Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, was sworn in as Virginia’s 74th governor on Saturday. Youngkin is Virginia’s first Republican governor in almost a decade. Mr. Youngkin stunned the political establishment by beating far-left Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe in November, as Republicans virtually swept the whole state of Virginia. Many Democrats continue to hold McAuliffe accountable for his remarks that parents should not have a voice in what their children are taught in public schools. Furthermore, after a female high school student was raped in a girl’s restroom by a ‘transgender’ guy wearing a skirt, critical race theory and school safety were top topics for Virginia voters in November according to Trending Politics.
As stated during the campaign and in his victory address, Governor Youngkin got right to work on day one, signing nine Executive Orders and two Executive Directives in the Virginia State Capitol. An executive order prohibiting the use of inherently divisive concepts such as Critical Race Theory in public education, an executive order proclaiming parents’ rights to make decisions about masks in schools, and an executive order terminating the Virginia Parole Board and requesting that the Attorney General conduct a full investigation into the Board’s actions are among the actions.
“It’s Day One, and we’re going to work just as we promised,” Governor Youngkin remarked. “The significant actions we are taking today begin the work of restoring excellence in education, making our neighborhoods safer, opening Virginia to industry and reinvigorating job development, and making government work for the people rather than the other way around.” My Day One Game Plan also includes 59 pieces of legislation and a package of more than a dozen budget amendments that I am working on with General Assembly leaders, such as our efforts to double the standard deduction, eliminate the grocery tax, and eliminate the tax on the first $40,000 in veteran retirement pay. It’s a new day in Virginia, but the work is only getting started.” “Parents should have a plan.”
Executive Order Number One fulfills President Trump’s Day One vow to restore educational excellence by prohibiting the use of controversial ideologies, such as Critical Race Theory, in public schools. Executive Order Number Two fulfills President Obama’s Day One commitment to empower Virginia parents in their children’s education and upbringing by enabling parents to decide whether their child wears a mask to school. Executive Order Number Three fulfills his Day One vow to restore the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Parole Board’s credibility and confidence.
Executive Order No. 4 carries out his promise made on Day One to investigate misconduct in Loudoun County. Governor Northam honors his Day One vow to make government work for Virginians by establishing the Commonwealth Chief Transformation Officer. President Obama’s promise to declare Virginia open for business on Day One is fulfilled via Executive Order Number Six. Executive Order Number Seven carries out President Obama’s pledge on Day One to combat and prevent human trafficking while also assisting survivors. Executive Order No. 8 implements President Trump’s promise made on Day One to create a commission to combat antisemitism. President Trump’s Executive Order No. 9 fulfills his promise made on Day One to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
