Dear Friend,
I hope you and your family are staying safe and well. I have received numerous calls and emails from constituents who are being impacted by the ongoing coronavirus. Please continue to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns that I can help address. My staff and I are operating remotely, as the Capitol and Pocahontas Buildings are closed through at least the end of the month. However, you can leave a voicemail at 804-698-1169 and we will follow up as soon as possible, and you can email me at delegate.carr@betsycarr.org.
While the coronavirus has overwhelmed our lives, I wanted to provide you updates from the General Assembly’s legislative session, which adjourned sine die on March 8.
2020 Legislation
This was the first session in decades with a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate. There were many substantial issues addressed relating to gun violence prevention, raising the minimum wage, widening protections for the LGBTQ+ community, expanding access to voting, protecting the environment, decriminalizing marijuana, and repealing racially discriminatory language from the Commonwealth’s Acts of Assembly.
Equal Rights Amendment: One of the first actions of the General Assembly was passing the ERA, which made Virginia the 38th and final state needed to complete the ratification process.
Gun Violence Prevention: In response to the Virginia Beach tragedy in May 2019, the Governor had a package of eight gun violence prevention bills. Of those bills the following were passed by the General Assembly:
Universal background checks (HB2)
Requirements to report lost and stolen firearms (HB9)
Granting localities authority to determine how firearms may be regulated (HB421)
Preventing child access to loaded firearms (HB1083)
Establishing substantial risk protective orders (HB674)
Restoring a limit on the number of gun purchases a person can make per month (there are a number of exceptions, including for concealed-carry permit holders) (HB812)
Ensuring persons subject to a protective order do not possess a firearm (HB1004)
Workers’ Rights: The House and Senate agreed on legislation that raises the minimum wage over the next three years to reach $12/hour by 2023. Effective January 1, 2021, minimum wage will increase to $9.50/hour (HB395). This measure helps working families and Virginia’s most financially vulnerable citizens. Additionally, local governments and their public employees - such as teachers and firefighters - have the opportunity to collectively bargain (HB582).
Discrimination Protections: A number of bills were passed creating new protections for the LGBTQ+ community and other groups, such as women who are pregnant.
Allowing localities to prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, credit, and education on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (HB696).
Adding crimes (such as assault and battery, property damage, and other offenses that cause violence) that a multi-jurisdiction grand jury may investigate as a hate crime on the basis of race, religious conviction, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, color, or national origin (HB787).
Banning discrimination against sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, pregnancy, childbirth, and disability in employment, housing, and public spaces (SB868). Virginia joins 20 states and DC and will become the first state in the South to protect LGBT people from discrimination.
Banning the practice of conversion therapy on minors by licensed professionals (HB386).
Allowing Virginians to select a third gender marker option on DMV licenses and IDs (SB246).
You can review a more comprehensive list of bills related to LGBTQ+ legislation on Equality Virginia’s website.
Voting Rights: Several measures to make voting more accessible and flexible for voters passed including:
Making election day a state holiday instead of Lee-Jackson Day (HB108)
Implementing “no excuse” absentee voting (HB207)
Allowing voters to enroll in a permanent “vote by mail” program without having to fill out an absentee ballot application for each election (HB240)
Ensuring that mail-in ballots postmarked on election day can be counted (HB238)
Permitting voters to register on election day at their local registrar’s office (HB201)
Criminal Justice Reform
Any person sentenced to a term of life imprisonment for a felony offense committed while that person was a juvenile and has served at least 20 years can be eligible for parole (HB35).
Raising the grand larceny threshold from $500 to $1,000 (HB995).
Decriminalizing simple possession of marijuana and establishing a civil fine of $25 (HB972).
In the event of an overdose, an individual is not subject to arrest or prosecution if that person or the person for whom they are seeking help seeks emergency medical attention as long as that person remains at the scene and identifies themselves to law enforcement. The immunity provided in the legislation do not apply if the overdose occurs during the execution of a search warrant or lawful search and arrest (SB667).
Environment: It is vital that we protect and conserve our precious environment, particularly for future generations. Several bills were introduced and passed that provide large scale protections as well as those aimed at behavioral changes for consumers.
Authorizing the Commonwealth to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (HB981).
Creating a path for Virginia to move toward 100% renewable energy by 2050 with the Virginia Clean Economy Act (HB1526).
Creating the Virginia Environmental Justice Act to promote environmental justice and ensure it is carried out throughout the Commonwealth (HB704).
Removing barriers to distributed generation of solar energy in Virginia (HB572).
Casinos and Gaming: After the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission released their study in 2019, which you can read here, several bills relating to commercial casino gaming were introduced.
