Before partisan redistricting gerrymandered Virginia into hardcore red districts and hardcore blue districts. the expression of “The Virginia Way” described our legislature in Richmond.  It was a time when elected politicians forgot the heated rhetoric of campaigns and worked together across party lines to actually deal with issues.  Honor and honesty were taken for granted.

Today, heated rhetoric continues to the Chamber floors, making it impossible to work across party lines.  And, our last governor is headed to jail, along with his wife.  “The Virginia Way” has become a sad reflection of an earlier age.

While I no longer feel the pride of being a Virginian, I still love the geographical diversity, the four seasons, and the abundance of history. However, a new survey has given me some cause for pride again.

Can you believe that Virginia is now one the top ten states in terms of financial literacy?  Our high school dropout rate is down to 1.9%.  The percentage of Virginians with a savings account is up to 40%.  We are #3 in “Knowledge and Education” about personal finance!

How did this happen?  Who deserves the credit?  Regardless, I’m delighted to see it and wish I could “high five” somebody . . . Keep it up, Virginia!!