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Harrisonburg – Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) issued the following statement after Tuesday’s presentation to the Commonwealth Transportation Board proposing to transfer the Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail project to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), in partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. Notably, the proposal appears to require the existing rail infrastructure to remain in place.

“For more than a decade, there has been broad community interest in putting the decommissioned Norfolk Southern line from Broadway to Front Royal back into productive use, most commonly discussed as a recreational trail. After strong local support and early economic analysis, I was proud to carry the 2020 budget amendment directing DCR to study the feasibility and benefits of a Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail.

“A small group has continued to advocate for preserving the rail line and promoting a rail-with-trail concept. While I have always remained open to any viable proposal, the most recent VDOT study estimates that the rail-with-trail alternative would cost more than four times the trail-only option – nearly $700 million. In addition, the rail-with-trail scenario introduces significant safety and engineering challenges and would require acquiring additional right-of-way from adjoining landowners. Furthermore, no credible operator has ever been identified to run such a line or come forward with a serious proposal, nor has any committed customer base been established. This raises serious questions about the economic viability of restoring rail service. Overall, the latest study points to the trail option as a feasible path forward and the one with the broadest community support.

“The VDOT study also called for public hearings and opportunities for community input following its release. However, references to these hearings have recently been removed from the VDOT website, and it appears VDOT no longer intends to carry them out as promised.

“Instead, the Secretary’s office presented a new proposal that has not been publicly vetted, is inconsistent with the findings of the latest VDOT study, allows no opportunity for competing proposals, and asks CTB to act within roughly a month without sufficient transparency or public engagement. Most concerning is that the proposal seems to require that the existing rail infrastructure remain in place, effectively forcing a rail-with-trail scenario that, as previously outlined based on the study, poses steep hurdles to success. This provision alone may function as a poison pill and could prevent any trail infrastructure from ever being developed.

“In the interest of practicing wise stewardship of taxpayer dollars, I strongly urge the VPRA Board to delay accepting SVRT funds, and similarly I call on the CTB to refrain from advancing the plan outlined at the December 9 meeting.

“The best path forward in the immediate is for VDOT to complete the public hearings promised as part of the study. After the conclusion of that process, if the consensus is for an entity other than the Commonwealth to take over the project and manage or own the corridor, then a competitive RFP style process should be undertaken so all qualified organizations may submit proposals. CTB could then select the option that is most viable and most likely to succeed.”

For more than forty years, I had the privilege of owning and operating Superior Concrete, a family-run business that served this community with pride. I started as an employee, and when the opportunity came to purchase the company, my wife and I scraped together the financing and took a leap of faith. Over the years, we were blessed to work alongside some of the most honest, hardworking people you’ll ever meet. Our success wasn’t measured in yards of concrete poured, but in the trust we earned from our employees, our customers, and our community.

From the beginning, we believed in doing business the right way: with integrity, honesty, and respect. We treated employees like family, valued every customer relationship, and gave back through partnerships with local churches, schools, and nonprofits. Superior Concrete was more than a business; it was part of our family’s identity and a reflection of our values.

At the end of 2021, after more than four decades, our family made the difficult decision to sell the company. We did so knowing it was the right time, and with heartfelt gratitude for the many people who helped make Superior Concrete a respected name.

That’s why it’s been so disappointing to see my son’s opponent run attack ads filled with outright lies. These are lies not only about my son, Delegate Tony Wilt, but about our family and the business we worked a lifetime to build. These ads spread falsehoods that defame Tony and cast shadows on a company that, under Wilt family ownership, always strived to do what was right for its customers and community.

Let me be clear: the accusations are false, and the facts are on our side.

Mr. Payton’s campaign has made two main claims, both of which have been publicly debunked. Cardinal News, an independent publication, reviewed the charges and concluded they “don’t hold up to scrutiny.”
The first false claim is that Tony “took $700,000 in taxpayer loans and kept them.” The truth is simple. During the pandemic, Superior Concrete, like many small businesses, accepted a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to make sure we could continue to pay our employees at a time of great uncertainty. However, we PAID THE LOANS BACK, WITH INTEREST.

As Cardinal News reported: “He paid them back when most other borrowers didn’t.”

That repayment wasn’t required, but we felt it was the right thing to do. Our family has always believed in honoring commitments and operating with integrity, values Tony shares deeply. It’s shameful that this responsible act has been twisted into something dishonest for political gain.

The second false claim is that Tony used his role as Delegate to benefit our company through legislation tied to Interstate 81 improvements. Again, that is completely untrue. Tony supported the I-81 Improvement Plan because it’s vital to safety and economic growth across the Valley, not because of any connection to our business.

