June 21, 2024 Newsletter
Dear friends,
In this week’s newsletter, I provide updates from our recent Special Session of the Virginia Senate, extend congratulations to our Democratic Congressional nominees, reflect on select community engagements from this past week, and share wishes for the recent celebrations of Father’s Day, Eid ul Adha, and Juneteenth. Thank you for reading this newsletter and staying informed.
Special Session
On Tuesday, the Senate of Virginia convened for a Special Session to address the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). Senator Louise Lucas, the Chair of Senate Finance and Appropriations, announced the creation of a bipartisan Special Select Workgroup to develop recommendations for the program. The workgroup members are Senator Barbara Favola (Chair), and Senators Jeremy McPike, Danica Roem, Bryce Reeves, and Bill DeSteph. The workgroup will coordinate with the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to provide expedited recommendations on VMSDEP. The first meeting of the workgroup will occur next Friday, June 28, at 10:30 am. Details will be forthcoming on the Legislative Information System.
The issue of skills games was also under consideration, but no bills were docketed by the Committee at this point.
Primary Election Day
On Tuesday, voters from across the Commonwealth went to the polls to vote in our primary elections.
Congratulations to my Democratic colleagues, both incumbents and nominees, who are moving on to the November General Elections.
Select Community Engagements
This past Saturday, I traveled to Northern Virginia to meet the supporters of some of our amazing candidates for federal and local office: Delegate David Reid, Senator Jennifer Boysko, JD Spain, and Alyia Gaskins. This level of engagement for Get Out The Vote (GOTV) weekend is the momentum we need to continue through the November elections.
Later that evening, I joined the Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia (DAAV) for the Annual Gala. We recognized exceptional leaders within our communities: Ayesha Sheikh, Dewita Soeharjono, and Delegate Irene Shin. In addition to myself, several members of the Virginia Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus (VAAPIC) joined the DAAV Gala: Delegate Kathy Tran, VAAPIC Chair Delegate Irene Shin, Senator Saddam Salim, and Delegate Kannan Srinivasan.
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of presenting Dr. Sharon Morrissey a Commending Resolution for her decades-long services to higher education and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Her steadfast dedication to students, access, and affordability continues in retirement.
Later that evening, I joined the Gloucester County Democrats. Prioritizing public education, gun violence prevention, and protecting our democratic institution were all highlighted as key issues of members.
On Tuesday morning, prior to the Special Session, Senator Travis Hackworth convened the Workgroup for the Advancement of Career and Technical Education (CTE). Joining us were the Secretaries of the Department of Education and Department of Labor, as well as leaders from Virginia Works, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), the skills trades industry, and more. Over the next several months, we will work together on legislation to advance CTE curricula to align with labor workforce data, support CTE educators, and establish partnerships among various stakeholders.
On Tuesday evening, I joined Senator Tim Kaine, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, former Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton, Richmond City Council Members Andreas Addison and Ann-Frances Lambert, VA-01 nominee Leslie Mehta, and supporters from across the Metro Richmond Area, for an election night watch party.
On Wednesday evening, my staff joined other staff members to speak with members of Compassion and Choices to discuss best practices for advocacy in the General Assembly. It is important for advocates and organizations to know how to connect with legislators, access information, and use tools to follow the work of the General Assembly.
Recognizing Father’s Day, Eid ul Adha, and Juneteenth
This past week gave us an opportunity to celebrate three holidays: Father’s Day, Eid ul Adha, and Juneteenth.
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
