|
Message from Chris
Election Day is November 8th. In addition to casting a vote for President and Congress, you will also have the opportunity to vote on two proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. I wanted to take a brief moment and share with you detailed information about these amendments so that you are well informed prior to arriving at your precinct.
Constitutional Amendment Question 1:
Should Article I of the Constitution of Virginia be amended to prohibit any agreement or combination between an employer and a labor union or labor organization whereby (i) nonmembers of the union or organization are denied the right to work for the employer, (ii) membership to the union or organization is made a condition of employment or continuation of employment by such employer, or (iii) the union or organization acquires an employment monopoly in any such enterprise?
Voting yes on this question would amend the Virginia Constitution to reflect that fact that Virginia is a "Right to Work" state. This amendment secures your right, the right of employees, to decide for themselves whether or not to join or financially support a union. Joining a union should never be a condition for employment in the Commonwealth.
Constitutional Amendment Question 2:
Shall the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to provide an option to the localities to exempt from taxation the real property of the surviving spouse of any law-enforcement officer, firefighter, search and
rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel who was killed in the line of duty, where the surviving spouse occupies the real property as his or her principal place of residence and has not remarried?
Passage of this amendment would allow local governments the authority to offer a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a first responder who has sacrificed all in the line of duty. This is but a small recognition for the efforts of our first responders who put their lives on the line each and every day in order to keep us safe, particularly those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
| 
