Dear Friend,
The days are shorter and the holidays are right around the corner. I hope you find time to relax, enjoy time with loved ones and celebrate any holidays you may observe. Following is an update on the elections, state legislative news and local news.
Top left: greeting early-morning voters with Councilwoman Jordan. Top right and bottom: speaking with voters.
Tragedy at the University of Virginia
As many were across the Commonwealth, I was devastated to learn about the deaths of three University of Virginia students, and the injuries of two others, resulting from gun violence late on Sunday night. My deepest condolences are with the families of the victims and the UVa community.
Election Day Results
Last Tuesday, Virginians voted for their congressional representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. For residents of Richmond, Congressman Donald McEachin remains our congressional representative. Nationally, Democrats lost 8 seats in the House and 1 in the Senate. The Senate race in Georgia will head to a run-off election and 5 House races have yet to be called.
The Virginia Public Access Project’s “After Virginia Votes” discussion provides in-depth analysis for Virginia’s elections. You can watch the discussion, which was streamed this past Tuesday, at this link.
JLARC Reports
On Monday, the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission (JLARC) met to give another round of reports. This time, they presented their findings on higher education financial aid grant programs, the pandemic’s effect on K-12 education, and Virginia529’s surplus fund.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch summarized and discussed JLARC’s findings on the pandemic’s effect on K-12 education in this article. It is clear that we need to prioritize our student’s mental health and support our teachers. Student behavioral issues and teacher workforce development are pressing issues that need to be resolved in order to ensure our Commonwealth’s students are reaching their full potential.
You can watch the full JLARC presentation at this link and read their reports here.
Clockwise from top left: Senator Mark Warner at the Richmond Ambulane Authority to send an ambulance off to Ukraine, Major General Timothy Williams, Cheryl Williams, and Senator Ghazala Hashmi at the Virginia War Memorial for the Commonwealth’s Veteran’s Day Celebrations, “Ambulances for Ukraine” with Chip Decker (CEO of Richmond Ambulance Authority) and Councilwoman Katherine Jordan, Discussing affordable housing legislation with the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission staff, the Department of Housing & Community Development staff, Virginia Realtors Association, Homebuilders Association of Virginia and the Virginia Housing Coalition.
Board of Education Rejects Youngkin’s Proposed Changes
Yesterday, the Board of Education rejected Governor Youngkin’s proposed changes to the K-12 history standards. The Governor’s proposed changes were an inappropriate attempt to whitewash history, even going as far as to mislabel Native Americans as “America’s first immigrants.”
Although I am encouraged that this draft was rejected, it will be revised and voted on again. I am hopeful that we will not shield our children from uncomfortable truths and that we will prioritize an accurate account of history. Failing to do so only ensures that the of yesterday’s misdeeds pervade our tomorrow.
Appropriations Committee Retreat
This past Monday, November 14, the Appropriations Committee met to hear reports from staff and Commonwealth official. The presentations included reports on “business-ready sites,” inflation and supply chain issues, as well as the State’s revenue, debt and capital outlay.
You can view the presentations here.
The Hunt Institute Education Conference
At the end of October, I attended the Hunt Institute’s 2022 Virginia Education Summit.
I heard enlightening reports on topics such as reassessing student evaluations in higher education, free-speech on college campuses and the pros and cons of linking post-secondary funding to state-measured metrics.
You can read the key takeaways of all the summit’s presentations here and view other Hunt Institute Publications on their website.
Clockwise from top left: Elizabeth & Steve Yeakel at the Richmond Public Schools Shines Gala, Thad Williamson & Adria Scharf also at RPS Shines, Speaking with community members in Richmond’s West End, At Enterprise Holding’s ribbon cutting for their new Richmond Airport location.
Legislation for the Upcoming Session
The 2023 Legislative Session will begin Wednesday, January 11, 2023, and adjourn Saturday, February 25, 2023. If you have an idea for potential legislation or have priorities you would like to share with me, do not hesitate to contact me. I will need to submit requests for drafts for potential legislation by December 1. You can email me at delegate.carr@betsycarr.org or call my office at 804-698-1069. Reach out and we will schedule a time to meet, whether virtually or in-person, to discuss.
At this point, I plan to submit, among other things, a number of JLARC recommendations concerning affordable housing, that were outlined in previous JLARC reports. You can read these reports here.
Changes to Richmond’s Zoning
Richmond has been considering three zoning changes. They include short-term rentals, parking requirements and accessory dwelling units. The City of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review is hosting three meeting times to draft recommendations for the proposed zoning changes.
The first two meetings will happen virtually on Microsoft Teams. The first meeting will be December 6, 12 PM. The second meeting will be December 8, 6 PM.
The final meeting will take place December 13, 6 PM, at the Main Public Library (101 East Franklin Street).
You can find out more about the meetings and the zoning changes at this link.
Speaking and Meeting with Virginia College Advising Corps and Virginia529 staff.
RetirePath by Virginia529
Virginia529’s newest savings program, RetirePath Virginia, will give eligible employers across the Commonwealth a simple way to help their employees save for the future, with no employer fees, no fiduciary responsibility, and minimal administrative requirements. Virginia businesses that don’t offer a workplace retirement plan may be eligible to participate in the RetirePath Virginia pilot starting in early 2023. Interested employers are invited to learn more and apply at this link by December 9, 2022.
