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“My priorities include posturing our region for economic development in a competitive market, and working with localities who do not have an industrial park to locate an adequate and appropriate site to begin developing opportunities for job creation,” said Terry Austin.
Austin, currently in his fifth term as the delegate for District 19, is running as the Republican candidate for the new House District 37. The district includes Lexington, Buena Vista and the southern and western portions of Rockbridge County.
Austin was involved in the finalization of the state budget, which recently passed after significant delays.
“As a budget conferee, I had the privilege of being at the table for final negotiations and am proud of the budget that we passed. Though it is always my preference that the commonwealth have its budget finalized by July 1 of each year, redistricting delayed the process,” he said.
“Highlights include returning money back to Virginians, reinstituting the school tax holiday, increasing salaries for teachers and law enforcement, fully funding our Best Management Practices (BMP) programs for agriculture, and increasing funding for mental and behavioral health services.”
Looking ahead to the 2024 budget, Austin would prioritize economic development and put more money toward Interstate 81, for which he is chairman of the advisory committee.
In the 2024 session, he hopes to pursue further economic development initiatives.
“My priorities for the 2024 session are to advance economic development, job creation and site development in the Shenandoah Valley,” he said.
“The Virginia Horse Center is a tremendous asset for the region, and I look forward to promoting and growing the equine industry”.
Previously, Austin served on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors for 16 years, and on its planning commission for four. Currently, he holds a number of positions in the legislature.
“I serve as vice chair of Appropriations, chair of Transportation, and on the Rules Committee. I also serve as chair of the VA250 Commission, chair of the I-81 Advisory Committee, and am a member of the Joint Audit Legislative and Review Commission (JLARC), and Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission (MEI), and the Joint Subcommittee on Charitable Gaming.”
The 2023 elections will determine which party controls Virginia’s House of Delegates and the state Senate. Republican control would, Austin believes, provide more economic opportunity for citizens.
“Republicans are focused on defending our constitutional rights, decreasing unnecessary regulations, supporting law enforcement, funding to support mental and behavioral health, and passing common-sense legislation that creates economic opportunity in the commonwealth of Virginia,” he said.
Regarding abortion, Austin supports a ban after 15 weeks. “I support Governor Youngkin’s 15-week ban on abortion, allowing consideration for the mother’s health, rape and incest,” he said.
Austin believes his experience in the legislature makes him the best choice for the district.
“During my time in the legislature, I have accumulated knowledge and cultivated relationships on both sides of the aisle that have allowed me to better promote our region in Richmond,” he said.
