233 years ago today, delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution of the United States and sent it off to the thirteen states, crossing their fingers for ratification. They set forth their purpose in the preamble, “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” It was then and remains now a testament to the foresight of our founders — and also of their limitations and the contradictions embedded in the most foundational document of our Republic.
As our Constitution sought to “secure the Blessing of Liberty,” it recognized enslaved African-Americans as only three-fifths of a human, a legacy with which we continue to grapple even after the Constitution was amended to end slavery and guarantee equal rights. It failed to guarantee any rights for women, an omission our General Assembly made strides toward addressing here in Virginia this year when we became the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.
In spite of, or maybe because of, its many contradictions and challenges, I also see the deep promise embedded in the Constitution’s preamble. As a legislator, it sets the guideposts for our work in terms of a more perfect union, justice, welfare, tranquility, the common defense, and liberty. As I’ve voted alongside other members of the General Assembly for easier access to the ballot, addressing inequities in our criminal justice system, responding to citizen’s critical health care concerns during this unprecedented pandemic, and other critical initiatives, it is very much with those guideposts and their promise in mind.
The values embedded in our Constitution also lay out the vast work ahead in order to secure progress. How can we form a more perfect union when our voices are undermined by powerful dark money interests with the power of unfettered election spending unleashed by the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling? How do we ensure that we provide for the welfare of all, including historically marginalized communities, when our corrupt campaign finance system often elevates only the voices of the status quo and the extremes?
Virginia made history when we ratified the 28th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing that women have the same access to Constitutional rights as men. On this Constitution Day, with the spirit of our great founding document in mind, I am committed to making Virginia, the birthplace of American democracy, the 21st state to call for a 29th amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would end the influence of dark money in our politics and help further the promise of a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Legislative Updates
The Virginia House has continued to deliver on behalf of Virginians, taking critical steps on COVID-19 relief, criminal justice reform, and policing reform. When it comes to COVID-19 relief, my top priorities have been ensuring Virginians stay safe from this virus, can keep a roof over their heads, and keep food on the table. Ensuring PPE access moving forward is a critical component of keeping Virginians safe, which inspired my bill HB 5050 to make PPE more readily available to small businesses, Medicaid providers, and other nonprofits in need.
On the issue of police reform, it’s critical that we move forward with necessary changes in policing given unacceptable violence – particularly against Black Americans – while appreciating the tremendous service that these first responders provide in our communities. We’ve engaged in conversations with community members, experts, activists, police chiefs, and rank-and-file officers from around the Commonwealth to shape our Best Equipment for Law Enforcement Act as well as other initiatives.
Both of the bills I’ve introduced are now being considered in the Senate. You can see a list of key priorities passed out of the House here, and a full list of legislation introduced during this special session here.
This week, I joined colleagues on the Board of Veterans Services to tackle critical issues confronting veterans. This included bipartisan work to prevent veterans’ homelessness during the pandemic. I believe we must honor our obligations to those who’ve served, and I appreciate the work of BVS members to help keep Virginia the best state for veterans in the country.
Constituent Corner
I continue to hear daily stories from the 40th District of folks who are struggling during this challenging time with accessing necessary resources provided by state agencies. Recently, we have been hearing a surge in concerns related to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Virginia Employment Commission. As a reminder, my office is here to help, and I also want to encourage you to share our office contact information with any neighbors who may be experiencing challenges like these yet have not been in touch with our office previously.
COVIDWISE
Once again, if you have not already, please download the app COVIDWISE on your iPhone or Android to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Every member of my family, including me, is running this, which plays a critical role in protecting public health while also protecting Virginians’ privacy. Over half a million Virginians have downloaded COVIDWISE thus far. Once you’ve downloaded it, tell your friends and family to do the same. The more of us who use the app, the more effective it is. For more information, visit the Department of Health’s COVIDWISE webpage. And remember to please keep wearing masks and practicing social distancing so we can weather this pandemic and reduce its spread.
Early Voting
Tomorrow, September 18th, marks the start of early voting here in Virginia. As a result of measures we passed in the General Assembly during the 2020 legislative session, you can now vote absentee with no excuse needed, and vote early up to 45 days before the election.
Fairfax County residents — Early voting begins tomorrow at the Fairfax County Government Center, located at 12000 Government Center Pkwy Fairfax, VA 22035. From September 18th through October 13th, in-person early voting will be available from 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. Beginning on October 14th, hours will be expanded, and a number of early voting satellite locations will open around the county. You can find more information here.
Prince William County residents — There are three locations offering early voting from September 18th through October 17th.
- Haymarket Gainesville Library: 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket, VA 20169
- PWC Office of Elections: 9250 Lee Ave Suite 1, Manassas, VA 20110
- DMV Woodbridge: 2731 Caton Hill Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192
All three facilities are open from 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday, and 8:30am-12:00pm on Saturdays. On October 18th, several more locations will open for the final two weeks of early voting. For more information on voting in Prince William County, visit PWCVotes.
With under seven weeks until Election Day, we are entering the home stretch until this critical election. I encourage all of you to make your plans to vote if you have not already done so. If you are looking for more information on requesting an absentee ballot, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website here.
Favorites of the 40th
The Humane Society of Fairfax County aims to fight animal cruelty and help ensure general animal welfare throughout the community. HSFC was founded in 1965 and offers medical services, programs in rehabilitation, a food pantry for dogs and cats, and more for residents of Fairfax County. If you are interested in learning more about the work that HSFC does, you can learn more about the organization here.
Have a favorite local small business or nonprofit that you’d like to see featured? Let us know here.
Thank you for your voices and input on the legislation moving through the General Assembly, and I hope you stay well.
Warm Regards,
Dan Helmer