As Cardinal News noted: “That does not sound to me as if the bill benefited his company, except to the extent that the trucks could run on a better interstate with all the rest of us.”

These projects benefit every driver, every business, and every family who depends on I-81. And for the record, we sold Superior Concrete nearly four years ago, long before funds from the plan were spent.
Ironically, the I-81 funding plan relies heavily on fees from heavy trucks, the very industry we were part of. Even so, Tony rightly believed that saving lives, preventing injuries and the countless delays, were worth far more than the added cost. That’s the kind of judgment and leadership our community deserves.
For over forty years, Superior Concrete earned its good name the right way, through integrity and hard work. Those same values guided our family then, and they guide Tony now in his service to this community. I know my son, and I know the kind of man he is. He tells the truth, works hard, and represents his constituents with honesty and respect.

Clearly, Mr. Payton doesn’t understand those principles. His false attacks may work elsewhere, but I pray they don’t work here. Folks in this community know Tony. They know our family. They know what we stand for. They know the difference between truth and deception.

The people of the 34th District deserve better than this kind of campaigning. They deserve leadership grounded in the values that have always defined the Valley.

This November, I hope voters will look past the noise and remember what matters most: truth, character, and commitment to community. That’s why we need to send Tony back to Richmond – to keep fighting for the Valley, for our families, and for the values that have always made this place home.

Lawrence Wilt lives in Bergton, he is the father of Tony Wilt

Harrisonburg – Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) and the Wilt for Delegate campaign issued the following statement after the release of a false and misleading campaign ad by the Andrew Payton campaign:

“My opponent released a new ad today that is full of lies and personal attacks—accusing me of corruption and using my office for personal gain. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“The ad claims I pocketed $700,000 in government loans and ‘kept them’—FALSE. Like many businesses, we took a Paycheck Protection Program loan during the pandemic to ensure employees could keep working. We ultimately paid the loan back in full, with interest—not because we had to, but because we felt it was the right thing to do. And we have the paperwork to prove it.

“The ad also cites my vote for HB 2718 (2019), the I-81 Improvement Plan, and claims I ‘voted on projects to benefit my company.’ That bill is why we’re finally seeing long-overdue construction on I-81, including the Harrisonburg widening project that will break ground at the beginning of next year. I voted for it proudly because I was tired of seeing lives lost and families delayed on our interstate. Importantly, the funding for those improvements comes largely from additional assessments on the trucking industry—the very industry I once worked in. Despite that, I supported the bill because it was the right thing to do. And let’s be clear: our family sold Superior Concrete Inc. four years ago, well before a single dollar was spent in our area on I-81 Improvement Plan construction projects.

“I’ll always stand on my record of working for safer roads, strong schools, and responsible leadership. Personal attacks and lies may be ‘politics as usual’ in Maryland, where my opponent comes from, but that’s not how we do things in the Shenandoah Valley.”

Harrisonburg – Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) released the following statement announcing his intent to seek reelection as the Delegate for the 34th House District in the Virginia General Assembly. The 34th District includes the City of Harrisonburg and a portion of Rockingham County.

“Since my initial election, I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with and build relationships with many great Valley residents, as well as fellow legislators and citizens from across the Commonwealth. With their help, we’ve had some great successes in recent years championing policies supporting and protecting vulnerable students, strengthening programs that support our family farms, and remaining a consistent advocate for common sense tax and regulatory policies that put the economic concerns of taxpayers and ratepayers first.

“However, with inflation remaining stubbornly high and concerning challenges on the horizon, particularly in areas such as energy policy and workforce development, I believe my experiences and thoughtful approach to legislating can still be an asset moving forward.

“The General Assembly currently has the narrowest Democratic majority in both chambers. If re-elected, I will remain a conservative voice of reason to guard against some of the most liberal policies that are sure to be brought forward in the next term. At the same time, I have a reputation for not being afraid to work across the aisle when it makes sense to find common ground to address the challenges that many Virginians face.

“With the 2025 Virginia General Assembly Session starting later this week, representing the citizens of the 34th House District as their voice in Richmond will remain my focus and priority. When the session concludes, I look forward to speaking with voters at community events and at their doorstep to learn about the issues they find important and discussing ways we can work to address them.

“If given the opportunity and honor to serve another term as the Delegate for the 34th House District, I vow to continue to serve with honesty and integrity, remaining true to my faith and convictions and placing the needs of Valley residents first.”

