Posts Tagged ‘Tony Wilt’

Harrisonburg- On Wednesday Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Broadway) filed legislation to establish a task force dedicated to ensuring Virginia’s students do not permanently fall behind as a result of the pandemic and subsequent remote learning environment.

The task force calls for 22 members, including state education leaders, teachers, parents, legislators and other education officials and citizen members. The group will develop policy and funding recommendations to assist public school students impacted by school closures and the remote learning environment to ensure students that may be struggling during this time do not fall further behind, but rather are given the tools and services necessary to succeed moving forward. The task force is charged with developing a uniform strategy to effectively identify students in need of remediation services, identify the necessary interventions and services that must be deployed, as well as conduct a review of existing education mandates and requirements that may be appropriate to waive or modify.

“I’ve talked to numerous parents with students struggling in the current learning environment, even students that typically excel in school,” said Wilt. “While I know our teachers and school officials are trying to do the best they can in these challenging circumstances, the reality is the current situation is not ideal for most. When we get back to relative normalcy, hopefully sooner rather than later, we cannot continue as if nothing ever happened. A significant population of our k-12 students will be in desperate need of remediation services and coursework- not to mention the behavioral and mental health component. In discussions with local school officials I was delighted to hear they are already planning innovative and substantive remediation efforts. This state-wide review is intended to complement any local efforts and ensure all students have the supports they need.”

The bill is awaiting committee referral, but the Delegate expects it to be taken up within the next two to three weeks.

RICHMOND- On Tuesday Delegate Tony Wilt introduced legislation to allow for a health plan option that could provide more affordable access to healthcare for many small businesses and their employees.

Delegate Wilt patroned similar legislation in 2019 and Democratic legislators took the lead in the two previous years. While the policy has enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the legislature, Governor Northam had rejected the plan. With a new Governor come Saturday, Delegate Wilt is hoping to get the bill across the finish line this year.

“This bill opens up an opportunity for coverage for many who currently have no option under the crushing premium increases we have seen in recent years,” said Wilt. “Small businesses want to provide robust benefits and take care of their employees, but with the inflationary pressures we are experiencing this continues to be a challenge,” said Wilt. “In the most recent campaign I committed to pursue this solution again if reelected, and today I’m making good on that promise!”

“Small businesses continue to struggle to find affordable health coverage options for their employees. This legislation will provide Virginia’s small businesses with an additional option for quality, more affordable health coverage through a shared risk pool with other small businesses,” said Virginia Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Barry DuVal. “The Virginia Chamber applauds this innovative, bipartisan effort and thanks both Del. Wilt and Sen. Mason for carrying their companion bills that will improve access to quality health coverage for small business workers.”

The legislation expands the opportunity for small businesses to join under a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA). A MEWA is a self-funded benefits consortium of small employers that pool together to offer their employees comprehensive, affordable group health care coverage on terms similar to those available to large employers. The bill includes a number of safeguards to ensure minimum coverage requirements and solvency of the plans.

Delegate Wilt represents the 26th House District, which encompasses Harrisonburg and part of Rockingham County. He was first elected to the House of Delegates in June of 2010.