Opinion
Column — What will 2021 look like?
For months now, everywhere I have gone, people have been saying, “I can’t wait until 2020 is over.”…
Opinion
Short session to begin Jan. 13
As you may already be aware, when the General Assembly meets for its 2021 session, the House of…
Opinion
Higher taxes for high income workers proposed
As 2020 draws to a close, I cannot help but reflect on the unusual nature of this year…
Opinion
Column — Do COVID relief packages violate principles of taxation?
The purpose of this column is to provide the readers with some thoughts on three constitutional principles in…
Opinion
Column – Wishes for a great holiday season
Christine and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. This is a time…
Opinion
A new way to formulate the state budget
Every year, the most important thing that the governor of Virginia does is produce a budget or a…
Opinion
COLUMN — First doses of vaccine have come to Virginia
Thanks to the hard work of doctors, scientists and Operation Warp Speed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two coronavirus…
Opinion
COLUMN – Where’s the science behind new restrictions?
My office has been helping Virginians in the 59th District with Virginia Employment Commission issues since the beginning…
Opinion
Riggleman says farewell to Congress
These last two years serving as your representative in Congress have been an honor of a lifetime. As…
Opinion
Thoughts on the placement of the Confederate statue
The Farmville Town Council has yet to make a final decision on where or whether the Confederate Heroes…
Opinion
China should be held accountable
After a joyous Thanksgiving break, I was glad to return to the House of Representatives last week to…
Opinion
Should we really legalize marijuana?
Over the years that I have been in the General Assembly, there has always been an effort by…
Opinion
Is climate change really an existential threat?
Remember John Stossel? For those who don’t remember him or never heard of him, Stossel made it big…
Opinion
Thanks to those on the front lines of COVID-19
I hope you had a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving celebration with your loved ones last week. Although…
Opinion
COLUMN — Opioid Grant Act passes House unanimously
I am proud to announce that earlier this week, my original bill, H.R. 2466, the State Opioid Grant Authorization Act of 2020, passed…
Opinion
Some taxes unfairly affect rural Virginia
We all want to be treated fairly. Sometimes we do not like government policies at the federal, state,…
Opinion
COLUMN — Working to keep promises to veterans
This week, we paused to pay special tribute to all the brave men and women who serve our…
Opinion
November is a great time for a gratitude challenge
In 2015, National Day Calendar established November as National Gratitude Month in the United States and Canada. The…
Opinion
COLUMN — After 83 days, the special session is over
Monday, Nov. 9, after 83 days, the 2020 Special Session adjourned. We were initially called into the Special…
Opinion
Can we thrive as a mediocracy?
Once upon a time, not that long ago, one received things from earning them. You merited a raise.…
Opinion
Legislation sponsored to help seniors with timely medical care
I hope that you all had a productive and safe week. It is my pleasure to provide you…
Opinion
Looking forward to a brighter future
Thankfully, it is human nature to have faith in a brighter future. If not, 2020 would drive us…
Opinion
COLUMN — Treat the voters with honesty and respect
In slang, the phrase, “Come on, man,” is used to convey the speaker’s frustration or annoyance with someone…
Opinion
COLUMN — Housing, trade were last week’s initiatives
It remains an honor to represent the 5th District, and I am pleased to provide you with an…
Opinion
COLUMN — Special session laws will bring changes to law enforcement
Last Friday’s budget action should be the final votes this chamber must cast on the budget until the…
Opinion
Column – ‘I will always strive to put people over party’
I am honored to be serving as your representative in Congress, and I am proud to share some…
Opinion
COLUMN — Transparency is needed from the parole board
As Sen. Mark Obenshain said last week during the Senate session, something is foul at the Virginia Parole…