Dear Friend,
Happy belated Rosh Hashanah to those who observe. I hope the new year brings you good health and good fortune. Meanwhile, there is much to be considered, viewed and experienced in our Richmond region and around the Commonwealth. Updates on Hurricane Ian, Special Session, special city projects, and more follow.
Hurricane Ian
My thoughts are with the communities who sustained heavy damage in Florida as well as those in the Carolinas. In Virginia, the Governor declared a state of emergency, allowing all state agencies to be prepared to help if needed.
Special Session
The General Assembly reconvened on September 7 to discuss an appointment to the vacancy at the State Corporation Commission. An agreement was not reached and the vacancy is expected to be left open until this coming 2023 Session.
Governor Youngkin’s Education Policy
Two weeks ago, Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Education released new model policies for school districts to adopt. This model policy rolls back much of the protection and privacy for transgender students that was adopted in 2020 legislation. The model policies that came from 2020 legislation resulted from the thorough and rigorous work of a group who sought the input of parents and stakeholders.
In contrast, the Administration chose to move unilaterally on this subject. This is an affront to the voices of the parents, teachers, and stakeholders who need to be heard. I am steadfast in my belief that all students need to associate school with a safe, productive learning environment. Our trans students are no exception. The Administration’s policies need to undergo a period of public comment before they take effect. To make your voice heard, follow this link. Public comment will close on October 26.
Early Voting Begins
Early, in-person voting is open. You can visit the registrar’s office or a satellite voting location to cast your ballot. Make sure you present a valid ID (see the link below for acceptable forms of ID). Early voting will continue until November 5 and you have until October 17 to register to vote. Election day will be on November 8.
Richmonders can expect a new ballot-on-demand system when they show up to vote early. Richmond needs to produce 77 different ballots, as the city has 77 precincts. This system will ensure that voters are receiving the correct ballot and that their votes are being accurately cast. When you go to vote, the system will print a ballot, you then enter the ballot and make your selection digitally. Once this is done, the system will print the ballot for you to place in the ballot box.
Visit the Department of Elections’s website for information on early voting, redistricting, early voting locations, and important dates.
Diamond District Update
The City has selected a development team to execute the Diamond District development project. RVA Diamond Partners was selected based on their proposal to convert 67.5 acres of under-developed, publicly owned land into a mixed-income, multi-use district. Highlights include an increase in the City’s housing stock, a new baseball stadium, parks, and plans to reintroduce the extra-curricular and recreational programs that had been provided in the Arthur Ashe Community Center.
Visit the City’s website for the most up-to-date information on the Diamond District.
Fall Line Trail Update
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of joining with Northside community members to learn more about the Fall Line Trail plans. This trail will connect Ashland, Richmond and Petersburg with a 43 mile long trail. It was inspiring to see the level of civic engagement that evening. The City’s office of Equitable Transit & Mobility is relying on feedback from residents to ensure the final product works for everyone.
You can learn more about the Richmond segment of the trail and submit comments on the City’s website. In addition, your neighborhood’s civic association can invite City officials to its meeting to increase awareness, ask questions directly, and voice concerns. The City’s team can be reached at connects@rva.gov or by phone at 804-646-3533.
Job Opportunities
Below are listed some employment opportunities that have recently been shared with me.
The Virginia Employment Commission is hosting a statewide, virtual job fair on October 5, 10 AM - 2 PM. Employers and Job-seekers can learn more and register at this link.
Additionally, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 666 shared their apprenticeship and electrician job boards with me. If you have less than 4 years experience, visit the Richmond Joint Apprenticeship Committee’s website to learn about some of their opportunities and to apply. If you have 4 or more years, visit the IBEW 666’s application portal here.
Richmond is seeking recruits for the Fire Department. You can learn about the position and apply at this website. Potential recruits can email firecareers@rva.gov or call 804-646-2500 to learn more.
FAFSA Application Assistance
Great Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP) is offering students and families assistance with completing their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Follow this link to find your student’s school to set an appointment with the GRASP counselor assigned to that school.
Grant Opportunities
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s Commonwealth History Fund is accepting grant applications until October 31. The grants are given to meaningful historical education and preservation projects. You can learn more about the grant and apply here.
The City provides grants to homeowners looking to replace lead water service lines. You can read more about the program, certified plumbers, and how to apply at this website.
State Tax Rebate
If you paid and filed state income taxes for the 2021 year you are eligible for a tax rebate. The State is issuing rebates in the order that taxpayers filed; the earlier you filed, the earlier your rebate will arrive. You do not need to do anything to initiate the rebate. Everyone should receive their rebates by November 1. Your rebate will arrive the same way you paid taxes, so many people will receive their rebate via direct deposit. If you sent a check, your rebate will come via mail. Individuals will receive $250 and couples will receive $500.
You can learn more and check eligibility at this website.
City Composting Program
Thanks to a $90,000 grant from the USDA, Richmond will now pilot a city compost program. There will be nearly 20 compost sites around the city where residents can drop their compost off. You can learn more about the program here.
Community Events
The Virginia Holocaust Museum’s Annual Meeting will be October 19, at 5:45 PM. Alec Hosterman, PhD, a professor at Longwood, will give the keynote address. He is also the creator of the “There’s Just Us” photo exhibit at the Museum. This exhibit displays his photos from the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville and is available until the end of the year. You can read more about the Annual Meeting and RSVP at this link.
The Richmond Folk Festival will take place October 7-9 at Brown’s Island. Visit their website to see the schedule and site map.
The Valentine Museum’s “History/Controversy” event series returns on October 4, 5:30-7 PM. The first discussion is titled “Disease & Disparity” and will take place in-person, at the museum. You can learn more and register here.
The Black History Museum has a special exhibition open now to April 29, 2023 to commemorate their 40th anniversary. The exhibition is titled “Forging Freedom, Justice and Equality.” You can learn more at the Museum’s website.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts exhibit “Tsherin Sherpa: Spirits” is available until October 16. A new exhibit, “Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art” opens October 8. Visit the Museum’s website for more information.
The American Civil War Museum has several upcoming events and programs including book talks, history happy hours, and their fall festival at Appomattox. Visit their event page for more information.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture has several upcoming events in October including their Virtual State of the Museum and a lecture on John Marshall’s legacy hosted by Supreme Court of Virginia Senior Justice William C. Mims and a surprise guest. Visit their event calendar for more information.
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond’s Craft + Design show will be at the Main Street Station, October 14-16. More information is available here.
Maymont’s Garden Glow returns October 13 - November 6. Visit Maymont’s website for more information and tickets.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s “Butterflies LIVE” ends October 10. See here for more information.
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