Suffolk News-Herald: “[…] She Will Be ‘Focused Relentlessly on Growing Our Economy, Our Workforce, and Increasing Investment and Trade Opportunities For Virginia’”

RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger this week announced her “Growing Virginia Plan” to grow Virginia’s economy and create job opportunities for Virginians across every corner of the Commonwealth.

At events in Suffolk and Manassas, Spanberger stood alongside union workers, business leaders, educators, and local elected officials as she outlined her priorities focused on growing workforce training efforts, growing business investment in Virginia, and growing trade opportunities for Virginia businesses.

7News DC [Northern Virginia]: Abigail Spanberger unveils “Growing Virginia Plan” to strengthen workforce, boost economy

The three-term congresswoman detailed her plan during a campaign stop in Prince William County, standing alongside electricians, labor leaders, and lawmakers who support a more inclusive approach to economic growth.

“We will work with Virginia’s K-12 schools, community colleges, and four-year universities to promote career and technical education programs that provide students with meaningful, career-ready experiences,” Spanberger said. “This is about preparing Virginians for high-demand, good-paying careers.”

The plan includes expanding access to registered apprenticeships, paid internships, dual-enrollment courses, and on-campus career centers, especially in rural and underserved communities.

13 News Now [Norfolk]: Abigail Spanberger outlines economic plan during Suffolk campaign stop

The former Congresswoman introduced what she called the “Growing Virginia Plan,” which she described as focused on “growing Virginia’s economy and creating job opportunities for Virginians across every corner of the Commonwealth.”

The plan centers on three areas: expanding workforce development, increasing business investment, and enhancing trade opportunities.

“If Virginia’s leaders support our talent here at home, our skilled workforce will continue to drive growth within the Commonwealth and attract private investment and major employers to Virginia,” Spanberger said. “But Virginia needs more than a skilled and prepared workforce to attract and grow investments.”

Suffolk News-Herald: Spanberger shares Growing Virginia Plan with Suffolk

A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report stated Virginia was the only state to see a statistically significant increase in unemployment rates from May to June, going from 3.4% to 3.5%. This increase marks the sixth consecutive increase in unemployment in the Commonwealth.

Because of this, Spanberger said it’s more important now than ever that Virginian voters know she will be “focused relentlessly on growing our economy, our workforce, and increasing investment and trade opportunities for Virginia” if elected Governor.

“Day one, this starts with having a Governor who is not afraid to say that the threats to the jobs of hundreds of 1000s of Virginians is a threat to Virginia’s economy,” Spanberger said.

WTOP: Spanberger Announces Growing Virginia Plan, Stands Up for Federal Workers

“The jobs report that came out last week showed that Virginia is the only state in the entire country that saw statistically significant job loss. […] We need a Governor who will not try to make himself or others feel better about job loss in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We need a Governor who will stand up for Virginians, the valuable jobs that they do, whether they are federal employees, government contractors, or working in the private sector anywhere across the Commonwealth.

“We need a Governor who will show that he or she will stand up for Virginia jobs, because how is it that we can attract businesses to Virginia if we have a Governor who is demonstrating that when Virginia jobs are under attack, the Governor is either nowhere to be found or excusing that job loss. And so I’m looking to help those who have lost their federal employment find a new place to ensure that those who have lost their federal employment may be able to transition to the private sector or state and local government. But importantly, we need a Governor who will stand up not just for Virginia’s workforce but for Virginia’s economy overall.”

WUSA9 [Northern Virginia]: Spanberger unveils ‘Growing Virginia’ economic plan in Manassas

The former congresswoman positioned herself as a problem-solver for working families and small businesses in an economy she called “under attack.” She pointedly referenced a recent labor statistics report that showed Virginia was the only state to see its unemployment rate go up in June. Most recently, the Commonwealth also lost its ranking as the top state for business, leading the candidate to criticize Gov. Glenn Youngkin on his support for federal policies including federal layoffs and tariffs.

“In this moment of uncertainty, Virginia is facing unprecedented attacks on our communities, our economy, and our jobs,” Spanberger said. “Right now, Virginia is losing its competitive edge, and our statewide leaders are cheering on the policies that led us here.”

WHRO [Norfolk]: Economic issues at the forefront for Spanberger

“Virginia needs a governor who is focused on maintaining our trade relationships and finding new markets for Virginia exports,” Spanberger said. “Not cheering on potential trade wars or hoping it will all just work out.”

Spanberger’s three-pillar plan includes nearly two dozen goals and initiatives. They range from promoting apprenticeship programs and dual-enrollment courses for high school students; increasing investment in infrastructure and rural broadband internet; to continuing port investment, bolstering departmental cooperation to better assist small businesses and increasing agricultural exports.

To accomplish any of that, Spanberger said the next governor will have to make living in the state more affordable. The congresswoman announced her affordability plan earlier in the summer, which includes ideas for lowering the costs of health care, housing and energy.

WTKR News 3 [Norfolk]: Spanberger announces three-part economic plan in Suffolk

On the campus of Tidewater Community College, 2025 gubernatorial candidate and former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger talking about jobs, affordability, and the future of Virginia’s economy. She unveiled her “Growing Virginia Plan” during a campaign stop in Suffolk.

“We are living in a moment of uncertainty. Virginians are facing unprecedented attacks on their jobs, on our businesses, and on their financial futures. And right now, Virginia is on a path towards losing its competitive edge. And our statewide leaders, frankly, are cheering on some of the very policies that got us here.”

Annandale Today: Spanberger offers plan to boost Virginia’s economy

Democratic candidate for governor Abigail Spanberger laid out a plan for growing Virginia’s economy and creating jobs during a speech in Manassas on July 23.

“It’s not hyperbole to say that Virginia’s economy is under threat right now,” Spanberger said at the apprenticeship training center for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 26.

“The Trump Administration’s DOGE cuts and tariffs are threatening Virginia’s workers, businesses, families, and overall economy,” she said. “Virginia needs a governor who will not casually dismiss these threats to our economy and who actually has a plan to build a more resilient economy.”

WAVY TV 10 [Portsmouth]: Spanberger highlights economic plan in address

In a press event at Tidewater Community College, the Democratic nominee for Governor went through the highlights.

“We need a leader who understands what brings new businesses to Virginia. I will be focused on aligning education and workforce training initiatives. And as Virginia’s next Governor, I will work aggressively to promote Virginia as the best state in the country to do business.”

Inside NoVA: Spanberger talks Growing Virginia at Manassas campaign stop

Speaking before a crowd of reporters and apprentices at IBEW Local Union 26 in Manassas on Wednesday afternoon, Spanberger said that “IBEW’s apprenticeship program sets Virginians up for success not just for work, [but] for success and for family-sustaining careers.”

Opportunities like these are critical at a time when Virginia’s economy is suffering from massive cuts to the federal workforce, as well as reductions in the number of people who will receive Medicaid.

BACKGROUND

Spanberger has long prioritized lowering costs for Virginia families and protecting the Commonwealth’s economy.

After Virginia fell from its spot as “America’s Top State for Business” — due in part to the outsized impact of the Trump Administration’s federal job cuts on Virginia’s economy, Spanberger made clear her commitment to protecting Virginia’s economy as the next Governor of Virginia.

As a Member of Congress, Spanberger built a record of working with both Democrats and Republicans to invest in Virginia’s physical infrastructure — and has been a champion of policies that have created more jobs for Virginians, including the bipartisan infrastructure law.

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