Governor’s labor and economic development nominees outline priorities to senators

Two members of the governor's cabinet-designate appeared before the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to introduce themselves and outline early priorities.

Jessica Luman, introduced by the chair, said she was nominated by Governor Spanberger to serve as secretary of labor for the Commonwealth and stressed worker-protection priorities, including preventing and addressing wage theft and ensuring that "every single worker gets paid what they should be paid on payday," and that workers return home safely. "I really look forward to implementing Governor Spanberger's vision for growing an economy that ensures Virginia is a place where good jobs are created," Luman said.

Carrie Chenery, the nominee focused on economic development, described a statewide approach to attract businesses across the Commonwealth by aligning infrastructure and workforce needs. Chenery said she will work across secretariats on affordability, energy, and housing to ensure incoming employers have what they need to succeed. "We have a real opportunity to make sure that growth ... is surrounded by the right set of factors to make that happen," Chenery said.

Senators offered brief thanks and there were no committee votes recorded on the introductions during the abbreviated session.