Virginia families are being told to prepare for higher taxes.

A policy memo reviewing legislation introduced this session estimates that certain tax proposals could raise more than $37 billion over the next five years. These proposals include payroll taxes, potential income tax changes, and other revenue measures that would affect working Virginians and employers across the Commonwealth.

At the same time, Virginia Senate Republicans have publicly stated that Democrats voted to give themselves what has been described as a 300% legislative pay increase.

If Virginians are being asked to pay more, lawmakers should not be voting themselves dramatically higher compensation.

Whether that increase is characterized as 300% or otherwise, the principle is simple: families struggling with affordability should not watch elected officials enrich themselves while expanding government revenue.

Public service is not supposed to be a path to higher personal gain during times of fiscal strain. If legislators believe higher taxes are necessary, they should demonstrate shared sacrifice.

We are calling on Democratic leaders in the Virginia General Assembly to suspend any legislative pay increases during any fiscal year in which new taxes or major tax hikes are enacted.

If Richmond politicians expect more from taxpayers, they should start by holding themselves to the same standard.

Virginians deserve affordability, accountability, and fairness.

Sign this petition to tell Virginia Democrats: no pay raises while taxes go up.