The Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Legislative Breakfast on April 28 at New College Institute (NCI), providing attendees with updates from state and local officials.
Speakers included Dels. Eric Phillips, Wren Williams, Aaron Arnold (representing Sen. Bill Stanley), Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Adams, and Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones.
Legislative Updates
Williams, R-Stuart, discussed recent legislation he worked on with Phillips, including a focus on Appalachian Power’s billing practices following Hurricane Helene.
“We are requiring APCO to provide and propose alternatives to current billing practices and explore the possibility of seasonal rates,” Williams said. The goal is to help avoid “rate shock” during colder months.
Williams also discussed efforts to veto a proposed minimum wage increase to $15 an hour, citing concerns about automation and artificial intelligence.
“We are also seeing AI take some of those employee jobs now,” he said. He added that he supported vetoing bills such as one involving collective bargaining by public employees, stating that it interferes with Virginia’s right-to-work policies.
Phillips, R-Martinsville, addressed economic development in the region.
“Jobs are not our biggest problem anymore in this area,” Phillips said, noting a shift toward attracting higher-paying employment and improving housing. He credited the Tobacco Commission as a key factor in regional development.
Phillips discussed the need to improve U.S. 220 and expressed a vision to help the area become Virginia’s fourth “mega region.”
“We need $200,000 million to improve 220,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of reliable energy sources. “Energy is the biggest economic problem in Virginia, and we don’t have enough of it,” he added, stressing the need to preserve access to natural gas and affordable power.
Arnold, speaking on behalf of Stanley, R-Moneta, focused on child-centered legislation. “Kids today are online before they can even tie their shoes anymore,” he said.
He highlighted bills aimed at promoting online safety, combating cyberbullying, and preventing child labor. Arnold also discussed legislation designed to better serve autistic students by enhancing training for educators and healthcare professionals.
Local Perspectives
Adams focused on the importance of local authority in land-use decisions, particularly in relation to solar farm placement.
“Maintaining local control over these decisions is important,” Adams said. He clarified that he does not oppose solar energy but wants to uphold zoning rights and preserve the rural character of the county.
“We steadfastly oppose any attempts by the state to strip local governments of our authority to restrict the installations,” he said.
Adams also expressed support for the proposed Mayo River State Park, which he said would help establish Henry County’s first state park and boost both tourism and the economy.
“To this date, the commonwealth is yet to provide the necessary funding,” he noted.
Jones highlighted the contributions of local small businesses and their role in the area’s “growth and prosperity.”
He said the city is currently focused on updating its charter.
“Since 1950 when it was originally drafted, we haven’t had much change in it,” Jones said, adding that a charter review committee has been formed to modernize the document.
Jones also mentioned the Homestead Exemption, which aims to help certain residents manage the rising cost of homeownership.
“Together we can forge through for a brighter Martinsville,” he said.
