Virginia Governor Signs Water Rate Discount Bill

Virginia may implement a new water service system featuring a discounted rate structure. The proposed rates would specifically be available to lower-income customers. The report was provided by Michael Pope of Virginia Public Radio. Governor Abigail Spanberger is signing a bill that allows water utilities to offer discounted rates to low-income customers. The program targets individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Senator Dave Marston, a Democrat from Fairfax County, introduced the legislation. The bill aims to allow utilities to redistribute costs for those struggling to pay. A report from the National Institute for Early Education Research found that only 22 percent of all four-year-olds statewide are enrolled in the Virginia Preschool Initiative program. The program is restricted to children who are low-income or at risk. Localities maintain flexibility in determining eligibility for the program. Researcher Stephen Barnett stated that if enrollment is under 70 percent, the process is not functioning correctly.