Dear Friend,
As we enter August, several community gatherings and holidays enter the horizon. I hope you are beating the heat and enjoying the dog days of summer. Below is an update on recent work of the General Assembly, upcoming community events, and helpful resources and reminders.
Special Session Update
The General Assembly convened for a special session on July 18. The House and Senate passed legislation that repealed changes to the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) that had been included in the compromise budget passed earlier this year. As mentioned in my previous newsletters, the VMSDEP program’s associated cost has grown exponentially with little guardrails prompting the Legislature and Governor to adjust the program to control the cost for institutions of higher education. Families who use the program expressed concern with the expedited effective date of the changes resulting in the repeal to allow for public input and further study of policy options. You can read about the General Assembly’s actions in this article from The Virginia Mercury.
Joint Subcommittee on Health & Human Resources Oversight
The Joint Subcommittee on Health & Human Resources Oversight met Tuesday, July 9, to receive updates on the Medicaid Unwinding process from the Department of Medical Assistance Services, as well as receive an update on the increase of Developmental Disability waiver slots from the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services. You can find the agenda for the meeting here and watch a recording at this link.
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 6, is National Night Out, a national effort to encourage communities to gather with local law enforcement and other first responders to strengthen sense of community, build productive and respectful relationships between communities and law enforcement, share important information to reduce crime and substance abuse, and celebrate togetherness amid Summer’s long days and warm weather. Gatherings are organized by civic associations and neighborhood groups and often include cookouts, parades, contests, and family friendly programs.
Festivities are organized by neighborhoods. To find out if your neighborhood is planning an event, get in contact with your local civic association. If you are unsure whom to contact, you can find a directory of civic associations at this link from the City of Richmond. If you would like to plan a National Night Out gathering and would like to coordinate a street closure and invite members from the Richmond Police Department, you can do so at this link.
Sales Tax Holiday
This weekend, August 2-4, will be Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday. Qualifying items are school supplies, clothing, footwear; hurricane preparedness items including generators and chainsaws; and qualifying Energy Star and WaterSense home appliances. For more information on qualifying items, visit this guide from the Department of Taxation.
Back to School
The first day of school for Richmond Public Schools is August 19. Families can reference this comprehensive webpage from RPS for back-to-school paper work, bus routes, checklists, and much more.
Additionally, there are numerous school supply drives happening in the coming weeks across the City. Whether your family could benefit from the drive or is in a position to contribute, you may be interested in the VCU Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive, happening August 8, at the Richmond Convention Center (more information here), the YMCA Bright Beginnings Program (more information here), or supporting RPS’s efforts to ensure students are set up for success (more information here).
Richmond People’s Budget
The Richmond People’s Budget is a new initiative from the City Government. A fund has been dedicated to responding to the most requested Capital Improvement Projects from each City Council District. Anyone 14 years of age or older who lives, works or studies in the City is invited to submit their proposals for projects. Later this year, voting will be open for citizens to review and support their preferred projects, which will then be moved forward and funded in Summer of 2025. More information can be found at the dedicated website for the Richmond People’s Budget.
Richmond Civilian Review Board
The City is accepting applications from City residents for the Civilian Review Board. The Board consists of 8 members, four appointed by the Mayor and four appointed by Council. Applications for Council-appointed seats are live and available at this link. Members will serve 3-year terms during which they will review police activity and make recommendations to City Government. You can learn more about the Civilian Review Board here.
Inclement Weather
Temperatures have remained high, with severe heat warnings being issued on a frequent basis. The City has set up cooling stations across the City including at Public Libraries. When temperatures reach 92 degrees or higher, the City has a walk-up inclement weather station at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue. More information available here. Additionally, the Department of Social Services has energy assistance services. More information here.
Additionally, we are in the middle of Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through November. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has a comprehensive guide including preparedness guides available here.
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 804-698-1078 if I can be helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Betsy