On Friday evening, we by-and-large wrapped up the Special Session called in August in response to the pandemic and demands for racial justice. As your Delegate, I have heard overwhelmingly from our community on the need for action in response to these unprecedented challenges. In response, we have held one of the longest and most productive special sessions in Virginia’s history.
During this extraordinary session, the House and the Senate have passed a number of critical measures. Among those passed are two bills I introduced — the Best Equipment for Law Enforcement Act, ensuring police have the equipment they need to keep themselves and our communities safe, and HB 5050, which will help ease PPE access for small businesses, Medicaid providers, and more. These pieces of legislation are helping cement Virginia’s place as a leader in responding to COVID-19 and taking concrete actions on police reform.
We have also passed a number of other measures to move our Commonwealth forward, from improving telehealth access to providing housing protections for Virginians, from banning sexual relations between officers and arrestees to ensuring students in need can maintain access to free school meals. You can read more about some of the legislative accomplishments of this special session here and here.
Thank you as always for your input on the legislation making its way through the General Assembly, and please continue to share your perspectives on the issues that matter to you.
Amendment 2
One of my proudest accomplishments from the regular session earlier this year was carrying the Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans Amendment through both chambers of the General Assembly. This measure to honor our servicemembers and ensure Virginia 100% service-connected disabled veterans receive a tax exemption for their primary vehicle earned bipartisan support, and will now go before voters to have the final say on whether we amend our Virginia Constitution.
In case you missed it, I co-authored an opinion piece with Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn in the Richmond Times-Dispatch encouraging Virginians to vote YES on Amendment 2. Check it out here.
Amendment 1
During the regular session this year, I co-patroned a Constitutional Amendment that will end gerrymandering and establish a fairer redistricting process here in Virginia. I joined a bipartisan group of legislators writing in the Washington Post about the need for the amendment to pass, and I enjoyed donning the “yes on 1” colors with my friend Senator George Barker at our office this week.
Events & Meetings
A couple weekends back, I joined my constituent Ean, his family, and members of Boy Scout Troop 1882 for Ean’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor. It was a meaningful opportunity to join constituents and community members to celebrate this young man’s accomplishments. I always appreciate the chance to meet and congratulate district residents, and am particularly impressed by some of the students in the 40th District committed to serving those around them. If you or a neighbor has an accomplishment you’d like to share, please let me know, and I’d love to share my congratulations.
On October 9th, we marked Hangul Day for the first time in Virginia’s history. Hangul Day is observed annually in South Korea on October 9th; I joined my colleague Delegate Mark Keam as a chief co-patron on this resolution to recognize the day here in Virginia. The 40th District has a vibrant Korean-American community, and it is critical that we recognize Korean culture and its value in the fabric of Virginia.
I appreciated the chance to visit the Braddock Road & Old Lee Highway intersection for a site visit and town hall to meet with local community members on local transportation issues. I am committed to ensuring we protect our environment here in the district and around the Commonwealth as we continue to address local transportation needs.
And as November 3rd approaches, I have been joining local volunteers to support some of our Virginia Congressional candidates in their re-election efforts. Last week, I enjoyed kicking off phonebank parties for Virginia Congresswomen Jennifer Wexton, here in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, and Abigail Spanberger of the 7th Congressional District.
Early Voting
With just over two weeks to go until Election Day, early voting remains in full swing here in our Commonwealth. Virginia continues to be among the top early voting states nationwide. In both Fairfax County and Prince William County, all of the locations listed on the below graphics are currently open for early in-person voting
Favorites of the 40th
Neon is an electronics firm based in Prince William County and co-owned by Kathy, Jim, and Nick Kulick of Gainesville. Not only is Neon a small family business, it is also a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. Kathy is the Chief Product Marketing & Financial Officer, Jim is the CEO and Head of Product Management, and Nick is the Lead Engineer. Kathy shared the following about Neon:
“A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, established in 2018, our product line features leading edge UV-C light technology to sanitize air and surfaces. Neon® UV-C lights are effective, safe and affordable. Our products are designed to disinfect commercial spaces from Covid-19 in a matter of minutes, and come in two models to effectively sanitize smaller venues such as classrooms, offices, salons and EMS vehicles, as well as larger common areas, including gyms and cafeterias. The portable, yet powerful, design employs our distributed technology for comprehensive coverage of surfaces and air with minimal setup. Our newest product, the Neon® UV-C Air (US Patent Pending) is the most innovative air sanitizer on the market today that continuously disinfects from Covid-19 and other pathogens while it circulates air in occupied spaces. Aerosolized viral particles are considered to be the most highly transmissible method of Corona virus infection. All of our UV-C products are available in custom, ruggedized cases for safe transport.”
You can learn more about Neon on their website or by reaching out by phone to 571-379-2150.
As always, please reach out if there is anything my office can do for you. I hope you stay well and that you have a wonderful week.