HB4 and SB36 passed the General Assembly which allow casinos in five cities - Norfolk, Portsmouth, Richmond, Danville, and Bristol - upon voters’ approval during a referendum in November. The City of Richmond must give preference to a federally recognized Virginia Indian tribe. Each time a local referendum is approved, an additional 600 historical horse racing terminals will be authorized up to 2,000 statewide. Proceeds from the tax revenues will go to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, Virginia Indigenous People’s Trust Fund, and the Family and Children’s Trust Fund. Sports betting (which excludes Virginia colleges and universities) and the sale of lottery tickets through the Internet were also authorized.
Redistricting Reform: SJ18, a constitutional amendment, passed the General Assembly and will be decided on by voters in November. It establishes the Virginia Redistricting Commission of 16 members and will establish districts for the United States House of Representatives and the Senate and House of Delegates of the General Assembly.
I have and always will be a strong proponent of non-partisan redistricting, having introduced such legislation in all my terms. I believe that voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around. However, we must acknowledge and address the long history we have in this country and in Virginia of suppressing the voices at the ballot box of African Americans and other minorities. With this in mind, I was concerned about the constitutional amendment as written because it does not adequately protect those vulnerable voices.
Notably, the constitutional amendment has several flaws: The appointment of 8 legislators - partisan elected officials - to the Commission and the outsized authority given to the Supreme Court, which has not been reliably non-partisan. A constitutional amendment creates a virtually permanent change, one very difficult to undo.
Therefore, I supported a substitute that was presented and ultimately failed. It was a vote against gerrymandering and created a process for truly non-partisan districts while protecting the voices of minorities.
Additionally, HB1255 passed and provides criteria by which congressional and state legislative districts must be drawn and ensures that districts are drawn fairly and competitively. I voted for this legislation and am glad that it passed the General Assembly.
Betsy's 2020 Legislation
This session, I introduced 21 pieces of legislation, of which 17 passed the General Assembly. Additionally, I sat on the Appropriations, General Laws, Transportation, and Rules committees and chaired the Appropriations Higher Education, General Laws Open Government and Procurement, and Transportation Systems subcommittees.
Two of my bills were aimed at changing consumer behavior in terms of litter and plastic use:
HB533 bans expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) food containers provided by food vendors by 2025; this bill had a re-enactment clause and must be passed again next year in order to become effective. There are many affordable alternatives to styrofoam food containers. Additionally, while styrofoam only accounts for 1% of all waste, it is one of the most frequently littered items and makes up 10 to 40% of litter found in streams.
HB534 allows localities to impose a five cent tax on single-use plastic bags at certain retailers beginning January 1, 2021. Revenues will go toward environmental cleanup and the provision of reusable bags for SNAP and WIC recipients.
HB542 implements a JLARC recommendation (read it here) and intends to require regional, rather than local-only, planning for water usage. The State Water Control Board will create regional planning groups where they do not already exist.
HB1101 provides local governments, the private sector, and nonprofit housing providers an additional tool to incentivize the inclusion of affordable housing in new residential and mixed-use developments.
You can review all of my legislation here.
The Budget
The budget passed with a bi-partisan majority and includes $47.95 billion in general fund spending and spends an estimated $46.23 billion with $2.13 billion in balances from prior years and transfers. However, the final budget that is approved by the Governor will look different because of the tremendous financial impact on state revenues by the coronavirus. You can read The Secretary of Finance’s comments on the state financial outlook at the Times-Dispatch.
Again, please keep in mind that many of these measures may undergo modifications because of the detrimental coronavirus impact to the Commonwealth’s budget.
K-12 Education Spending
Teacher salary increases: $290.5 million provides a 2% pay increase per year for SOQ teachers and school staff.
Funding of $46.1 million provides for one counselor for every 325 students.
At-risk Add-on: $61.3 million increases Virginia’s supplement for students from low-incomes families up to 1-23% more in 2021 and 1-26% more in 2022.
School divisions with projected enrollment loss that have less than 10,000 students receive a total of $4.6 million.
Health Care
Medicaid reimbursement: $96 million provides for increases or modification of rates for several providers and facilities.
Personal Care Workers: $84 million provides for 7% rate increase per proposed minimum wage increase and allows up to 16 hours of overtime.
Funding of $34 million is provided for the Medicaid Dental Benefit.
Paid family and medical leave (PFML): A study will be conducted on the development, implementation, and costs of a state PFML program.
Higher Education
Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back (G3) Program: $71 million funds the Governor’s G3 program and includes outreach support for the Virginia Community College System.
College affordability: Along with tuition freeze requirements, $79.8 million is provided for in-state undergraduate affordability at public institutions. Additionally, $60.5 million provides need-based financial aid for in-state students and $17 million for undergraduate education for students with high financial needs at Virginia State University and Norfolk State University. Finally, $12 million increases the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program for students attending private colleges and universities.
