localities to install speed cameras.
https://glennbeck.com/read/articles/how-one-election-could-completely-destroy-virginia?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb-comment_glenn-beck&tpcc=social_fb-comment&fbclid=IwY2xjawPh8qdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhYk9Qbml3QzhmNDZCWWlLc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnchuarilW7JsrR9DyNZJDywI2Rf2zjHgU9T2tKdztXy9MIIHGs_v0nVjSyg_aem_Egv39c_dnHSoX8vcyoerEQ
Want More 757?
Explore all our 757 Living stories to keep you up to date with all local news, events, and best restaurants to try!
Virginia Beach Antique Mall — A One-of-a-Kind Vintage Shopping Experience
Virginia Gerrymandering, Ballot Changes & What Voters Need to Know
