March 3, 2022 Newsletter
Dear friends,
This week, I’ll share an update on some of the final stages of my legislation, elaborate on recent constituent meetings, honor Women’s History Month, and highlight the new DMV service model. I appreciate opportunities to meet with constituents from District 10, and I thank you all for staying updated on current happenings.
Legislation Update
The General Assembly is expected to adjourn Sine Die on Saturday, March 12, and we have just a few more days to complete our legislative work. All of my bills that passed the Senate have now been addressed in House Subcommittees and Committees, and some are still awaiting action on the House floor. Here’s the most recent update:
SB 158 establishes the Virginia Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Historic Preservation Fund. This bill passed the full House unanimously.
SB 263 directs the Department for Housing and Community Development to expand the existing Housing and Supportive Services Interagency Leadership Team (ILT) initiative to add Virginians aged 65 and older as an included subgroup. This bill passed the full House unanimously.
SB 265 establishes an advisory board for support and resources for our deaf and hard-of-hearing children ages 0 to 5.. This bill passed the full House unanimously.
SB 161 directs the Virginia Department of Education and other stakeholders to develop guidelines on heat related illness. This bill is on Third Read on the House Floor today.
SB 241 creates the Renal Disease Council and Fund to develop education programs, fund support services, and pursue research opportunities. In amended form, the bill passed out of the House Appropriations Committee 21-0 and now heads to the House Floor.
SB 667 expands paid or credit-bearing student internship and other work-based learning opportunities in collaboration with Virginia employers through the Innovative Internship Fund and Program. This bill passed out of the House Higher Education Subcommittee 10-0 and will be heard in the full House Education Committee on Monday.
Additionally, three of my 2022 Session Bills were incorporated into the legislation of two of my colleagues, and these bills are also working their way through the House: SB201, addressing medical debt for the uninsured, and SB271, protecting living organ donors from insurance and workplace discrimination.
Meeting with Constituents
This week, I was able to connect with people from across the Commonwealth and across the country to discuss education legislation, healthcare access, and the importance of being involved in the political process. Please continue to reach out and connect with my office in the final days of the 2022 General Assembly session.
Members of the Virginia Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus (VAAPIC) met with the VCU Capitol Intern Class to discuss the importance of diverse representation in government and the AAPI Caucus’ legislative priorities.
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters and RISE For Youth hosted the Black History Month Book Drive, recognizing the importance of Black voices for a complete and inclusive telling of our nation’s history.
Members of JenCare—a healthcare organization that operates four senior-focused clinics in the City of Richmond—came downtown for a tour of the Capitol and also watched the Senate in action. I was pleased to provide their introduction during the Senate’s Morning Hour.
Sister District hosted the 2022 Summit, bringing together alumni from their program and volunteers from across the country.
Women’s History Month
March is designated as Women’s History Month, a month dedicated to celebrating women’s contributions to society and culture throughout history. Since 1987, Women’s History Month has been recognized as a national celebration, providing an opportunity for individuals, schools, and governments alike to educate their communities on the resilience and accomplishments of women. It is also a time to reflect on the importance of equal opportunity for women, how far we have come, and how far we still need to go, in so many societies. Women from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and professions, with varying intersectional identities, are commended and celebrated during the month of March.
The Commonwealth’s history has an abundance of notable women, such as civil rights leaders Maggie Walker and Ora E. Brown Stokes. Today, women from Virginia continue to reach outstanding accomplishments, including NASA executive Dr. Christyl C. Johnson. The Library of Virginia features biographies on many notable women in Virginia, both past and present.
Events are scheduled across the Commonwealth to honor Women’s History Month, including a John Marshall House special guided tour in Richmond entitled “Don’t Forget the Ladies: The Women in John Marshall’s Life” and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Women’s HerStory Month lecture series. In addition to these events, I also recommend visiting the Virginia Women’s Monument, located on Capitol Grounds in Downtown Richmond.
New DMV Service Model
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be expanding services to provide more options to Virginians through a new appointment and queuing system. They will now offer a hybrid model to include both appointments and walk-ins Monday through Friday beginning March 2, at all Customer Service locations. Saturday walk-ins will continue at all locations that are open on Saturdays.
In addition, DMV will continue to provide alternative service options that do not require an in-person visit. More than 50 online services are available through DMVnow. For more information about expanded services and to book remote and on-site appointments, visit this link.
Connecting With My Office
My staff continue to hold meetings with constituents via Zoom or by phone. You can sign up for a meeting with either of my staff members with our easy scheduling app:
Charles Turner - Legislative Assistant
You can also email us at district10@senate.virginia.gov.
— Ghazala