Other Important Funding
State and state-supported local employees will receive 3% bonuses in 2021 and a 3% pay increase in 2022, totaling $290.1 million. State police receive compression adjustment and pay increase instead of bonus.
Providing for the minimum wage adjustment, $6 million makes funding available to state agencies and higher education.
District and circuit court clerks receive a total of $11.5 million to increase clerk staff pay and provide for additional district clerk positions.
The Virginia Land Conservation Fund receives $11 million and $6 million goes to the water quality fund as well as $10 million in bonds for the oyster reef project.
The Housing Trust Fund receives $46 million in increased funding and focuses on permanent supportive housing.
Community Updates
Due to the coronavirus and our collective effort to socially distance in order to “flatten the curve,” most community events have been cancelled. RVA Hub has a comprehensive list of Richmond area event closures and postponements.
However, there are still many ways we can explore Richmond and the world as well as support local businesses from the comfort and safety of our homes.
At-Home Activities for Everyone
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts brings art to you with their remarkable permanent collection of 50,000 works of art, all available online and searchable by category, keyword, time period and more. Additionally, the VMFA is an excellent resource for at-home activities for children, and you can learn about Louis H. Draper, a remarkable artist and Richmond native.
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture has an excellent archive of video and audio lectures.
You can also explore museums around the world from the Guggenheim Museum in New York to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul to the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.
Story Time from Space sends children’s books to the International Space Station, which are then read aloud by astronauts.
Get Some Fresh Air
Richmond public parks remain open, as of now. You can take a walk, ride your bike, and stay active while maintaining a six foot distance from other community members. Not only is getting outside and moving around good for your physical health, it will help relieve stress. However, please understand that you must adhere to the Governor's orders of no groups of 10 or more people. Mayor Levar Stoney has indicated he will shut down our public parks due to non-compliance.
Support Local Businesses
Many local businesses are struggling during this time. You can still support them by purchasing gift cards and getting takeout or delivery at local restaurants.
Donate Blood
Giving blood is incredibly important right now. The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage due to blood drive cancellations. If you are a healthy individual, you can donate blood to help patients who are counting on it. You can read the guidelines and determine your eligibility at redcrossblood.org.
2020 Census
Between March 12 and March 20, you should have received your invitation to respond to the 2020 Census in the mail. Depending on where you live, you may receive it in both English and Spanish. You can also complete it on the phone or online in 13 languages. It is important to complete this as it helps ensure fair representation and is part of your civic duty. Visit https://2020census.gov/en.html for more information.
Prescription Drug Take Back
Walmart is starting a program aimed at preventing prescription drug misuse and abuse. In July 2020, 27 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in Virginia, including in Richmond, will have prescription drug disposal kiosks. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study found that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from a home medicine cabinet. Walmart will continue to partner with local law enforcement on the twice-annual Take Back Day medication collection events. In addition, some local police precincts have provisions for receiving unused prescription drugs. There is an at-home opioid prescription disposal product, DisposeRx, that is provided at no cost.
Free Assistance with Lead Based Paint Hazards
Lead paint is dangerous, unhealthy and can severely harm the brain and nervous system development of children under 6 years old. It can still be found in many older homes within the City of Richmond. In partnership with the City of Richmond and project:HOMES, the Richmond Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program provides federal funds for free testing and repairs for homes with at-risk children or pregnant women as well as homes that children visit for at least 6 hours a week. Program eligibility is also based on your income. If you are interested in this program, you can contact project:HOMES at 804-718-0517 or email Emily Hurley at emily.hurley@projecthomes.org.
Update on the Coronavirus
As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the Commonwealth and country, I urge you to continue taking smart measures to protect yourself and others. The following is a breakdown of local, state, and federal updates as well as resources that may be helpful to you and your loved ones. Please note that information is continuously changing and this information may be less accurate at a later date.
Jobs
While many have unfortunately experienced a reduction in hours or a loss of their job, there are some retailers and other businesses who are hiring. You can read more about it at the Times-Dispatch. Information related to filing for unemployment can be found below under "The Commonwealth's Response."
Access to Food
You can text “FOOD” to 877-877 to find food resources available closest to you.
Additionally, if you are a senior, many grocery stores are offering “senior shopping hours” so you can minimize your risk of getting the coronavirus. NBC12 reported on several stores that have time set aside for older customers.
As you are shopping, remember that other people need necessary supplies (such as hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and bread) as much as you do.
City of Richmond Response
The City of Richmond will be closed through at least the end of the month. Certain services such as fire and emergency services management and utility emergencies are still available. You can review the list and information on accessing the City services you need here. You can call the City of Richmond and Henrico County’s “Coronavirus Hotline” at 804-205-3501 every day from 8 am to 8 pm for public health related questions.
