Dear Friend,
With session set to adjourn sine die on March 12, bills are quickly moving through the House and Senate and meetings are winding down. Below are updates from the General Assembly, interesting reports, and community news.
Important Meetings and Events Last Week
VCU Student Government Association
Future of the Beauty Industry Coalition
Sentara Healthcare
University of Virginia Legislative Reception
Everytown for Gun Safety
The Family Foundation
Virginia Tech Legislative Reception
Randolph Macon College Legislative Reception
Titan America and Concrete Paving Association
Virginia Credit Union
Tour of the New General Assembly Building
SeaGrant Seafood and Wine Reception
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Sportsman Caucus
Habitat for Humanity
New CNU State of the Commonwealth Report
Last week, Christopher Newport University released results of their “State of the Commonwealth” report, which you can read here. Respondents reported the following:
59% preferred spending state budget surplus on underfunded government services, such as education, public safety and social services
38% responded that they would rather the state provide tax cuts or rebates
63% reported students should be taught all American history, including the existence of systemic racism
56% reported preferring leaving mask decisions to local school boards
58% opposed abortion bans
67% supported Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
67% support the Virginia Clean Economy Act
70% supported School Resource Officers in all schools
Side by Side Budget Comparison
Last week I provided an overview of the House budget, which you can read here. The Commonwealth Institute (TCI) releases an annual side-by-side comparison of the introduced (Governor’s) budget, the House Appropriations Report and the Senate Finance report. I encourage you to review this helpful comparison to get a better understanding over the differences in the budgets. On Wednesday, March 2, the House and Senate will appoint conferees to HB29/30 and SB29/30 to resolve the differences for the final budget report.
Review TCI’s budget comparison here.
HOME & BHMVA Conversation Series
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) and the Black History Museum of Virginia (BHMVA) will discuss important housing issues in Virginia throughout March and April. Each talk will be presented by HOME directors and a guest subject matter expert. Limited in-person tickets are available for purchase and also the program will be live-streamed for virtual registrants.
Thursday, March 3: Combating Segregated Housing Patterns
Thursday, March 17: The Black/White Homeownership Gap
Thursday, March 31: Virginia’s Unstable Housing Environment
Thursday, April 14: The Role of Fair Housing Organizations
For tickets and more information, visit this website.
CDC Masking Update
Late last week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provided new guidance for mask wearing based on your “community level.”
Community levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels are low, medium, or high and determined by hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.
Low Level: Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms.
Medium Level: If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions, stay updated on your COVID-19 vaccines, and get tested if you have symptoms.
High Level: Wear a mask indoors in public, stay updated on your COVID-19 vaccines, get tested if you have symptoms, additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness
This new CDC information is a guideline. You may choose to wear a mask at any time. If you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19, you should wear a mask.
At the time of this writing, the City of Richmond is labelled as “medium level.”
You can read more about the new guidance and find the COVID-19 Community Level Check here.
Virginia’s Response to Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Governor Youngkin directed a review of state procurement and divestment of Russian holdings by universities and the Virginia Retirement System this past Saturday in support of Ukraine. Additionally, ABC stores in Virginia have pulled several Russian liquor brands from their shelves. Senator Mark Warner recently spoke in favor of these measures and applauded the executive and legislative branches for their calls to action.
The United States and other NATO nations have already started implementing economic sanctions against Russia over the past week.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch notes that this is not the first time a Virginia Governor has called for this type of response. In 1990, then-Governor Wilder called for state agencies and universities to sell holdings tied to South Africa in a protest against apartheid.
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine represents a major threat to democracy worldwide. The courage, bravery, and fortitude of the Ukrainian people is inspiring. If you would like to help in some way, NPR shared resources on how you can help.
Governor’s Fellows Program
The Governor’s Fellows Program is a prestigious opportunity for rising college seniors and recent college graduates to get a firsthand look at the executive branch. The program has been active since 1982. Fellows work alongside the Governor’s Cabinet and staff, learn about state government and assist in essential work for the Commonwealth.
Qualified applicants must be rising college seniors, graduating seniors, or graduate students. All Virginia college and university students are eligible to apply. Virginia residents attending out-of-state colleges and universities are also eligible.
The deadline to apply for the Program is Monday, March 28. Interviews begin on March 30 and decisions begin on April 18. The program runs from May 30 to July 29.
To apply, visit this website. Please email any questions to govfellows@governor.virginia.gov.
New DMV Service Model
Beginning on Wednesday, March 2, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will expand access to DMV Customer Service Centers by offering both appointments and walk-ins Monday through Friday. Saturdays will remain open for walk-ins at offices with Saturday hours.
To find more information, schedule a DMV appointment, or complete your transaction remotely, visit dmvNOW.com
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. I look forward to hearing from you about your legislative priorities during the 2022 session.
Sincerely,
Betsy B. Carr