Dear Friend,
October is coming to a close and Election Day is around the corner. Happy belated Diwali to those who observe. The pace of events and activities is picking up in preparation for both the Holiday and pre-legislation seasons. I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the colors and changes of Fall.
Election Day
If you have not participated in early voting yet, you have until Saturday, November 5, to do so. Registration to vote in this year’s election has closed. If you don’t plan to vote by November 5, make sure you cast your ballot on November 8, election day.
Participating in elections is essential to ensuring our system of governance is fair, representative and productive. On this year’s ballot, Virginians will vote for their representative in the U.S. House of Representatives. You can see whose district you are currently in, and which of the new districts you will be voting in for this coming election at this website. Note that these are the first elections being held in the newly redrawn districts. On that same website, you can look into changes at the state level, which will be on the ballot for the June primary and November general elections in 2023.
Daylight Saving Time
November 6 at 2 AM, the previous period of Daylight Saving Time expires, meaning our clocks fall behind 1 hour. This will last until March 12, 2023.
There is some confusion on whether or not the practice of switching clocks between Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time is over. This arises from the U.S. Senate’s passage of a bill to keep the U.S. in Daylight Saving Time year-round. Although this bill did pass the Senate, it has not been acted upon in the House of Representatives, which it must also pass before heading to President Biden’s desk. Therefore, we are still set to fall back on November 6 and spring ahead on March 12. Plan accordingly.
JLARC Reports
On Monday, October 17, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) met to present their research and recommendations on several important issues such as affordable housing, progressive tax structure, gaming and the feasibility of a Petersburg Casino.
You can watch the entire presentation on Youtube here. You can read JLARC’s reports here.
Appropriations Tour of Hampton Roads Region
Earlier this month, I joined my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee (the committee that decides how taxpayer dollars will be spent), for a tour of the Hampton Roads Region. This tour affirmed my appreciation of some of our Commonwealth’s proud academic institutions, engines of commerce, and invaluable pieces of living history.
I throughly enjoyed seeing Fort Monroe, which is not only a National Historic Landmark but also the largest stone fort ever built in the United States, site of the future 1619 African Landing Memorial and host to a rich and diverse history. We also spent time admiring the natural beauty and facilities and accommodations of First Landing State Park, one of 41 state parks in Virginia.
We enjoyed a fascinating tour of the Virginia International Terminals and the Port of Virginia, which was recently recognized as a top-performing port in North America by The World Bank. We also visited another vital contributor to our Commonwealth, Newport News Shipbuilding, which is the sole producer of aircraft carriers and one of two producers of nuclear-powered submarines in the United States. Newport News Shipbuilding also has an abundance of exciting career opportunities. These destinations were exemplars in scale and technological primacy.
Additionally, our tour included Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University, an HBCU with 68% of its population receiving Pell Grants. Old Dominion University’s Institute for Coastal Adaption and Resilience has been a potent collaborator in promoting and advancing coastal resiliency efforts and innovation, both by leading projects and partnering with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. These two universities are excellently preparing our Commonwealth’s students for the future.
Richmond Civilian Review Board
Richmond City Council passed an ordinance to establish a Civilian Review Board. The City is now proceeding with its recruitment process to fill the positions on the board. You can read more about the process through this press release.
Urban Canopy Improvement Opportunities
As was laid bare in the study of Richmond’s heat islands, our urban canopy is vital. In addition to reducing average temperatures in their direct surroundings, our trees also manage runoff, prevent erosion and provide filtration. VCU offers a community forestry program that connects their Facilities Management office with neighborhood organizations to lead projects that will support the Urban Canopy. Visit their website to learn more.
Additionally, the James River Association is involved in many projects that not only support our urban canopy, but strengthen the James River ecosystem as a whole. They are currently looking for volunteers to help out with tree-planting projects at three Richmond Public Library locations. Plantings will be held between November 2-4. Visit this website for more information and to sign-up.
Lead Service Line Replacement
The City is providing assistance with replacing lead service lines in older homes. View this presentation for more information.
Broadband Updates
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has launched their Virginia Technology Initiative Project Dashboard. This website provides an overview of broadband development projects.
An additional resource of interest is the Federal Communication Commission’s “Affordable Connectivity Program.” This program provides significant discounts to internet service bills and can even provide discounted laptops and tablets for low-income households. Visit the program’s website for more information.
Leaf Collection Program
As Autumn advances, the leaves accumulate. The City has implemented several leaf collection options. Early and thorough leaf removal prevents risk of flooding and supports our City’s irrigation system.
Beginning November 7, residents can have up to 10 bags picked up on their trash collection days. There will also be periods where residents are not limited to how many bags they can leave out for collection. These dates vary based on each neighborhood.
The City can also assist in “DIY” leaf removal options. You can order bins for mulching and composting, or take your leaves to one of three collection sites.
Finally, the City also provides a leaf vacuuming service, for a fee. For more information on each of these services, visit the City’s website.
City Composting Program
Thanks to a $90,000 grant from the USDA, Richmond is piloting a city-wide composting program. You can learn more about the program here.
COVID & Flu Updates
As we enter the Fall and Winter seasons, you may want to take precautions against influenza and COVID. Vaccines are safe and effective measures, and are available at most pharmacies in our community. The bivalent vaccine for COVID is also available in Virginia and offers protection against the Omicron variant. The Virginia Department of Health’s website has information on this new vaccine.
To note, Richmond’s community transmission is currently low, but make sure to check other localities if you’re traveling.
Operation Catalytic Converter Crackdown
Authorities in Central Virginia are teaming up with local partners to try and prevent catalytic converter thefts, which have been on the rise. You can have your catalytic converter painted for free at participating locations.
Community Events
The Virginia Holocaust Museum is partnering with Virginia Public Media (VPM) to provide a screening and panel discussion of Ken Burns’ docuseries “The U.S. and the Holocaust.”
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture will be hosting family-friendly first Fridays starting November 4. They will offer extended hours of 5 - 8 PM, live entertainment, food trucks, and discounted beer and wine. Visit their website for more information and other events.
The Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch is hosting its annual book sale, November 4-5. In addition, the Library’s Annual Meeting will be held after the book sale on the November 4. More information available here.
The Woodland Heights Maker’s Day Arts & Craft Show will be held at Woodland Heights Baptist Church (611 West 31st Street) on November 5, 10 AM - 2 PM. It will feature over 40 vendors, food trucks, and a raffle. The event will benefit the Church’s food pantry. More information here.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has recently opened their “Storied Strings” exhibit and admission is free for state employees. State employees should make arrangements through 804-340-1405 and present their state ID’s at the visitor’s desk. Visit their website for more information.
Restaurant Week ends on October 30. There are 40 restaurants participating and proceeds benefit Feed More of Richmond. Visit their website to see participating locations.
American Civil War Museum has several exhibits and events such as book discussions and history happy hours. Check their website for more information.
The Valentine Museum is hosting the next event in their “Controversy/History” lecture series. This discussion will center on the future for transportation. More information and other events can be found at their event calendar.
Thank You
It is an honor to serve in the House of Delegates. Please never hesitate to contact me at delegate.carr@betsycarr.org or 804-698-1069 if I can be helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Betsy