Dear Friend,
Summer is beginning to wind down and school has begun. I hope you and your loved ones have had an enjoyable summer to be topped off with Labor Day observances and are looking forward to the change in climate and scenery as we welcome fall. The General Assembly is set to reconvene for a brief session on Wednesday, September 7th.
First Day of School
Richmond Public Schools kicked off the 2022-2023 school year on August 29th. Make sure your children are up to date on their immunizations and are set with the supplies they need to succeed. You can find all the information you need for back-to-school at this site and read RPS’s most recent COVID mitigation protocols here.
For all teachers and professors, Rostov’s Coffee & Tea is having a 10% off discount until October 15th as long as a valid school ID is shown at the register.
Monkeypox
The Richmond and Henrico Health District (RHHD) has recently expanded eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine. You can fill out a vaccine interest form at: https://redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=3FPA3WNRKX , but beware that the RHHD is working to get vaccines to those most at risk first. You can find more information about symptoms, testing, FAQs, and vaccination at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/monkeypox.
Inflation Reduction Act
Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act and it was signed into law on August 16, 2022. This important piece of federal legislation contains a suite of provisions to curtail the rising cost of living. It targets drug and healthcare costs; supports clean economy initiatives like electric vehicles and renewable energy sources; and many other things.
If you like to learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act, visit this website.
Student Debt Cancellation
The White House and the US Department of Education recently announced a three phase student debt relief plan. This plan extends the federal debt repayment pause through the end of the year. Payments on federal student debt will not resume until January 2023. Additionally, the plan offers debt forgiveness of up to $20,000 dollars to Pell grant recipients and $10,000 for borrowers who did not receive a Pell grant. To qualify, borrowers must have an income below $125,000 or $250,000 for households. The plan also has measures to make repayment systems more manageable moving forward.
Additionally, if you have worked in public service for 10 or more years, you may be eligible to have all of your debt forgiven. This is through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). If you think this applies to you, please visit this site, as applications close October 31st, 2022.
If you want more information on the changes to student debt forgiveness, visit this site. You may also want to subscribe to emails from the Department of Education to be alerted when the application portal for debt forgiveness opens.
I am committed to making sure higher education is affordable in Virginia. That is why I sponsored a study in the state budge to analyze student debt holdings and find ways to address the challenges of student debt burden.
Expansion of Medical Amnesty
I was proud to carry and fight for a safe reporting law in 2015 that protected individuals from being prosecuted from reporting an overdose. A recent Appeals Court ruling expanded the interpretation of this law in two important ways. First it expanded the law to apply to not only overdoses, but '“life-threatening conditions,” such as suicidal thoughts. Second, it ensured that one does not need proof that they are having an overdose to safely report.
This is an important step in making sure those suffering from drug abuse and addiction receive the proper help, both to stabilize them short-term and help them rehabilitate in the long term. I was proud to carry this harm reduction bill in 2015 and I look forward to continuing work in this area in the future.
Virginia Housing’s “Power of Home” Art Contest
2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Virginia Housing’s founding. To help celebrate their anniversary and all the tremendous work they’ve done, Virginia Housing created an art contest called the “Power of Home.” Participants will create one piece of original art that represents what the “Power of Home” means to them. Submissions will remain open until 11:59 P.M. on October 15th. Virginia Housing will be awarding a total of $20,000 to the winners of their three contest categories: school-age students, adult amateurs, and adult professionals.
Visit their 50th anniversary page for more information on not only the art contest, but Virginia Housing’s impressive history. You can submit your artwork here.
House Page Program
The House of Delegates is accepting applications for the House Page program. Applicants must be either 13 or 14 by the start of the 2023 legislative session, January 11th. Pages have a unique experience and are a vital part of Session. For more information visit this publication from the House Clerk’s Office. Applications can be submitted here.
Executive Mansion Re-Opens
After being closed for two years, Virginia’s Executive Mansion is open for the public to tour on Fridays, 10 AM - 4 PM.
The Mansion is the oldest purpose-built executive mansion to still be resided in by a governor. More information on the history and tours of the Executive Mansion can be found at its dedicated website.
