By Jessica Dillon
State Sen. Bill Stanley and Del. Eric Phillips discussed economic development, energy, housing and healthcare during the Martinsville-Henry Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative breakfast at Patrick & Henry Community College’s MET Complex.
The event also included remarks from Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Adams and Martinsville Vice Mayor Kathy Lawson.
Del. Wren Williams did not arrive in time for the breakfast.
Stanley and Phillips both spoke about the challenges of supporting policies they said fit the needs of Southwest Virginia rather than larger urban areas such as Richmond and Norfolk.
Economic development, particularly data centers, was a major topic during the discussion.
“The number one thing to help the local government is a data center,” Phillips said. “They pay more tax than any other business that you can have in the region.”
Phillips said many criticisms surrounding data centers are based on misinformation, adding that the facilities can generate significant tax revenue and create jobs.
The lawmakers also discussed energy policy, including solar and natural gas.
“Solar has a 25 percent efficiency. It’s not sunny every day,” Stanley said, adding that he believes the free market should determine whether Virginia relies more on solar energy or natural gas.
Housing shortages were another focus of the discussion.
Phillips said thousands of homes are planned or under development statewide to help address the housing crisis. Stanley also discussed the potential use of tiny home developments to help individuals and families enter the housing market.
Healthcare and potential Medicaid and Affordable Care Act changes were also discussed.
Stanley said changes to healthcare funding could lead to hospital closures or staffing shortages. He also highlighted programs designed to help high school students pursue careers in healthcare.
Minimum wage increases and election costs were also addressed.
“You know the number one payer on minimum wage is the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Phillips said. He argued that raising the minimum wage would increase government expenses and taxes.
“Everybody gets raises, the prices go up. And nothing really changes economically for anybody,” he said.
Phillips also criticized Virginia’s 45-day early voting period, calling it costly for local governments.
“Forty-five days is just too long. We’ve got to pay those folks in there whether anybody shows up or not, and it’s just too much on the locality,” he said.