Harrisonburg – Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) announced Wednesday that the Virginia Police Benevolent Association has endorsed his reelection campaign as he seeks to represent the newly drawn House District 34.

“The Virginia Police Benevolent Association is again proud to announce our endorsement of Tony Wilt for the Virginia House of Delegates. Delegate Wilt is a steadfast supporter of the law enforcement professionals we represent. Delegate Wilt is always willing to assist on matters important to public safety, officer safety and improving working conditions for local and State law enforcement” said Virginia Police Benevolent Association President Joe Woloszyn.

“I am honored to once again receive the endorsement of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association,” stated Delegate Wilt. “As Chairman of the House Public Safety Committee the past two years and during the entirety of my service, I have consistently sought to support policies that recognize the significant risk our law enforcement professionals face every day. With criminal activity on the rise, these brave men and women are on the frontline to respond to citizens in distress. They need to know that elected officials in Richmond support them and will allow them to do their job to protect our communities.”

The Virginia Police Benevolent Association is a division of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, Inc., a not-for-profit professional organization dedicated to improving the law enforcement profession. PBA members are full-time or retired employees of the various federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement and correctional agencies in Virginia.

Delegate Tony Wilt was first elected to the House of Delegates in June of 2010. He currently serves as the Delegate for the 26th House District and is seeking reelection in the newly drawn 34th District, which still includes the City of Harrisonburg and a portion of Rockingham County.

Harrisonburg – Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) announced Monday he is seeking reelection to the Virginia House of Delegates as the Republican nominee in the newly configured 34th House District.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg. I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish, but the work is not done,” said Wilt. “Despite split party control in the legislature the past two years, I’ve had the chance to play a part in successfully advancing policies to lower electric bills, create opportunities to get desperately needed mental health staff in our schools, and adopt efforts that allow farmers to continue farming their land while implementing conservation practices to improve water quality, to name a few. However, there are challenges on the horizon that must be addressed. For example, the California electric vehicle mandate that Democrats adopted in 2021 will be a costly burden on Virginia families and puts electric grid reliability at significant risk unless we reverse course. I’ve fought the last two years to untie ourselves from California and will not give up that fight.”

Due to the new legislative maps that were adopted in late 2021 by the Virginia Supreme Court, Delegate Wilt resides in the 34th House District. The district has a significant amount of overlap with the territory he currently represents, but it now contains much of the eastern portion of Rockingham County, including Massanetta Springs, McGaheysville and the Town of Elkton. The 34th District territory also includes the City of Harrisonburg and communities in Rockingham County immediately north and northeast of the City.

Delegate Wilt currently represents the 26th House District in the Virginia General Assembly. He serves on four committees in the House which include Commerce and Energy; Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources; Rules; and he is the Chairman of the Public Safety Committee. He was first elected in June of 2010 and resides north of Harrisonburg with his wife, Vickie. They have two grown children.

On Saturday we adjourned the 2023 General Assembly Session sine die. Despite a political divide in the Senate that blocked the progress of some common-sense policies that had advanced through the House, we were still successful in passing a variety of legislation that serves all Virginians.

Protecting Ratepayers
In recent years much of my focus has been on energy policy, and more specifically restoring State Corporation Commission (SCC) authority to help lower electric costs for Virginians. I’m pleased to report after significant negotiations, we passed a bill (HB 1770) that largely unties the hands of the SCC and allows them to do their job to set rates that protect ratepayers, while ensuring our utilities remain financially stable and able to invest to meet the needs of the grid. Among the highlights, it guarantees a larger portion of overearnings are to be returned to ratepayers, rather than allowing the utility (Dominion) to retain them. Further, it requires the utility to move a portion of the current rate adjustment clauses (RACs) to the base rate which should result in some net savings. I had carried a stand-alone bill on the RAC issue and was glad to see that component addressed in the conference report. Finally, after a two year transition period, it removes all limitations on the SCC’s ability to set the rate of return (profit margin) for the utility as they see fit. I know for many families electric bills have increased significantly in recent months. This legislation should put downward pressure on further increases, providing much needed relief.

Admittedly, it was not a perfect deal. For example, a provision that would have allowed the SCC to alter the timeline of plant closures required under the Clean Economy Act (VCEA) if they felt grid reliability would be threatened did not make it in the final deal. I had carried another stand-alone bill that focused on this issue. While it was included in the House version that had passed, unfortunately it was not in the final conference report.

Much like repealing the California Vehicle Emissions Mandate, I expect this is an area the General Assembly will be forced to address in the future to safeguard grid reliability and avoid rolling blackouts like are commonplace in California and third world countries. Forcing folks to sit in the dark or be stranded on the side of the road to maintain ideological purity and placate environmental fearmongers is not progress.

