January 20, 2025 Newsletter
Dear friends,
The first week of session has concluded, and we are preparing for the week ahead. In this newsletter, I provide an update on some of my legislation and share engagements from this past week. Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and for staying informed.
Committee Meetings are Underway
Because of the unfortunate delay to the start of Session, a delay that was caused by the water crisis faced by the city of Richmond, this week represented the true beginning of the 2025 Session. The loss of the first three days means that some Committees are doubling up on their weekly meetings, others are docketing many more bills for each Committee meeting, and the days are very long indeed.
My Committee assignments are the following:
- Chair, Senate Education and Health (and its four Subcommittees)
- Senate Finance and Appropriations (and two of its Subcommittees)
- Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
- Senate Transportation
- Senate Rules
On Thursday, I chaired the first meeting of the Senate Education and Health Committee meeting. Additionally, I presented one of my major bills this session: the omnibus bill that seeks to address the significant funding concerns of our public schools, This bill addresses the state’s shortfalls in supporting public education, the disproportionate burden that is carried by our localities, and the need to lift the cap on support personnel in our school districts. The bill passed out of the Education and Health Committee and will soon be heard in Senate Finance and Appropriations.
A Busy Week of Community Interactions in the General Assembly
In addition to reviewing legislation, discussing bills in my various committees, presenting my own bills to Senate colleagues, and consulting with a variety of stakeholders as we continue to work on legislation, the days of the General Assembly are also quite busy with press conferences, meetings with constituents, and opportunities to engage with a variety of organizations that visit the General Assembly to champion their legislative priorities. Here are a few of the engagements that my office had this week:
Monday’s efforts began with a press conference jointly held with Protect Our Care, The Commonwealth Institute, Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, and other key stakeholders. We shared the good news about the success of the state exchange and encouraged Virginians to sign up for health insurance through the marketplace by the newly-announced Jan. 22 deadline. Protect Our Care is also calling on Congress to extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits which will expire at the end of 2025 without Congressional action.
On Tuesday, I joined a second press conference with the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy to highlight the legislation for Faith in Housing that I am carrying in collaboration with Delegate Betsy Carr. This bill empowers local governments to better address housing needs by helping faith communities and non-profit organizations transform property and land into affordable housing.
Later that morning, I also joined the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce to share my priorities that impact business communities across that state, including supporting our workforce through educational programs, increasing access to internships, and providing accessible and affordable childcare for employees.
That same morning, Daily Planet Health Services representatives shared the joint priorities of the Virginia Community Healthcare Association for community health centers across Virginia, which serve over 377,000 patients. I look forward to supporting efforts that provide accessible and comprehensive health services regardless of income or insurance status.
On Wednesday, students from the Al-Madina School of Richmond participated in an Interfaith Day of Action and visited my office to share their priorities for health equity, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, support for working families, and voter protections.
Late that morning, I also met with members of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to discuss priorities to increase music education for K-12 students in partnerships with school districts in Southeast Virginia. As Chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, I look forward to increasing student opportunities in creative arts.
On Thursday, advocates from CASA shared their priorities for immigrants and working-class families, including increasing the minimum wages and tenants rights.
Later that afternoon, my team met with advocates from Church World Services as they shared the journey of refugees and asylum seekers in Virginia. Their priorities centered around housing, a top concern for so many around Virginia.
Friday was brightened by a visit from the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center leadership team and advisory board. The internationally-renowned Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center continues to provide care, support, and hope to countless patients and their families each year.
Connecting With My Office
My office can be reached at the following:
Email: SenatorHashmi@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: 804.698.7515
If you were forwarded this email, you can sign up to receive my office’s weekly newsletter here.
— Ghazala
