RICHMOND, Va. (7News) — Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed 10 executive orders on her first day in office, outlining early priorities aimed at lowering costs, strengthening public schools and protecting Virginia’s economy.
The state’s first woman governor signed 10 orders in total on Saturday at the Virginia State Capitol, calling them the opening steps of an administration focused on affordability and results.
“Today, we are responding to the moment,” Spanberger said. “We are setting the tone for what Virginians can expect over the next four years: pragmatic leadership focused on lowering costs and delivering results.”
READ ALSO | Read newly sworn-in Governor Spanberger’s first speech
Gov. Spanberger’s first executive orders target Virginia affordability in health, housing (7News)
The first three executive orders direct state agencies to submit reports within 90 days identifying ways to reduce living expenses, establish an Interagency Health Financing Task Force to improve efficiency and lower healthcare costs, and review regulations and permitting practices tied to housing development in an effort to reduce housing costs.
Additional orders focus on academic excellence in public schools, including literacy and mathematics instruction, and require a review of the state’s school performance framework. The education order also calls for a statewide listening tour involving students, parents and educators.
One seeks further review into the governing boards at Virginia colleges, and another directs efforts to improve literacy and mathematics scores and school accountability.
Gov. Spanberger’s first executive orders target Virginia affordability in health, housing (7News)
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Spanberger also signed orders addressing the impact of federal workforce reductions, tariffs and healthcare cuts, reviewing appointments to higher education governing boards, and establishing protocols related to emergency authority and the governor’s chief of staff.
Another executive order establishes a statewide equal opportunity policy, while a separate law enforcement order rescinds a previous directive related to cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement.
