(HB2397)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 2397, which expands grant eligibility under the GO Virginia program.

I stand strongly in support of initiatives that unleash economic growth in Virginia, including the work of GO Virginia that encourages collaboration between all facets of government, private industry, and the workforce.

The changes made in the bill raise questions concerning the program’s emphasis on measurable economic outcomes as it permits funding for activities outside Growth and Diversification Plans. These changes risk blurring the lines between GO Virginia’s mission and other state-led initiatives.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.