The 2017 General Assembly adjourned sine die Saturday, completing its work on time. This year, the House of Delegates worked tirelessly to strengthen Virginia’s economy to help middle-class families, improve our education system so all children have the opportunity to succeed and chart a responsible fiscal course for the future. We continue to offer a positive governing vision for our commonwealth.

To help strengthen Virginia’s economy, the House of Delegates advanced several major pieces of legislation aimed at fostering private-sector economic growth, promoting a positive, pro-business climate and protecting small businesses through regulatory reform. Republicans in the House are also leading the effort to review Virginia’s economic development spending to ensure that we are maximizing the effectiveness of your tax dollars.

Improving our education system is a top priority for the House. We remain committed to supporting our world-class public education system. That is why a 2-percent teacher pay raise was a priority in this year’s budget.

We also recognize there is room for innovation is the classroom so all students can learn in a way that best fits their needs. The House passed legislation to create Education Savings Accounts for parents and took steps to finalize the establishment of Virginia’s virtual school. This legislation, combined with our investments in public schools, will help make sure all children have the opportunity to succeed.

One of the most important tasks of the General Assembly is crafting the two-year state budget. I am happy to report that the House of Delegates passed a conservative, responsible and structurally-balanced amended budget that invests in the core functions of government while protecting precious taxpayer resources.

Tommy Wright represents Lunenburg in the House. His email address is DelTWright@House.Virginia.Gov.