Bill Text: VA HR466 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2025-01-20 - Agreed to by House by voice vote [HR466 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-HR466-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25101503D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 466
Offered January 10, 2025
Commending the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
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Patron—Kilgore
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WHEREAS, for more than 25 years, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has promoted economic growth and development throughout communities in Southside Virginia and Southwest Virginia that were previously dependent on the tobacco industry; and
WHEREAS, established in 1999, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has used the proceeds of the National Tobacco Settlement to create new jobs, generate investments, and enhance the quality of life in the tobacco region through a wide range of programs and initiatives; and
WHEREAS, over the course of its history, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has helped attract more than 345 unique businesses, representing more than 21,000 jobs and $3.4 billion in capital investments to the region, and continues to invest in site development projects to attract new businesses; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the continuing importance of agriculture to the region, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has supported over 170 revenue generating agribusiness projects, including 12 farmers markets, across its footprint; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has also provided more than $300 million in indemnification payments to tobacco farmers to compensate them for the loss of quota; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has supported young people in the region by investing more than $200 million in community colleges and student financial aid programs, helping more than 36,000 students to advance their academic goals; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has enhanced the quality of life in the region in many other ways, including support for cancer screenings and medical research projects; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission invested in more than 3,000 miles of middle-mile broadband infrastructure, bringing last-mile broadband connectivity to more than 71,000 homes and businesses; and
WHEREAS, in addition, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has invested in more than 100 cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and fine arts projects that enrich local life and attract visitors to the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission hereby be commended for more than 25 years of service to communities in Southside Virginia and Southwest Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the commission's legacy of achievements to strengthen and diversify the economy of the tobacco region.
