From Richmond to Washington, D.C., legislators heard from Virginia bankers about our industry’s priorities and how banks serve their constituents

As I approach my one-year work anniversary, thank you to all the bankers I have met so far! It didn’t take long for me to understand what truly makes the VBA special – it’s you, our members.

At the beginning of the session, a Virginia Senator remarked that the banking industry appeared largely unscathed at a time when many other business sectors were facing concerning legislative challenges. That outcome was no accident. From state legislative meetings and Banker Day to the Washington Summit – and through the financial services you provide Virginians every day – your engagement and advocacy make a real difference in both Richmond and Washington, D.C.

Virginia General Assembly Session Ends, But with No Budget

A session that started with more than 175 Virginia bankers taking over the Richmond Capitol in January at VBA Banker Day wrapped up on March 14. The VBA was successful in getting almost all its bills passed. You can read about each of VBA’s priorities in the latest Legislative Bulletin, including the adoption of consumer protection guidelines for crypto kiosks.

But the General Assembly did not finish its work on the bi-annual budget and will be coming back for a special session on April 23 to, hopefully, finish their work (a day after acting on amendments or vetoes from Governor Abigail Spanberger). Read about the budget negotiations here, including the data center tax exemption.

Virginia Bankers Go to Washington

More than 80 Virginia bankers attended last month’s VBA/ABA Washington Summit. Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Congressman James Walkinshaw, and congressional staff heard from Virginia bankers about the banking industry’s federal policy priorities, including closing the stablecoin reward loophole created by the GENIUS Act, as well as how Virginia banks serve their communities every day.

In the latest VBA Lobby Talk, VBA EVP & COO Matt Bruning shares a less than one-minute rundown of what was discussed during the Summit.

Advocacy Never Stops: What’s Ahead in 2026

It only takes a minute to stay engaged with VBA and your elected officials!

Sign up to receive alerts on the latest VBA Call-to-Action Campaign, and create a calendar invite for the upcoming VBA’s State Legislative Meetings!

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve you in Richmond and D.C.! Do not be a stranger, whether you have a question about policy, politics or BankPAC, we are an email away!