Meeting our Workforce Needs
In addition to the utility reform bill, one of the most significant accomplishments that secured bipartisan support was the passage of legislation (HB 2195) to consolidate all workforce programs under one centralized secretariat. Meeting the needs of employers and providing the resources for citizens to secure the training and credentials necessary to improve their circumstances has been a top priority of the Youngkin Administration. Unfortunately, it has been widely recognized that Virginia currently has a complicated maze of workforce related programs stretched across six cabinet secretariats and countless agencies. This leads to confusion for employers and job seekers. Reform and consolidation of our programs has been a long time coming as numerous reports and studies over the years have recommended it. This legislation underwent numerous revisions to address concerns and the final product received near unanimous support.

My Legislation
While this session was not without some personal disappointments, on the whole we had many successes on the legislation I patroned. In addition to the six bills headed to the Governor that I mentioned in my last update, I had three additional bills that successfully finished making their way through the General Assembly last week.

HB 1660 extends the Dairy Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Program for an additional five years. In the most recent VDACS analysis, this program has demonstrated its effectiveness at helping dairy farmers and securing additional environmental stewardship practices on our farms.

HB 2126 Grants electric utilities the ability to maintain gravel access roads permanently, provided certain environmental standards are met when they are constructed. Current regulations require that when these roads are built to install our maintain transmission lines, they are required to be torn up and “reclaimed” when the work on that specific project is completed. This adds costs for the utilities when they have to regularly reinstall and reclaim these roads. Further, regular land disturbance can lead to more environmental degradation than if the initial road, once installed, is left alone.

HB 2428 Puts in place standards that protect our kids from being marketed marijuana and other harmful psychoactive substances. The bill makes clear that no substance that is illegal, which currently includes marijuana, can be advertised whatsoever. However, it proactively adds protections in code in the event a retail market is established for marijuana in the future. Other states that have established a legal retail market without also enacting these standards have seen a proliferation of advertising that has inappropriately targeted kids. Regardless of how you feel about adult use of marijuana and related products, studies consistently show negative consequences when used by minors. This bill, if signed into law, will allow us to avoid the pitfalls of other states that have seen use among young people increase significantly.

Budget Update
As I’ve stated before, the Commonwealth’s spending plan is generally one of the most significant items we handle every session. It’s important to note Virginia adopts a biennial budget and therefore for the coming year we already have a budget in place. However, customarily we still adopt revisions to the budget in the odd year based on updated revenues and needs. Because of a budget surplus, we went into the session with roughly $3 billion additional to appropriate and potentially build on our efforts from last year to provide direct relief to taxpayers.

While as of last Friday it looked like budget negotiators had a tentative deal in place, unfortunately that fell apart when the Senate Democratic caucus balked. Instead, what we left Richmond with Saturday was a very narrow budget deal that only addressed a handful of items. It addresses the reporting error at the Department of Education to ensure every school division receives at least as much as they had been told last year. It also makes additional required appropriations to the Rainy-Day Fund and the Virginia Retirement System to ensure we maintain our top bond rating. Finally, it adds a supplement to the capitol fund to address some cost overruns for projects that have come about due to inflation in the construction industry.

Budget conferees have indicated they will continue to negotiate on a broader deal and I’m hopeful we can have one in place to vote on sooner rather than later.

Thanks Anna!
There’s a lot of folks that work behind the scenes to make our legislative process work. This includes Clerk’s office staff, Division of Legislative Services staff, the staff for each legislator, and last but not least, our House Pages! The page program consists of 13 and 14 year old students that stay in Richmond during session to provide a helping hand wherever needed and to learn more about their legislature.

This year the 26th District was well represented by Anna Webb (pictured directly below). I enjoyed getting to know Anna and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Retirements
The end of the session was bittersweet this year as many of my colleagues have decided to retire at the end of the current term. I’ve built some great friendships over the years with these individuals and it’s sad to see them go, but I wish them well. All have been effective legislators and left a positive mark on the Commonwealth.

Among those retiring that I’ve served with for nearly the entire duration of my service are Delegates Rob Bell, Roxanne Robinson, James Edmunds, Margaret Ransone, Kathy Byron, and Ken Plum.

At crossover, 12 of 15 bills we’ve carried have passed the House and continue to move forward in the process. I’m most encouraged by our efforts to drive down energy costs and ensure a reliable electric grid well into the future. Our bill to untie ourselves from the California Emissions mandate is essential for Virginians moving forward and is also a top priority for House Republicans. I’ve listed each bill below, along with a brief description.

