Jeremy R. Bennett, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), recently spoke to participants in the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership’s Emerging Leaders Program as part of the program’s annual “Budget Game” day.
The “Budget Game” is a highlight for many Sorensen alumni, offering participants a hands-on opportunity to grapple with the complexities of state and local fiscal decision-making. Bennett kicked off the day with a conversation on the intersection of state and local education budgets, educational policy, school construction, and advocacy before the Virginia General Assembly and the Executive Branch.
His remarks aligned with one of the three policy projects being developed by this year’s cohort, giving participants valuable context on how counties approach school funding challenges, the importance of partnership with the state, and the role of advocacy in advancing resources for Virginia’s students and communities.
“Virginia’s counties are on the front lines of education funding and school construction,” Bennett noted. “Our work with the General Assembly and Governor’s Office is essential to ensuring that students have safe, modern classrooms and that local governments have the resources they need to deliver quality education.”
About the Sorensen Emerging Leaders Program
The Sorensen Institute’s Emerging Leaders Program brings together young professionals and rising leaders from across Virginia for intensive training on policy, governance, and leadership. The program’s signature “Budget Game” simulates the difficult tradeoffs lawmakers face when balancing priorities, preparing participants for future roles in public service and civic leadership.
VACo congratulates this year’s Emerging Leaders cohort and thanks the Sorensen Institute for the opportunity to highlight the critical connection between local government, education policy, and state decision-making.
VACo Contact: Jeremy R. Bennett