Our New Governor is Getting Ready to Step Into Place

December 29, 2025

The Session begins on January 14th and the Governor is inaugurated the following Saturday; prior to that, however, she has named a number of members of her Cabinet (all of whom must be confirmed by the Senate, but it is unlikely any will fail to pass muster).  And as several are currently elected members of the House of Delegates, special elections are being called (two already scheduled for 13 January).  These seats are all in solidly Democratic districts making it also unlikely that the balance of power in the House will change.


One of her more important appointments is that of Mark Sickles as Secretary of Finance.  He will leave his roles as Chair of the HHR Sub-Committee for House Appropriations and Vice Chair of the full committee, Chair of the primary policy committee for health and human resources in the House and Chair of  the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee to assume this position.   That will leave vacancies in those positions to be filled.  We are reasonable confident that we have built good relationships with those who maybe in line, but he will be missed!


As far as legislation goes, it is dropping as slowly as it always does and to date, nothing seems too worrisome, but there is always something tucked in some bill — we will keep watching!  The public hearings on the budget will be on the 7th of January – we will get something out for you to use as “talking points” prior to that.   We will focus on the “rates” issue (it’s a mess!) and the postponement of “redesign.”  


Have a safe and happy New Year!