Pre-Session Preview Part 3: Limiting Big Government

Individual liberty flourishes when the people limit the power and scope of government. In his farewell address to the nation, President Ronald Reagan explained: “I hope we once again have reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited. There’s a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts.”

In this final installment of our three-part Pre-Session email series, we highlight some potential legislative proposals that would help limit the size and scope of government, stop the exploitation of people for financial gain, and restore the proper separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government. 

Reversing government overreach

We’ll work to protect parents from an overreaching “Nanny State” that seeks to make decisions for families in all areas of life. For example, because of bills passed in 2021, if a family hires a female over a male to provide in-home care for their children or an elderly family member, it could result in them being sued on the basis of “sex discrimination.” To make matters worse, the government could come in to inspect a home without notice if a complaint is filed.

Protecting families from destructive policies that contribute to human exploitation  

One of the biggest threats to families this year will come from the effort to commercialize marijuana. Last year, the General Assembly approved a several-hundred page marijuana bill that legalized the possession of up to one ounce of recreational marijuana and allows every household to grow up to four marijuana plants inside their home. However, the components of the bill allowing the sale of marijuana must be re-enacted this year to take effect.

Pushing back against the deep-pocketed marijuana industry will be a tall order, but we’ll do everything we can on behalf of families to stop it. At a minimum, we must ensure that localities will get to decide (through a local referendum) whether they want marijuana retail shops in their communities.

There will likely be legislation to approve another casino in Virginia, which would only exploit more Virginians susceptible to gambling addiction, especially lower-income individuals, while damaging families who rely on them.  And as casinos profit from people who can least afford to lose, the government fills its coffers with more tax revenue.  Last year, we worked with several groups who shared our concerns to pull off a major upset over the deep-pocked, highly influential gambling industry, and defeated a local referendum to approve a casino in the City of Richmond!

Restoring the proper separation of powers

When the General Assembly convenes for session this week, there will be a push for limits on the Governor’s authority to issue executive orders during a declared state of emergency, and restore the proper separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government. For nearly two years, Governor Northam managed to use the cover of the coronavirus to make broad-sweeping policies without any legislative oversight or approval. His actions closed down churches, stifled economic activity, hindered individual liberties, invoked fear using threats of criminal charges, and dictated a new way of life for Virginians.

At least one state lawmaker from the Governor’s own political party, Senator Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax), recognized this massive power grab, and even represented two clients in court challenging the constitutionality of the Governor’s Executive Orders. In a statement, Petersen said “[The Governor] is using powers that are supposed to be for an emergency but, instead, he’s basically passing long-lasting and semi-permanent laws that are preventing them from operating their businesses.” 

Over the past four years we have watched as the current administration, with the aid of the liberal majority in the General Assembly, has governed by executive order, trampled on individual liberty, and expanded the reach of government into our personal lives. It’s time to rein in this abuse of power and government overreach!