VGEA Annual Meeting Delivers Wins

September 22, 2024 – Virginia Governmental Employee Association (VGEA)

The Virginia Governmental Employees Association (VGEA) annual meeting on September 14 brought together members, leaders, and advocates to celebrate recent achievements, outline upcoming goals, and strengthen the network that continues to drive change for Virginia’s public workforce and retirees. The event highlighted pivotal gains in pensions, healthcare, and dental coverage, as well as key legislative victories, underscoring the growing impact of VGEA’s efforts.

Pension Stability and Healthcare Gains Build Confidence

Trish Bishop from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) presented a positive financial outlook, reassuring members of the continued stability of the pension fund. This news was a central highlight, strengthening the foundation for Virginia’s public workforce as members consider long-term planning and retirement security. Bishop’s update gave members a renewed confidence in the ongoing financial health of the system.

In addition, the Virginia Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) announced an anticipated 3% pay increase for state employees, along with further enhancements to healthcare benefits. These updates come as a direct result of VGEA’s continuous advocacy to improve the quality of compensation and healthcare for its members.

Retiree Dental Coverage: A Game-Changing Win

One of the most celebrated moments was the announcement of an upgraded dental benefit for retirees—a major enhancement members have sought for years. VGEA’s focused efforts to improve retiree healthcare options culminated in DHRM’s decision to expand dental coverage from 5% to 50% for major dental services. This landmark improvement promises substantial savings for retirees who have long faced high out-of-pocket dental expenses. The upgrade is a true testament to VGEA’s impact on policy decisions that directly benefit members’ quality of life.

Legislative Successes and the Need to Grow

VGEA Lobbyist Dylan Bishop provided an update on this year’s legislative successes, emphasizing the 3% pay raise as a notable achievement secured through persistent advocacy. However, Bishop highlighted that continued growth in VGEA membership is critical to sustaining these wins and achieving new milestones. VGEA’s membership base directly influences its leverage at the state level, making it essential to expand the community for an even stronger advocacy platform.

Welcoming New Leadership and Fresh Ideas

Two new board members, Fallon Kreye and Lilly Simms, were introduced, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the organization. Kreye’s rapid recruitment efforts have already attracted new members, demonstrating the value of grassroots efforts in expanding the association’s influence. As VGEA continues to grow, the ideas and efforts of its board and members alike will drive future successes and strengthen the group’s advocacy for Virginia’s public employees and retirees.

Building on Momentum: Every Member Counts

The meeting underscored a clear message: Every VGEA member plays an essential role in driving forward the mission. Every new member expands the organization’s capacity to advocate for stronger compensation, better benefits, and a fair future for state employees and retirees alike. If each current member recruits just one additional colleague or retiree, VGEA’s impact would be exponential, increasing the power of our collective voice to secure critical improvements for all Virginia public servants.

As the 2024 annual meeting wraps up, the path forward is clear: growing VGEA’s membership is key to achieving future victories. VGEA invites every member to join the effort by encouraging others to become part of this vital association, ensuring that Virginia’s public workforce and retirees have the support and advocacy they need. Together, we are stronger—and together, we can continue to achieve extraordinary results for all Virginia state employees and retirees.

About the VGEA:

The Virginia Governmental Employees Association is dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of Virginia’s state employees and retirees. Our mission is to ensure fair treatment, proper compensation, and a supportive working environment for all who serve the Commonwealth.

Read more VGEA news stories