RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — A Virginia senator is publicly criticizing the governor’s statewide “Back to School” plan for the fall, saying it is unconstitutional and a “gubernatorial overreach.”

Sen. Bill DeSteph, (R-Virginia Beach), sent the letter to Northam Thursday.

DeSteph says the General Assembly is responsible for making policies such as the ones for returning to school amid the coronavirus pandemic, and local school boards are responsible for applying the plans to their respective school divisions.

DeSteph wrote: “As the Senator representing the largest city in the Commonwealth, it is my duty to convey on behalf of my constituents their enormous disapproval of this plan. My office has been overwhelmed with calls and emails critical of this approach.”

DeSteph also said the law in Virginia does not allow the governor to intervene in schedules of public school districts.

Read More at WAVY.com

Posted: May 14, 2020 / 08:49 PM EDT / Updated: May 14, 2020 / 08:49 PM EDT

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — You’ve told us about your hassles with filing for unemployment — not being able to talk with a live person, knowing what supporting documents to send, finding out the status of your claim.

We’ve referred about a hundred viewers to Sen. Bill DeSteph, (R-Virginia Beach). He and his staff were able to use their connections at the Virginia Employment Commission to move many of those cases from frustration to satisfaction.

Read More at WAVY.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    Contact: Jill Eyler

May 20, 2019                                                                                                                       757.321.8180

 

 

Senator Bill DeSteph Recognized as Pro-Business Legislator

 by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce

(VIRGINIA BEACH, VA) — Senator Bill DeSteph (R-8^th District) received the “2019 Free Enterprise Award” from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce at their Annual Awards Dinner in Richmond last week.  The Free Enterprise Award recognizes legislators for their support of the principles and initiatives in the Chamber’s long- term economic development plan, Blueprint Virginia 2025.

Each year, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce develops a Legislative Report Card based on the priorities of Virginia’s business community, commending legislators for their support of programs that help move Virginia forward.

“The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Senator DeSteph with the 2019 Free Enterprise Award for his work this session on legislation that will help to improve our Commonwealth’s overall economic climate,” said Barry DuVal, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber.  “Senator DeSteph’s efforts to help bring much needed tax-relief for Virginians is a vital step forward on the path to get Virginia back to the best state for business.  DeSteph’s continual support for pro-business legislation, specifically his work for tax relief and his support of small businesses, is why we are honored to recognize him this year and are thankful for his support of our business community.”

DeSteph is currently serving his first term in the Senate of Virginia, having previously served as the Delegate representing the 82^nd District, and a Virginia Beach City Councilman.  A member of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, the Manufacturing Development Commission, and the Commission on Economic Opportunity for Virginians in Aspiring and Diverse Communities, DeSteph consistently supports policies that promote economic development and job creation.

Senator Bill DeSteph has a lifetime A+ rating with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

About the Virginia Chamber of Commerce 

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in the Commonwealth, with more than 26,000 members. The Chamber is a non-partisan, business advocacy organization that works in the legislative, regulatory and political arenas to act as the catalyst for positive change in all areas of economic development and competitiveness for Virginia. In December 2017, the Chamber released an update to its long-term strategic economic development plan, Blueprint Virginia 2025, which engaged over 6,000 business and community leaders to lay out a plan to getting Virginia back to the top of national business climate rankings. Learn more at www.vachamber.com