VGEA Advocacy & Legislative Priorities

Working to Keep Virginia Working — Every Year, Every Session

 

At the Virginia Governmental Employees Association (VGEA), our mission is simple but powerful: To make the priorities of Virginia’s state employees and retirees our battle cry in the legislative arena.

For decades, the VGEA has been the trusted, nonpartisan voice for public employees across the Commonwealth, championing fair pay, affordable healthcare, secure retirement, and workplace policies that reflect the realities of today’s workforce.

We advocate year-round, not just during the General Assembly session, to ensure the issues that matter are front and center with Virginia’s policymakers.

How We Set Our Priorities

Our legislative priorities are shaped directly by the voices of our members through surveys, direct feedback, and ongoing conversations. Each year, we listen, analyze, and respond to the issues that affect Virginia’s public workforce most, including:

  • Competitive Pay – Advocating for fair compensation that reflects inflation, cost of living, and parity with the private sector.
  • Affordable Healthcare – Ensuring active and retired employees have access to quality, affordable health insurance and benefits.
  • Retirement Security – Protecting VRS and advocating for stronger retirement and life insurance benefits.
  • Flexible Work Options – Supporting hybrid and telework models that balance agency needs with employee well-being.
  • Workplace Protections – Standing against discrimination, misclassification, and unjust policy applications.

Input directly drives our advocacy. We regularly conduct member surveys and listening sessions to make sure our agenda represents our members vs. political interests.

Our Ongoing Legislative Focus

While specific bills change from year to year, our core priorities remain constant:

  • Fair Pay for State Employees
    We continue to press for regular, meaningful pay increases that reflect both cost of living and market competitiveness. State employees deserve predictable, sustainable pay progression without losing ground to inflation or private sector trends.
  • Healthcare Protection & Affordability
    VGEA has a proud history of healthcare advocacy, from securing hospitalization insurance in 1971 to safeguarding today’s health plans and retiree credits. We monitor every policy and budget proposal that affects the Health Insurance Fund (HIF), ensuring fiscal responsibility and quality care.
  • Retirement Security
    We fight to strengthen the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), ensure cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) remain fair, and protect the Group Life floor and Health Insurance Credit (HIC) for retirees.
  • Hybrid & Telework Flexibility
    We continue to champion balanced, data-driven telework policies. Hybrid work supports retention, productivity, and family stability, making public service more sustainable for today’s workforce.
  • Workplace Protections & Fair Practices
    From ensuring accurate job classifications to addressing pay errors and advocating for equitable grievance processes, VGEA is your ally in protecting fairness, dignity, and respect on the job.

Why It Matters

Every legislative win, big or small. starts with one voice. But it’s our collective strength that shapes policy. Our advocacy has helped secure:

  • Consistent pay raises
  • Improved hybrid work access across agencies
  • Ongoing oversight of healthcare and retirement reforms

These wins don’t happen by accident. They happen because our members speak up, stand together, and stay engaged.

How You Can Shape the Next Win

VGEA’s strength lies in its membership. Member perspective ensures we’re fighting for what truly matters. Here’s how to get involved:

  • Share  Input — Tell us what matters most at vgea.org/contact or email info@vgea.org.
  • Join the Conversation — Participate in member surveys and listening sessions.
  • Stay Informed — Join to receive exclusive newsletters with advocacy updates and alerts.
  • Become a Member or Renew Today — Join the VGEA and ensure your voice shapes Virginia’s future workforce.

Together, We Keep Virginia Working

Whether you’re just starting your career or enjoying retirement, your experience and insight matter. The Commonwealth of Virginia works because you do, and VGEA works for you.

Explore Our Advocacy Priorities

Learn more about each of our focus areas:

Competitive Pay
Ensuring fair, market-based compensation that attracts and retains the Commonwealth’s best talent.

Healthcare Advocacy
Protecting access to affordable, high-quality healthcare and safeguarding retiree health benefits.

Telework & Hybrid Flexibility
Championing balanced, evidence-based policies that empower today’s workforce.

Workplace Protections
Defending employee rights, fairness, and dignity in every corner of state government.

Retirement Security
Strengthening VRS, COLAs, and the benefits that sustain retirees who built Virginia’s future.

Working to Keep Virginia Working

VGEA is the only statewide organization for the broad range of Commonwealth employees.

While there are more than 160,000 of us working in a vast array of professions and jobs, we unite in a desire to be recognized for our dedication to making Virginia a great state.

In short, The Commonwealth of Virginia works because we do!

Whether it’s increasing salaries, improving work conditions or any of the many other employee issues, VGEA is here to help address them all. A strong association with representative members is recognized and invited to decision-making tables in state government. We strive to be relevant, from the 21-year-old new employee to the 100-year-old retiree.

Every employee benefits from the experience and dedication VGEA brings. VGEA matters because you matter!

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