Richmond Public Schools will be closed through the end of the school year for both students and staff. According to Superintendent Jason Kamras, high school seniors on track for graduation will still receive diplomas this year and students will not be held back due to school closure. If you have questions related to school closure or Richmond Public Schools' policies and procedures during this time, you can submit them here. If you have a student at home, the Department of Education has issued a "Parent Handbook," which you can find below under "The Commonwealth's Response."
Finally, RPS is offering grab and go meals at a number of locations throughout the City. You can find the meal distribution sites and other school resources here.
The Commonwealth’s Response
The Commonwealth is under a State of Emergency. Governor Northam is hosting updates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on the coronavirus and the Commonwealth’s response via Facebook live: www.facebook.com/GovernorVA. Tune in at 2:00 p.m.
At this point, the Governor has taken the following executive actions (you can read them all here and here is a FAQ for Executive Order 53):
Social Distancing: Prohibits Virginians from non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people and asks those with chronic health conditions or aged 65 or older to self-quarantine. State and local authorities can disperse crowds in public exceeding the 10 person limit.
Businesses: Mandates and provides enforcement for all restaurants to close but allows provide carry-out and takeaway options. Recreation and entertainment businesses are considered non-essential and must close to the public. Essential retail establishments (such as grocery stores) may remain open and should adhere to social distancing recommendations and enhanced sanitizing practices. Non-essential retail is limited to no more than 10 patrons or they must close. All other professional businesses must utilize telework as much as possible. Violations of the executive order may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Support for Workers: Waives the one-week waiting period and enhances eligibility for unemployment benefits to ensure workers can receive benefits as soon as possible. Find more information at www.vec.virginia.gov.
Utilities: The State Corporation Commission issued an order directing utilities, such as electric, natural gas, and water companies in Virginia, to suspend service disconnections for 60 days to provide immediate relief for any customer, residential or business, who may be financially impacted by COVID-19.
Healthcare: Increases access to healthcare by eliminating all co-payments for services covered by Medicaid and expanding access to telehealth services, including allowing Medicaid reimbursement for providers who use telehealth with patients in the home.
Child Care: Increases support and flexibility for families enrolled in Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy program and issues guidance for childcare providers, which includes limiting capacity to 10 individuals per room and prioritizing care for children of essential personnel.
Schools: The Department of Education sent guidance to school divisions on how to continue instruction and has a "Parent Handbook" for school-aged children.
Taxes: Requests the Department of Taxation to extend the due date of payment of Virginia individual and corporate income tax. It is now due on June 1, 2020. Business impacted by COVID-19 can also request to defer their state sales tax for 30 days.
DMV: Suspends the enforcement of Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections for 60 days. The DMV’s 75 offices are closed to the public. Online services remain available, which includes renewing a license or vehicle registration. If you cannot renew online, the DMV will grant a 60-day extension.
Courts: The Supreme Court of Virginia granted a judicial emergency. From March 16 through April 6, non-essential, non-emergency court proceedings in all district and circuit courts are suspended (there are exemptions). This includes new eviction cases for tenants who are unable to pay rent as a result of the coronavirus. The Virginia Poverty Law Center has issued guidance on evictions and tenant's rights, that you can read here.
You can get up to date information on the Governor’s Health and Safety Measures, which includes information for workers, employers, utilities, healthcare, childcare, and more at https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus-updates/.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Health is a good resource for fact-based information and statistics on the spread of the coronavirus. Information is updated daily at noon.
The Federal Response
The Center for Disease Control remains a critical source of information on the coronavirus’ spread nationally. Visit coronavirus.gov to stay abreast of new information.
On March 5, an $8 billion emergency spending package to combat the spread of the virus on the local, state, and national levels was passed by the federal government and signed by the President. Additionally, the "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" passed and provides for paid sick leave, free testing, and expanded unemployment benefits. The Senate passed a $2 trillion stimulus bill, which hopes to give Americans some relief, aid to health workers on the front lines, and support companies. The bill includes a $367 billion loan program for small businesses and $500 billion lending fund for industries, cities, and states. Many Americans can expect $1,200 checks. Unemployment insurance benefits have been enhanced and eligibility expanded with workers receiving an additional $600 weekly for four months (on top of state unemployment benefits). Keep in mind that the House has not yet voted on this legislation.
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses. The deadline to file your federal taxes has been extended to July 15, 2020.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development authorized the Federal Housing Administration to halt foreclosure and evictions for the next 60 days.
The US Small Business Administration approved an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Virginia. Small businesses and nonprofit organizations can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses.
It is an honor to serve you in the General Assembly. Please contact me at 804-698-1169 or email me at delegate.carr@betsycarr.org if you have any questions or concerns that I can help address.
Sincerely,
Betsy B. Carr
