As your representative in the Virginia House of Delegates, I am constantly looking for ways to put more money back in your pockets, especially in this day and age of inflation spurred by federal policies and economic factors – some out of our control – that we must all endure. As such, I am pleased to report two “good news” pieces of information that, with my support, will provide you some relief in the coming weeks and months.
First, tax rebates from the Commonwealth of Virginia will soon be sent to eligible taxpayers who filed their state taxes prior to July 1, 2025. For those who are eligible and do not still owe taxes to the Commonwealth, single filers will receive $200, and joint filers will receive $400. This was made possible in part due to Virginia’s strong job growth, leading to a total of $10 billion in surplus state revenue that enabled $9 billion in tax relief for Virginia residents this year. To be eligible, taxpayers must have incurred tax liability in 2024 and have filed their taxes by Nov. 3, 2025. Taxpayers can now visit tax.virginia.gov/rebate to check their eligibility for a rebate. Eligible taxpayers who filed their taxes prior to July 1, 2025 will receive their rebates by the end of October.
Even with this tax relief, the Commonwealth was still able to invest strongly in education, law enforcement, and other core functions of government that ensures a reliable delivery of services while lowering costs. For a family struggling to make ends meet, $400 is not an insignificant sum of money. It is a car payment, a utility payment, a way to pay for groceries, and more that will help folks to get ahead. I will continue to support policies that help my constituents keep more of their money, especially as the Commonwealth remains on solid financial footing.
In other welcome news, a recent request by Appalachian Power (APCo) to lower its fuel rate would reduce the average customer bill by around $10 per month. This action continues a trend that I sought to initiate by submitting (and passing into law) HB 2621, the “APCo Rate Reduction Act” in the 2025 General Assembly Legislative Session. In addition to APCo’s current request to reduce fuel rates, the utility has also applied to the State Corporation Commission to consolidate costs via “securitization” related to two power plants and storm recovery from Hurricane Helene, which would save the average customer around $11 per 1,000 kilowatts of electricity used. This process is a direct result of the law I passed earlier this year, and other provisions built into this legislation will ensure that your rates cannot increase as the cold winter months approach. HB 2621 was the only legislation submitted – and passed – during the 2025 General Assembly legislative session that addressed some of the root causes of high APCo rates. I am pleased to see this legislation begin to work as intended, and I will continue my work toward lessening the high cost of living for my constituents.
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 DelJBallard@House.Virginia.Gov. You can also follow me on 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.