HB 1378 – Removes Virginia from the California Vehicle Emissions Standard Mandate. The current law ties Virginia to California’s standard and requires 35% of vehicle sales be EV starting in 2026 and that percentage rachets up every year, culminating in a 100% requirement by 2035 – effectively banning gas and diesel powered cars and light trucks at that point. We can’t let Sacramento dictate Virginia policy, instead we need to let the free market make the transition – which is already happening without the heavy hand of government. 

HB 1459 – Allows retiring members of state law enforcement agencies to keep their badge upon their retirement. This is already allowed for State Police and most local agencies, but this bill will extend to the other state agencies with a law enforcement division (conservation police officers, ABC agents, etc.).

HB 1660 – Removes the current sunset on the Dairy Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Program. As mentioned previously, $1 million has been secured in the budget to continue to fund the program.

HB 2124 – To address the significant shortage in staff available to support students struggling with mental health and other challenges, this bill allows school divisions to bring on clinical psychologists that can work their way to full licensure as a school psychologists. This was a recent JLARC recommendation.

HB 2125 – Allows organizations bringing in less than $40,000 a year from charitable gaming activity to utilize a short form registration process with VDACS that removes red tape and other requirements that they are currently subject to. This was a constituent request and should be helpful to many of our local fire and rescue departments and other local non-profits that may conduct limited charitable gaming activity, such as at lawn parties, for example.

HB 2126 – Creates a DEQ regulated process where our utilities can retain gravel access roads to their transmission lines. Current stormwater requirements dictate in most circumstances these roads have to be removed and then subsequently reinstalled when the utility needs to access transmission lines again for repairs or maintenance. This will save ratepayers and result in less land disturbance activity, which should bring a net environmental benefit.

HB 2128 will create the ability for a family to work with their community’s funeral service establishments to provide the last act of care for their loved one by accessing a small asset of the deceased to cover the cost of funeral expenses. 

HB 2130 – Grants the State Corporation Commission (SCC) more authority to determine when the plant shutdown requirements of the Clean Economy Act threaten grid reliability, and subsequently extend that timeline without the utilities (and therefore ratepayers) being subject to a penalty. The bill also allows the SCC to consider other net zero emission resources (ex. nuclear, landfill gas, biomass) to meet renewable energy requirements.

HB 2132 – This bill was the result of stakeholder consensus from utilities, the construction industry and others to make improvements to the digging and marking law in Virginia (811 – previously Miss Utility). It brings efficiencies to the 811 process and creates a means to stop someone that is threating life or property by digging over a utility line and refusing to stop. 

HB 2133 – Clarifies the State Fire Marshall has ultimate authority over state buildings. This addresses an issue where a limited number of higher education institutions have been refusing to allow the State Fire Marshall  access to certain facilities.

HB 2267 – Allows the SCC to have authority to determine whether it’s in the best interest of ratepayers to direct utilities to recover costs through base rates or a rate adjustment clause (rider). While the ratemaking policy and law is complex, this effectively should put downward pressure on rates.

HB 2428 – Prohibits the advertising of marijuana and other psychoactive products. This is primarily to prevent the targeting of ads to minors. In other states where these restrictions are not in place, advertising has been shown to drive up use by minors and children.

RICHMOND- On Thursday legislation patroned by Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) to restore State Corporation Commission (SCC) authority and protect ratepayers passed the House Commerce and Energy Committee Unanimously.

“Today was a great day for Virginia consumers,” said Wilt. “Through a package of legislation that restores SCC authority, including our own, we are providing much needed relief for Virginia ratepayers at a time when energy bills and other costs are increasing significantly. While we still have a way to go in the process, I am encouraged by the bold action taken by the House thus far.”

HB 2267 grants authority to the Commission to determine the best mechanism for utilities to recover costs of generation projects, grid improvements, and other expenses. Currently for Dominion customers, 100% of the growth in energy bills in recent years has been through Rate Adjustment Clauses (RACs). There are several reasons RACs are advantageous for the utility because of other provisions in Virginia law. However, often this ends up costing ratepayers more than if these same costs had been recovered through base rates.

This follows committee passage on Tuesday of another bill patroned by Delegate Wilt that makes it clear the SCC has full authority to safeguard grid reliability and security by extending renewable portfolio requirements under the Clean Economy Act if they feel reliability is threatened due to the mandated generation plant retirements in the Act.

These bills will be heading to the House floor for a vote in the coming days before consideration by the Senate.