Dear Friend,
I hope you and your family are finding time to enjoy the warm summer weather and are continuing to adjust to our evolving “new normal.” There are several reminders and updates that I want to share with you as well as an update on my proposed legislative actions in response to our community’s protests over the last few weeks.
Responding to Police Brutality
On June 4, I released a statement outlining several proposals in response to police brutality and the protests across our Commonwealth and country. You can read the press release here. Since then, I have heard from numerous constituents and supporters. Many have shared helpful ideas and constructive criticism. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I always appreciate hearing from you, even if you do not agree with me, because it helps me serve the 69th district in the best possible way.
I want to clarify that these legislative actions that I plan to take are in their early developmental stages. Before the 2021 legislative session, I plan to thoroughly research these issues and their impacts on all people as well as meet with stakeholders and other legislative members. Please continue to share your thoughts with me on these issues as well as any other legislative concerns or ideas that you would like to share.
Planned legislation:
Ban the use of chokeholds and other lethal restraints used by law enforcement
Implement the state-wide use of body cams
Ban the rehiring of police officers who have been previously cited for violence or abusive misconduct
Create safe and effective channels for police officers to report abusive situations within their ranks or among those who supervise them
Curtail the use of military equipment and tactics by local law enforcement
I have also called on City leadership to support the establishment of a Citizen Review Board that is separate from the police department and gives citizens an avenue to hold police accountable as well as the establishment of the Marcus Alert system, which will ensure mental health professionals are the first responders during a mental health crisis.
In my press release, I also mentioned cancelling police contracts with Richmond Public Schools. This is the measure that received the most feedback. Many respondents mentioned positive relationships with police officers and students at certain schools. I agree that this can be true for many students. Research has shown that Black students are disproportionately targeted by police officers in schools, which contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline. Prior to the cancellation of any contracts, I encourage a review of the Memorandum of Understanding between Richmond Public Schools and the Richmond Police Department as well as a closer look at the strength of relationship between officers and schools.
Finally, while the protests throughout the Commonwealth were in response to police brutality, as Justin Mattingly from the Times-Dispatch wrote, “…marchers are also demanding widespread changes toward equality across society. They’ve brought up economic disparities and differences within the criminal justice system. They’ve highlighted differences in educational attainment and housing.” Issues such as the mortality rates of Black pregnant women, shorter life expectancy, and access to affordable, quality health care are at stake. I look forward to continuing work on these matters of inequality as well.
2020 Census
There is still time to complete the census, if you have not done so already. You can participate by:
Visiting 2020census.gov
Calling 844-330-2020
Returning the questionnaire by mail (these were sent in March).
Approximately 4 out of every 5 households have responded online versus by phone or mail. In Virginia, around 65% of the population has responded so far, while the City of Richmond’s response rate is 56%. The results of the Census are incredibly important for our community as it impacts how federal funding will be allocated over the next decade (i.e. school lunches, highways, first responders, etc.) as well as how the district lines will be drawn in Virginia during our next redistricting.
Primary Day – June 23
If you live in the 4th congressional district, there is a primary on Tuesday, June 23rd. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you plan to vote with an absentee ballot, the deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you is Tuesday, June 16. You can request an absentee ballot here: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal/.
Personally, I am supportive of the incumbent, Congressman A. Donald McEachin. However, regardless for whom you choose to vote, one of the most important actions you can take as a citizen is to vote, and I strongly encourage you to do so.
Updates Related to COVID-19
While Virginia and Richmond slowly re-open, it is important to remember that COVID-19 still needs to be taken seriously. On Friday, Richmond will move into “Phase 2” of re-opening, meaning that while businesses and restaurants can begin opening with certain restrictions, we must continue to wear face masks in public, keep a distance of 6 feet from others, and opt to stay home as much as possible. Please visit www.rvastrong.com/reopeningguidance for more information and you can read “Guidelines for All Business Sectors” from the Governor’s office here.
While the Governor’s Executive Order 63 requires Virginians to wear face coverings in public indoor settings, there are a few exemptions:
Individuals actively eating and drinking at a food and beverage establishment;
Individuals who are exercising;
Children under the age of two;
A person seeking to communicate with a hearing-impaired person, for which the mouth needs to be visible;
Anyone with a health condition that keeps them from wearing a face covering.
Unemployment continues to be one of the top concerns I am hearing from constituents related to COVID-19. If you have lost your job or experienced a reduction in hours, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Please visit vec.virginia.gov or call 866-832-2363 for more information. If you are having issues getting in touch with Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), you can fill out this form and my office will follow up with the Constituent Services department at the VEC. Be mindful that due to the volume of inquiries, response times from the VEC are very slow.
Yesterday, Governor Northam issued guidance for how schools can reopen for in-person classes during the summer and the 2020-2021 school year. Justin Mattingly from the Times-Dispatch has a good summary, which you can read here. Local school divisions will have flexibility and discretion to implement strategies that best fit their area. Detailed information can be found here.
All eviction proceedings have been suspended through June 28 at the request of Governor Northam. Over the next few weeks, there will be announcements about a rent relief initiative, which is supported by the federal CARES Act funding. Visit StayHomeVirginia.com for more information and resources on tenant rights.
Important Resources for COVID-19:
General information on coronavirus, call Virginia Department of Heath (VDH) at 877-275-8343
Check your symptoms: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covidcheck/
Testing in the City of Richmond: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/
RPS meal distribution https://www.rvaschools.net/covid-19-food
Governor Northam’s updates on COVID-19 are now on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. You can watch it at www.facebook.com/GovernorVA.
It is an honor to serve you in the General Assembly. If you have any questions or concerns that I can help address, please email me at delegate.carr@betsycarr.org. Additionally, you can call my office at 804-698-1169 and leave a voicemail. My staff and I will respond to you as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Betsy B. Carr