AFP-VA Celebrates Virginia as America’s Top State for Business in 2024 

Jul 12, 2024 by AFP

Richmond, VA – Today, Americans for Prosperity Virginia (AFP-VA) celebrated Virginia’s first placement for business in CNBC’s annual state competitiveness rankings. Occupational licensing reforms have been critical to Virginia’s first place ranking, while high business costs and the energy grid remain Virginia’s weaknesses.

AFP-VA State Director Tim Parrish released the following statement:

“We are thrilled to see Virginia get the recognition it deserves as the best state in America for business. While Virginia has ranked as the top state in business six times since 2007, CNBC recognized that key occupational licensing reforms, backed by AFP-VA and reducing business regulations by 25%, were vital in propelling Virginia to the top spot. Without the passage of the Red Tape Reduction Act in 2018, Virginia would not have been poised to receive this accolade.

“However, there is still more work to be done. The tax burden on Virginia businesses remains a major problem, which is why we continue to fight for lower taxes, most recently defeating the $1.5 billion tax hike pushed by Democrats in March.  We applaud Governor Youngkin and are proud to partner with his administration and the General Assembly in fighting tax hikes. In just a few years, taxes have been cut by $5 billion. We look forward to continuing these partnerships to achieve lasting tax reform that will benefit current residents and future generations of Virginians.

“Additionally, with the strain on Virginia’s energy grid, it is imperative that the Virginia Clean Economy Act be reformed. Its restrictive policies are not only putting Virginians in danger of blackouts, but they are repressing the potential of our economy.

“We are proud of the hard work that has made the Commonwealth stronger than ever, and we look forward to acting to fix Virginia’s weak spots next session.”

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