Spanberger’s bus tour brings affordability and education focus to Martinsville residents

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WSET) — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger visited Martinsville as part of her “Span Virginia Bus Tour,” which will take her to 40 stops across 11 congressional districts over eight days.

During her visit, Spanberger engaged with residents, visitors, and city leaders, including Mayor L.C. Jones, at Bewitched Diner to discuss her affordability agenda.

Spanberger emphasized her commitment to understanding the needs of Virginians. “Having conversations, asking the questions. What issues are important to you, and ensuring the people that I’m focused on issues I so frequently hear about, issues of affordability, housing, and healthcare, and energy bills. And I’m focused on putting Virginia on the path to having the best public schools in the nation,” she said.

SEE ALSO: Virginia lawmakers react after U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites

As a mother of three, Spanberger highlighted education as a top priority, aiming to enhance workforce training opportunities for K-12 and community college students. “In building out our education plan, I think there’s a variety of components that are key, and recognizing that students may choose to go off into a career or off to college, making sure that they are prepared for the workforce as they possibly can be, building upon what’s already working in parts of Virginia in terms of workforce training, connecting local employers with schools. Much of this is already happening at the local level, but certainly being able to drive it as a priority at the state level is extremely important,” Spanberger said.

Addressing recent attacks on Iran, Spanberger, a former CIA intelligence officer and former member of Congress, expressed concerns about the president’s actions. “Certainly, I have significant concerns about the president taking this action without consulting Congress,” she said. Spanberger emphasized the constitutional responsibility of Congress in matters of war, stating, “When we are looking at the potential for continued hostilities and potential leave and U.S. engagement in war, that is where Congress has the responsibility to be involved in those discussions. Not necessarily a check on the president, but frankly, it is constitutionally the responsibility of Congress to declare war.”

Spanberger expressed hope that the strike was isolated and called for greater communication and involvement of congressional leadership moving forward.

Her bus tour will continue with stops in Lynchburg, Appomattox, Prince Edward County, and Charlottesville.