On Saturday, American Legion Post 3 hosted a panel of local legislators to discuss issues that are important, not only to Veterans but to all Virginians.
It was a candid discussion about issues Virginia voters care about, and whether or not they’d be relevant moving forward. Topics included abortion, taxation, inflation, construction and transportation, veteran exemptions, and more.
The panel was made up of Delegate Joe McNamara (R), and Senators David Suetterlein (R) and John S. Edwards (D).
There were some differing opinions when it came to some topics, namely abortion and taxation.
When asked if abortion will continue to be a hot topic moving forward, Delegate McNamara isn’t sure that it would hold up.
“I don’t see abortion legislation being successful in any way shape or form this year,” said McNamara.
On the other side of the aisle, Senator Edwards is still concerned about the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
“Go back to the Declaration of Independence. Now, isn’t bodily autonomy a Liberty right?” asked Edwards.
Being that the panel was speaking to an audience of Veterans, the legislators also addressed issues that are impacting these individuals.
Perry C. Taylor Jr. is the President of the Roanoke Valley Veterans Council. He said that there are a lot of issues these folks are facing.
“Inflation, suicide, homelessness – especially the ones that are homeless, trying to get into programs to find places,” said Taylor Jr.
Lawmakers said that they’re addressing these problems.
“The Commonwealth has tried to increase its collaboration with different support groups and also with the Federal Veterans Administration,” said Suetterlein.
“Virginia Values Veterans is a program to help Veterans get jobs. And so we’ve done a lot in terms of jobs, the homelessness, in terms of serving veterans in Virginia in recent years. I’m very proud of that,” added Edwards.
Taylor Jr. said that while these legislators’ support means a lot to him and the community, he’d still like to see more resources allocated to Veterans, like housing and free or reduced health care.
“It lets me know that Southwest Virginia still matters. The Veterans out here in rural Virginia count and everybody showing up letting them know that we are actually concerned about the veterans that can’t help themselves,” said Taylor Jr.