Conversations with Richmond’s Commonwealth’s Attorney
Collette McEachin, Richmond’s Commonwealth’s Attorney, is hosting the third part of her “Conversations with the Commonwealth.” The Commonwealth’s Attorney will be available to answer citizens’ questions.
The event will take place at the Second Baptist Church (Branches Shopping Center, 3300 Broad Rock Boulevard), September 14th, 6 PM- 7:30 PM.
City Zoning Changes
The City has completed a series of tele-townhalls regarding some zoning changes. There are now three zoning ordinances to be considered. The first is regarding short-term rentals like AirBnbs. The second ordinance is to eliminate parking minimums. The final ordinance is to permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). You can read about these ordinances, watch the previous tele-townhalls, and complete a survey regarding these three topics on the City’s website. Note, the survey closes September 9th.
Exciting Grant Opportunities
Several exciting grant applications have recently opened.
The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) has opened up a request for proposal for a new round of three year funding aimed to support community efforts to reduce and prevent childhood obesity. Proposals are due by Monday, October 17th at 5 PM. Read more about the grants here.
Dominion Energy is accepting proposals for up to $50,000 for environmental education and stewardship projects. You can learn more about qualifying organizations and project guidelines here.
The City of Richmond is offering a grant to encourage improvements to façades in the Arts and Cultural District, along the Broad street corridor. The grant will reimburse for up-to one half of the project’s cost. More information is available on the City’s website.
Virginia Statewide Rail Plan
The Department of Rail and Public Transportation is conducting a virtual public meeting on September 27th to discuss the Virginia Statewide Rail Plan. You can read about the plan, register for the upcoming meeting, view previous meetings, and navigate DRPT’s Rail Database at this website.
Dominion’s HVAC Health & Safety Program
Dominion’s HVAC Health & Safety Program offers no-cost installation of energy-saving products to qualified customers.
If you are eligible, then a local weatherization expert will examine your home and then return to install the energy-saving products, all at no cost to you.
You can find more information about the program, including who is eligible and how to get started here.
In addition, the Department of Housing and Community Development also runs a weatherization assistance program. For more information, visit this website.
Congressional Internships
The office of Congressman Donald McEachin is accepting applications for internships in his D.C. office, as well as his two district offices. Those interested should visit his website to apply.
Run Richmond 16.19
The Run Richmond 16.19 race will be Saturday, September 17th. This event will include three different race distances; 16.19 miles, 16.19 kilometers, and 6.19 miles. This race is the first event in a series initiated by the Djimon Hounsoun Foundation called “Africa Reconnect,” which includes events in three cities: Richmond, Virginia; Liverpool, United Kingdom; and Ouibah, Benin. This transatlantic event series seeks to provide a homecoming and reversal of the slave trade. Learn more about the event series here and read about the Run Richmond 16.19 race and register here.
Fall Line Trail Public Meeting
Members of Richmond’s Northside community will meet on Monday, September 19th at Linwood Holton Elementary, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, to discuss the planning of the Fall Line Trail. The Fall Line Trail would provide a roughly 43 mile long connection between Ashland, Richmond and Petersburg.
You can find more information about the meeting here and about the Fall Line Trail here.
Community Events
The Armenian Food Festival will be held on September 9th and 10th, 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM at St. James Armenian Church (834 Pepper Avenue). More information is available here.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture has several exciting events coming up in September including an outdoor celebration with food and music to celebrate Virginia’s Distilleries, lectures, movie mythbusting, and some excellent exhibitions. If you would like to plan a visit to the renovated museum, head to their website to get started.
The Library of Virginia’s (LOV) Annual Literary Awards Celebration will be on October 14th and 15th. Preparing to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2023, the LOV is one of the oldest agencies and an invaluable repository for our Commonwealth. Check their website for upcoming events.
The Byrd Theater has some excellent screenings and events coming up. Some events will feature Bob Gulledge on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Maymont plans to have an Oktoberfest-style celebration to bring in the fall season, September 23rd and 24th. Participants can enjoy live music, excellent food and admire the 18 state champion trees and 1 national champion that call Maymont home.
The Valentine Museum has walking tours of interest in the area. Check their event calendar for more information.
You can read about other local arts and cultural events at this link.
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