As a member of the General Assembly’s House Committee on Transportation, the safety of motorists in the Commonwealth is a top concern of mine. As a member of the General Assembly’s House Committee on Transportation, the safety of motorists in the Commonwealth is a top concern of mine.
Every Virginian relies on our roadways in some form or fashion; whether that be getting to and from work, taking our kids to school or on a family vacation, ordering goods online or at a store, or the countless other means by which we utilize transportation infrastructure. The Commonwealth’s standards for road safety have traditionally been strong, which is why a recent action by Democrat Attorney General Jay Jones is so puzzling. The Commonwealth’s standards for road safety have traditionally been strong, which is why a recent action by Democratic Attorney General Jay Jones is so puzzling.
Recently, Attorney General Jones directed the Commonwealth to join a lawsuit that prevents the federal government from determining whether or not Virginia Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) holders speak English. While the Attorney General argues that he is trying to protect the privacy of CDL holders, the federal government is simply trying to determine whether or not those using public roadways for commerce are able to read road signs and signals. Here in Virginia, five people were killed in a bus crash on Interstate 95 when the bus – driven by a man who did not speak English – slammed into stopped traffic. Some road signs – including mobile LED and dynamic displays – are in place specifically to ensure that motorists are kept up to date on real-time road conditions and impending traffic hazards. If these types of signs cannot be read by those entrusted to operate heavy machinery, it can create a very real risk to public safety. I cannot help but wonder why Attorney General Jones does not want to ensure that our CDL holders can speak/read the language that our road signs are written.
In unrelated news, I am proud to report that state funding I successfully obtained for repairs at the Andrew Johnston House in Pearisburg will soon be disbursed by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. In advance of the 2026 General Assembly Legislative Session, I solicited requests for legislation and budget funding from local governments and constituents in the 42nd House District. One such request was funding to restore the historic Andrew Johnston House, which is the oldest surviving brick structure in Giles County and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
The Andrew Johnston House has fallen into a state of disrepair over the years, including a leaky roof that threatens the ongoing viability of the structure as a museum and historical landmark. After lengthy discussions with House and Senate budget negotiators, I was able to secure a $295,000 grant that will be used to replace the failing roof, repair plumbing and complete other projects so that this historic property will remain open for years to come. Securing state funding for any project is an uphill battle, especially as a member of the minority party. I am proud that my efforts were effective. Our region’s history is important, and I will continue to support our local efforts to preserve it.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
