Dear Friend,
We are wrapping up our second week of the legislative session and picking up the pace in the committee process. I have enjoyed meeting with many constituents and advocacy groups on zoom and in-person. Additionally, thank you to those who have emailed me about your legislative priorities. Currently, I am hearing from many constituents about their concerns with protecting the progress made over the last two years. Please know that I have and will continue to support, promote, and protect the progress we have made.
Advocacy Group and Constituent Meetings this past week:
Virginia Young Democrats
National Federation of the Blind
Recovery Advocacy Day
Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day
Medical Society of Virginia
Richmond Academy of Medicine
Virginia Space Grant Consortium
Virginia Citizens Defense League
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
United Campus Workers
Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth
Students from Randolph Macon College
Current Issues I am hearing from constituents:
Protecting the LGBTQ community
Protecting the right to vote as well as the restoration of voting rights
Providing quality, affordable health insurance for realtors
Banning solitary confinement
Maintaining funding for trails in the Governor’s budget
Maintaining funding for the Pediatric Cancer Support Navigators
Increasing access and opportunities for affordable housing
Increasing rates for community-based services
I always enjoy hearing from constituents and advocacy groups during the session and throughout the year. If you would like to schedule an appointment, you can find a time that works for you here: https://calendly.com/delegate-carr/15min
I am taking in-person and zoom meetings. If you would like to meet in-person, please review my COVID policies for the session. Basically, please wear your mask and provide proof of your COVID vaccination before your meeting.
You are also welcome to email me your legislative priorities and concerns at delegate.carr@betsycarr.org.
Another way you can share your priorities is through my legislative survey, available here.
Important Session Links:
Schedule an appointment with me
Take my 2022 Legislative Survey
Watch session at noon each day via livestream (as well as committees and subcommittees)
Sign up to speak virtually in a committee or subcommittee through HODSpeak (you can also do it in-person)
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Facebook
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Monday, January 17, the House of Delegates honored the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with several moving speeches on the House floor. My Richmond colleague, Delegate Delores McQuinn, offered a particularly inspiring speech, which you can view here:
Free COVID At-Home Test Kits
As of January 19th, the federal government is providing four free at-home covid tests to each household. I highly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. You can visit covidtests.gov to order your test kits.
Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order #2
Shortly after his inauguration, the Governor issued several executive orders. One of interest is Executive Order 2, which lifts the existing mask mandate in schools. Please note that a Governor’s executive order cannot supersede state law. During the 2021 session, SB1303, passed the General Assembly and became law. The bill mandates in-person instruction but also requires each school division to adhere to CDC protocols. Current CDC guidelines recommend universal masking for all students and staff over the age of two years old.
As COVID cases continue to rise, we need to take precautions to protect our students and staff. Masking is an effective tool in preventing the spread of this virus and is critical to maintain in-person learning. The Virginia PTA and the American Academy of Pediatrics have spoken out in favor of keeping mask mandates.
Richmond City Public Schools announced that they will continue their 100% masking requirement for all faculty, staff, and students. I applaud Superintendent Kamras’ leadership on this very serious issue.
Statement on Governor Youngkin’s Appointment of Andrew Wheeler
Outside of legislation, one of the most frequent messages I have received from constituents regards the appointment of Andrew Wheeler as Secretary of Natural Resources. Mr. Wheeler’s track record as head of the Environmental Protection Agency under former President Trump makes him a concerning choice to head this vital department. As you know, I am a long time advocate for protecting our precious natural resources. I will vote “no” on his nomination.
Contacting the Governor’s Office
I have heard from several constituents that they attempted to contact the Governor’s office through his online form but had issues. If you would like to contact the Governor’s office about your concerns, you can email constituent.services@governor.virginia.gov. Additionally, you are welcome to email me so that I can advocate on your behalf at delegate.carr@betsycarr.org.
Virginia Alternative State Aid Application
Virginia students who are ineligible to complete the federal FAFSA form (this includes undocumented students and those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) can access Virginia financial aid through the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) Application. Please share this with any students you know who may fall in this category.
Thank You
It is an honor to serve in the House of Delegates. Please never hesitate to contact me if I can be helpful to you. I look forward to hearing from you about your legislative priorities during the 2022 session.
Sincerely,
Betsy