PRIORITIES
HOUSING
Everyone knows that housing prices continue to climb in our community. As a renter and a homeowner, Josh knows this firsthand. He is committed to increasing the amount of affordable housing in the region so that young families like his have a chance to live where they want. Coming from the real estate industry, Josh has experience with affordable housing programs funded by the federal government and the Commonwealth that blend the efficiency of the private sector with the commitment of the government. Josh recognizes that affordable housing should not be a partisan issue, and that it will take a collaborative effort to find solutions that work for everyone. As delegate, Josh will expand Virginia’s affordable housing programs so that families can spend more time together instead of commuting long distances.
EDUCATION
Josh understands the critical role that education plays in shaping the future of our Commonwealth. Josh is committed to working with educators, parents, and community leaders to make sure that every child in Virginia has access to a high-quality education. While Republicans in Richmond are busy attacking education, teachers, and even banning books, Josh will fight so that children are able to attend schools that are fully funded and staffed with qualified teachers who are paid what they deserve. Josh will work to ensure that our schools have the resources they need to provide a quality education to all students, and that teachers are treated with the respect they deserve.
WOMEN'S RIGHTS
With the recent Dobbs decision, the fight for women’s rights has reached a critical juncture. Josh believes that it is our responsibility to ensure that Virginia is a safe and welcoming place for women. He will fight against any attempts to restrict women’s access to reproductive healthcare, and will work to expand access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare for all Virginians. Josh also recognizes that the fight for women’s rights goes beyond reproductive healthcare. He will work to address issues such as the gender wage gap and access to affordable childcare. He is committed to standing up for women’s rights and making sure that every woman in Virginia’s 21st District is able to live a life free from discrimination and oppression.
HEALTHCARE
As a volunteer for the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps during the Pandemic, Josh saw firsthand how many families are still struggling to find affordable and effective healthcare. A champion of Medicaid expansion, Josh will fight for better access to primary care providers and important life-saving treatments. Josh also knows that it’s important to receive accurate and understandable medical information, which is why he strongly supports increasing the number of multilingual healthcare staff.
ENVIRONMENT
Having a background in real estate, Josh understands the toll over-development can take on our environment. As delegate, he will advocate for clean energy legislation and programs that allow greater access for individuals to take advantage of energy-saving resources in their own homes. As Virginians, we pay some of the highest energy rates on the eastern seaboard. Josh will fight for increased oversight of Virginia’s energy monopoly to alleviate the energy burden on families.
TRANSPORTATION
Part of our community’s success lies in safe, reliable, and direct access to Washington and its surrounding urban areas. As delegate, Josh will apply pressure to the Virginia Department of Transportation to keep the I-66 expansion on schedule and require accountability for failing transportation projects in the community. Josh understands that as the County continues to expand we must secure transportation funds now to prevent congestion and overdevelopment in the future. Josh is also a big proponent of non-car centric transportation infrastructure such as bike and walk paths, pedestrian bridges and generally more walking-friendly communities.
GUN SAFETY
We deserve to live in our communities without fear while still being able to maintain our rights under the Constitution. That’s why Josh believes in common-sense gun safety measures such as background checks, cool off periods, and red flag laws. It’s unacceptable that the Governor is refusing to fund these crucial programs that can prevent gun violence and save lives. Josh will fight to ensure that our communities are safe and that responsible gun ownership is balanced with the protection of our families and loved ones.
ECONOMY
Josh Thomas knows that a strong economy comes with expanding opportunities for Virginia’s working families and small businesses. As Delegate, Josh will be dedicated to fostering economic growth and enhancing affordability for our community. Josh is committed to ensuring that the cost of living remains low, enabling individuals and families to thrive without financial burden. Josh aims to build a prosperous economy that supports small businesses and benefits all working families.
