Attorney General Jay Jones marked his first 100 days in office on May 2 by highlighting a series of legal actions, defending voter rights, securing tobacco settlement funds, and honoring public servants supporting crime victims.
The update from the Office of the Attorney General outlines efforts to protect Virginians’ rights, lower costs for residents, and ensure public safety. The office provides civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs according to the official website. Jones said his team has worked to defend the will of voters in court regarding redistricting certification and other electoral matters.
“My responsibility is to represent the people of Virginia, and whoever got the most votes wins. The votes have been tallied, the votes have been counted, and so now we’ll go to court to make sure that we enforce that, because voting is our most sacred and special right,” said Jones. He also stated: “My office has been fighting to make sure that this is resolved quickly so that the people of Virginia have clarity as to what’s happening with our electoral processes here in the Commonwealth.”
In addition to election-related work, Jones announced nearly $110 million received by Virginia from major tobacco companies as part of an annual settlement award. “These funds will enable Virginia to continue enforcing our tobacco laws, and direct essential funding to programs like the Virginia Healthcare Fund and the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth as they work to combat underage tobacco use. My office will always hold those who do wrong by Virginians accountable,” he said.
The Attorney General’s office also recognized public servants during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week at its Unsung Heroes Award Ceremony. “The people that we are recognizing don’t do this work for recognition. They do it because somebody needs to be heard. To listen is where the work truly begins — ensuring that the overlooked, the dismissed or the forgotten are always seen,” said Jones at this event.
Jones further highlighted ongoing initiatives including defending constitutional rights through legal counsel provided across state agencies while promoting public safety throughout all regions of Virginia according to information on their official website. The Attorney General addresses issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy efforts according to their official site as well.
Other services offered include consumer protection resources focused on identity theft prevention and fraud reporting according to their official website. Miyares holds position as 48th Attorney General serving all Virginians according to their official site.