Pilot participants will receive dedicated support and the chance to be featured in statewide promotional materials. The program is available to for-profit and non-profit Virginia businesses with 25 or more eligible employees, operating for more than two years, and not currently offering a workplace retirement savings option. RetirePath Virginia is scheduled to start by July 1, 2023, with phased registration for eligible Virginia employers.
The James River Park System Grows
The James River Park System has grown by 3.46 acres, technically. A portion of the Buttermilk Trail ran through private property, and there were concerns that these portions would have to be closed if an easement was not agreed to.
Now an easement is no longer required for a portion of the trail as Josh & Carrie Belt Rogers chose to subdivide their lot and donate a 3.46 acre lot that contains the trail network to the Capitol Region Land Conservancy, ensuring the trail will remain open for generations to come.
Clockwise from top left: Touring Seibert’s Towing, Visiting Northside YMCA with Abigail Farris Rogers (Richmond YMCA’s President and CEO) and Delegate Lamont Bagby, With Emily & Sam Altman at Richmond Public Library’s Centennial Celebration, with Peter Blake (Director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia & Richmond Public Library Foundation Board Member) and Scott Firestine (Director of Richmond Public Libraries) also at RPL’s Centennial event.
Richmond City Real Estate Tax Relief
On Monday, Richmond City Council voted to keep real estate tax stable amid the rising assessment values that have concerned many in the city. Additionally, the City reaffirmed support for additional programs to combat displacement caused by growth. One such measure is a bill I introduced last Session, and will again this coming Session. It is a Long-Time Owner Occupant Program (LOOP) to offer tax relief to those who have been in their house for a substantial amount of time, but do not yet qualify for the senior citizen tax relief. These homeowners are often stalwarts in their communities and should be supported.
Affordable housing is a priority of mine and I am pleased to use my position to help tackle this crucial issue.
GRASP Speakers
GRASP (GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program) has launched a Speakers Bureau to provide experienced GRASP counselors to speak at schools. GRASP’s presentations include topics such as a FAFSA walkthrough, admissions in a test-optional world and many others.
To schedule a GRASP counselor, email advising@grasp4va.org.
Lead Service Line Replacement
The City is providing assistance with replacing lead service lines in older homes. View this presentation for more information.
At the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s “Grand Event” with Peggy & Dan Siegel and Inge Horowitz; John Mitchell, Ida Mitchell and Susan & Pete Boisseau at a community event, Meeting with Damian Pitts of VCU’s Institute for Sustainable Energy & Environment (ISEE), Meeting with Cynthia Brittain, Marshall Terry and Dylan Bishop of the Virginia Governmental Employees Association.
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.
Through the program, 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.
Dominion Bill Assistance
Colder temperatures and high fuel costs are sure to lead to some very high bills this winter. Dominion offers several bill assistance programs. Their bill assistance is available to customers despite income level. Seniors, veterans, and those with a disability may qualify for additional assistance.
Visit this link to not only learn about Dominion’s bill assistance program, but also for other resources like how to identify a utility scam.
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.
Visit this website for more information.
Clockwise from top left: Presenting a commending resolution to Peggy Singlemann (outgoing Director of Park Operations & Horticulture of Maymont) with Parke Richeson (Executive Director of Maymont), Touring Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with Matthew Bruning (board member), Brian Trader (President/CEO) and Alice Baker (Chief Advancement Officer), Museum District Association’s (MDA) Annual Meeting with Susan Fourness, Karen Lebo, Katherine Hartwell and Boz Boschen; Janine Doyle (Incoming MDA President) and Alison Schutzer (MDA City Liaison).
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.
Community Events
The Giving Heart’s 18th Annual Thanksgiving Feast will be held from 11 AM - 2 PM on Thanksgiving day at the Richmond Convention Center. Orders can be submitted at this link. Those interested can also reach out Vicki Neilson of The Giving Heart by email at vneilson@thegivingheart.org or by phone at 804-749-4726.
The Science Museum of Virginia’s 45th Annual Model Railroad Show will be November 25-27. Visit the event page for more information.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s “Gardenfest of Lights” will open on November 21 and remain open until January 8, with closures for Thanksgiving and December 24 & 25. Advance online tickets are required. Visit their website for more information.
The Visual Arts Center offers art classes for adults and children on topics such as woodworking, sewing, drawing and much more. Visit their website to see the schedule.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture exhibits and events, including their family-friendly first Fridays, can be viewed here.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts “Storied Strings” exhibit is open until March 2023. “Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour — Frederick Douglas,” a new mulit-screen film exhibit opens December 10. Visit their website for more information.
American Civil War Museum features exhibits and events such as book discussions and history happy hours. Check their website for more information.
The Valentine Museum has several “Richmond Short Stories” programs throughout the rest of November. Additionally, the next lecture in their “Controversy/History” series will be on December 6 and will focus on housing in Richmond. Visit The Valentine’s website for more information.
The Black History Museum’s “Forging Freedom, Justice and Equality,” exhibition commemorates the Museum’s 40th anniversary. More information is available here.
Clockwise from top left: Greeting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on its way to Washington, Meeting with Christie Marra of the Virginia Poverty Law Center and Bryan Moorefield & Mary Beth Yates of Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME of Virginia), Meeting with Sue Patow & Christa Donohue of Read to Them; Virginia Kids Belong benefit with Dr. Danny Avula, Melinda and Bob Sledd.
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