All information on this page courtesy of Sister District Project:  https://sisterdistrict.com/candidates

Michael's Stand On the Issues

Environmental Protection

Michael knows that clean energy is crucially important in Virginia Beach as the community faces the impacts of climate change in our coastal region every day. He is committed to combating recurring flooding, sea level rise, and promoting resiliency in coastal Virginia through supporting renewable energy jobs in Virginia Beach. Michael is also committed to protecting our environment and knows that offshore wind power would bring economic and environmental benefits to this region. He has led the fight for an environmentally friendly future for Virginia Beach that puts hardworking community members first.

Funding Education
As a proud product of Virginia Beach Public Schools and the son of a teacher, Michael understands the critical role educators play in shaping students’ futures. He is working to fully fund public schools, reduce class sizes, and ensure Virginia attracts and retains top-tier educators.

Gun Safety
A military veteran and responsible gun owner, Michael knows firsthand the dangers of firearms in the wrong hands. He continues to support common sense gun safety reforms, including expanding background checks, strengthening Virginia’s Red Flag law, and enforcing safe storage requirements to prevent gun violence and protect communities.

Veterans’ Job Training
As a veteran and small business owner, Michael has worked to equip fellow veterans with high-tech skills for careers in clean energy. He continues to push for expanded transitional skills training programs to ensure veterans have access to quality job opportunities in the community.

Affordability 

Michael is dedicated to addressing the pressing affordability needs of the Virginia Beach community. He is fighting to lower middle-class taxes, reduce prescription drug and health care costs, and make housing more affordable. Having experienced the challenges of rising costs as a business owner, he remains committed to modernizing processes that hinder small business growth. Virginia Beach has also seen skyrocketing rents since the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael has been working with community members from first-time homeowners to people experiencing houselessness, to enable him to advocate for affordable housing solutions for the people of Virginia Beach. 

Michael's Legislative Accomplishments

HB 1595: Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program 

Status: Passed

This bill increases access to the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program by making eligibility and award requirements subject to Adjutant General regulations, eliminating up-front payment obligations, simplifying academic performance criteria, and ensuring grant funds are disbursed directly to institutions for student accounts. Identical to SB 1106.

HB 1868: Property Tax Exemptions for Surviving Spouses of Members of Armed Forces Who Died in Line of Duty

Status: Passed

The bill clarifies that the real property tax exemption currently available to the surviving spouse of any member of the armed forces of the United States includes the death of any such member that was the result of suicide.

HB 2751: Discrimination Prohibited for Military Family-Owned Businesses

Status: Passed

The bill prohibits any public body from discriminating against a bidder or offeror in the solicitation or awarding of contracts based on military family status, and facilitates participation of military family-owned businesses.

HB 1616: Offshore Wind Industry Workforce Program and Fund

Status: Vetoed

An act to direct the Department of Energy director to identify and develop training resources to advance workforce development in the offshore wind industry.

HB 2645: Early Childhood Care and Education, membership expansion.

Status: Approved

An act to amend and reenact § 2.2-208.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Commission on Early Childhood Care and Education.

HJ 434: Coastal Storm Risk Management Studies

Status: Passed

This bill directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the methodology for determining non-federal sponsor contributions by localities to conduct coastal storm risk management studies in the Commonwealth.

HB 327: Inclusive Housing Plan for Individuals with Disabilities

Status: Passed

The bill requires the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to create a plan to help people with disabilities access affordable and inclusive housing. The plan, which will include those affected by a 2012 legal agreement, must be submitted to the House and Senate committees by November 1, 2025.

HB 701: Landlord Obligations for Maintenance Notice and Timely Repairs

Status: Passed

The bill requires landlords to include the last possible date for routine maintenance in the notice provided to tenants. Additionally, landlords must complete the maintenance within 14 days of notifying the tenant. This ensures tenants are informed and maintenance is carried out in a timely manner. The bill passed on March 8, 2024, and was signed into law.

HB 1361: Virginia Public Procurement Act; Resident Preference

Status: Passed

This bill gives procurement preference to Virginia residents and U.S.-produced goods. If a Virginia resident’s bid is within 10% of the lowest non-resident bid, they can match it. It also grants Virginia residents similar preferences if other states offer them.

HB 374: Establishing a Virginia Minority-Owned Business Commission

Status: Passed

The bill establishes a Minority Business Commission through 2028 to promote the growth and competitiveness of Virginia minority-owned businesses.

HB 673: Resilient VA Revolving Fund

Status: Passed

The bill gives additional weight to projects located in low-income geographic areas and projects that incorporate nature-based solutions when distributing loans or grants from the Resilient Virginia Revolving Fund.