It’s been 176 days since COVID-19 was declared a National Emergency. For too many, it has meant a loss of health or life. For too many others, it’s cost them their job. For our kids, it’s meant a school year cut short and another year that is far from normal.
I ran to represent us in the House of Delegates because I believe tough times call for dedicated leaders. Today, our General Assembly is working hard to make sure every Virginian can come out of this crisis with dignity and in safety.
Over the past few days, we’ve spent late nights discussing bills that protect the health and welfare of all. We’ve spent the days passing those bills.
Whether it’s ensuring a family isn’t evicted for circumstances outside their control, that you can maintain access to telehealth services, or that our businesses have access to PPE, the laws that are being passed right now in the General Assembly will help ensure that Virginians can make it through this challenging time.
We’re in this fight together, and I’m humbled to be able to represent you.
Legislative Updates
I am proud to announce that our legislation that will ease PPE access for small businesses, Medicaid providers, and others has passed the House of Delegates by a bipartisan vote of 58 – 39 and is now off to the Senate. Meanwhile, the other piece of legislation we introduced, the Best Equipment for Law Enforcement Act passed out of the House Appropriations Committee after several police chiefs from across the Commonwealth voiced their support, and will be voted on on the House floor next week.
Additionally, the House of Delegates has passed measures
- Fighting price gouging of PPE in the midst of a declared state of emergency
- Protecting tenants’ credit harmed by COVID-19
- Increasing the diversity of the members of the Department of Criminal Justice Services’ Committee on Training on training to ensure that civil rights representatives, minorities, and mental health service representatives have a seat at the table
- Ensuring that Virginia law enforcement officers have uniform training standards
- Banning chokeholds by police officers
New Politics Podcast
I joined New Politics to discuss how my time in the Army has shaped my current work as your Delegate, and how the values of integrity and service have remained constant throughout. If you’re interested in listening, check it out here.
Voting Information
Early voting begins in Virginia in two weeks, and now is the time to make your plan to vote if you have not done so already. This past Wednesday also marked National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. Both Fairfax County and Prince William County need poll workers to ensure all of us can vote safely in November. If you feel safe doing so, get engaged in our democracy & sign up today in Fairfax County or Prince William County, and feel free to share the information here with friends and family living outside the district, as this is a nationwide need.
Favorites of the 40th
Caragari is an online clothing store selling a variety of clothes from drawing on styles from both Eastern and Western cultures. With an inventory ranging from Kurtis to bridal dresses, Caragari has been in business for more than 30 years, serving the community of the 40th District and offering free shipping in the US. Recently, the store has also started selling handmade masks that are breathable and long-lasting to help combat the spread of COVID-19. If you’re interested in checking out Caragari’s selection, you can learn more about their products here.
I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and stay well.
Warm Regards,
Dan Helmer