Dear Friend,
Spring’s temperate spirit is slowly ceding to Summer’s abundance of heat and daylight. I hope you find ways to stay cool and enjoy seasonal celebrations. Following is an update on some news of interest to our Commonwealth’s citizens.
Monroe Park Shooting
Yesterday afternoon, a tragic shooting occurred in Monroe Park, just after Huguenot High School completed their graduation ceremony in nearby Altria Theatre. Seven victims were shot, and two of them, a graduate and his father, did not survive. This senseless violence occurred on what was to be a joyous and momentous day for these students. Our children deserve much better than this.
Primary Election
Tuesday, June 20, is primary election day in Virginia. Richmond residents will vote in either a Senate or a House primary, possibly both. Early voting will continue Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, as well as Saturday June 10 & 17 at the Richmond Registrar’s Office (2134 West Laburnum Avenue).
You can find who is on your ballot and learn more about your new district by entering your home address into the main page of the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP). You can also visit the Department of Elections’ website to view your registration status and find your polling location. Lastly, to look at a map of your new district, visit this website from the General Assembly and enter your home address. It will display your current representation and give an option to view the new maps.
Hurricane Season
June 1 marked the beginning of Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through November. It is important to ensure you are prepared for any potential storms. Monitoring local news stations will keep you updated for upcoming weather systems.
In the event of a storm, make sure your house is properly stocked with emergency materials and your home is secured to the best of your ability. You can find guidance on emergency checklists, house preparations, and much more at this comprehensive website from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. In case of power outages or downed lines, you can report them to Dominion at this link.
US Debt Limit Bill
President Biden signed the US Fiscal Responsibility Act to suspend US debt and prevent a first ever US default, which experts believed would trigger economic recession. You can read more about this legislation at this link.
Worth noting, the agreement included several concessions. One of which was a permitting provision for the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Our Congresswoman, Jennifer McClellan, led her House Democratic colleagues in submitting an amendment to remove this provision from the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Senator Kaine, with support from Senator Warner, submitted an identical amendment in the Senate. The amendments were unsuccessful. You can read more here.
Additionally, the legislation will bring new work requirements for some recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Able-bodied recipients without dependents and aged 49 to 54 will be required to work or attend training for 80 hours a month.
Richmond City Budget Adopted
Richmond City Council adopted the City’s budget for fiscal year 2024. You can read more about the budget at this link.
Medicaid Redetermination
The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and the Department of Social Services (DSS) have been working to redetermine medicaid recipients’ coverage, a process which was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure Virginians had access to proper healthcare during the novel virus’ proliferation. DMAS & DSS will redetermine coverages throughout 2023. If you are a medicaid recipient, the most important thing to do is ensure your contact information is up-to-date and correct. You can learn how to update your contact information, sign-up for newsletter updates, and learn more about the redetermination process at this link.
Richmond Charter Review Commission
The Richmond Charter Review Commission has been tasked with reviewing the City Charter and making recommendations for its improvement. They have held several meetings to engage the public in this process. Additionally, the public is invited to fill out this survey before June 21.
Cannabis Control Authority Town Hall
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) is hosting town halls across the state. These town halls are intended to allow the public to meet the CCA’s board of directors as well as some agency employees. The CCA will also share their mission and short-term priorities. The town hall will feature discussion where members of the public can share their perspectives and ask questions.
The next town hall will be June 13 in Chester at Brightpoint Community College (13101 US-1, Chester, Virginia 23831). It will also be streamed online at this link. If you would like to speak virtually, use this link to sign up to do so.
2023 Governor’s Awards on Volunteerism Nominations
Nominations are open for the 2023 Governor’s Awards on Volunteerism & Community Service. Awards will be given across 10 categories that include individuals and groups. You can find the guidelines here and can nominate an individual or group at this link.
Richmond Planet Commemorative License Plate
Virginia license plates that commemorate The Richmond Planet, a historic newspaper that was created by former enslaved men during the Jim Crow Era and vastly expanded by its editor John Mitchell, Jr., are soon to be available. Although The Richmond Planet closed for business in 1996, its impact and legacy are inextricable from Virginia’s History. You can read more about these commemorative plates in this illuminating article from Michael Paul Williams in The Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Richmond Public Library Summer Reading Program
Richmond Public Library’s free, summer reading program will begin June 10 and run until August 5. It is completely free and participants will have the opportunity to win prizes. You can learn more and sign up 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