I strongly oppose the proposed fee increases in Action 6414 / Stage 10416. As a soon-to-be nursing graduate, this proposal is particularly discouraging. New nurses are already burdened with student debt while entering a profession that demands a high level of training and responsibility yet often does not offer adequate compensation. Adding increased licensure fees only exacerbates the financial strain and may deter new graduates from staying in Virginia’s workforce.

With ongoing staffing shortages and rising workloads, the Board should be supporting nurses, not adding barriers. I urge you to reconsider and explore alternative funding solutions that do not place additional financial burdens on current and future nurses.