Last week, Derek Chauvin was convicted for the murder of George Floyd. I believe too often our politics are driven by false choices. Some say you can be “pro police” or “pro reform” but not both. I have never believed this. Just as the military works to police our own when they act out of the accordance with the laws of war or the legal framework of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, our police too must act when their own members step out of the bounds of the professional behavior we expect. To be pro police is to wish for exemplary officers to be recognized and for bad cops to be removed from the system, to establish the policies and procedures that seek to undo the long arc of injustice in our criminal justice system, and to promote security for every member of our community.
Watching the video of the murder of George Floyd moved many in our society to action. Derek Chauvin’s conviction was an important step forward, but it is not enough. I will continue to work with our community, our police, and others to ensure that we establish policing that keeps officers, citizens, and our communities safe.
Events and Meetings
Earlier this month, I met with the Sully Democrats to pick up litter in Fairfax County. I had a great time chatting with members and helping keep our community clean. Thank you to all who joined!
Last Thursday, I celebrated Earth Day with Centreville Elementary School students and staff during the Solar for Students ribbon-cutting ceremony. This program will give students the opportunity to learn about solar energy firsthand. Solar energy plays a critical role in our green energy future and it is wonderful that students will have the chance to learn more about this important energy source.
Last Friday, I joined Fairfax County Public Schools students and staff for the John Lewis High School Rededication Ceremony. Congressman John Lewis (GA-05) was a true leader who helped move our country towards equality, and I am encouraged to see his life honored in Fairfax County.
On Tuesday, I joined the Arc of Northern Virginia and the Autism Society of Northern Virginia for a forum on disability. I had the chance to speak with self-advocates, family members, and activists to discuss our shared vision for supporting dignity and equality.
This week, I also met with a bipartisan group of veterans and national service alumni who are looking to serve again in politics. Thank you to all who helped put these events on!
Next Saturday, our campaign will be hosting a Day of Action with the Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia, where we will officially launch our canvassing program for our reelection. The event will begin at 10AM in Centreville with a kick-off, and then volunteers will be given a quick training before talking to voters. If you would like to join, please sign up here. Additionally, we are continuing to hold community check-in phonebanks on Tuesdays at 5PM to help provide our neighbors in the 40th District with information on the COVID vaccine — you can sign up here. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the ways you can get involved with our campaign, please reach out to payton@danhelmer.com.
COVID Updates
As of last week, all Americans ages 16 and older are eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. If you have not yet done so, I strongly encourage you to find an available vaccine appointment near you today. If you have any questions about this process, please let me know and my office will assist you.
Fairfax County residents can find an appointment here, Prince William County residents can find an appointment here, and anyone can use the vaccines.gov website, no matter where you are. I also wanted to highlight open vaccination appointments at an upcoming Mt. Olive Baptist Church clinic here in Centreville on May 4th, which you can register for here.
Additionally, anyone in the United States can now text their zipcode to GETVAX (438829) — or for Spanish, VACUNA (822962) — to find locations nearby.
With cases on the decline and over half of adult Virginians at least partially vaccinated, Governor Northam recently announced that Virginia will ease some COVID restrictions starting on May 15th. The maximum number of people permitted at social gatherings will increase to 100 for indoor settings and 250 for outdoor settings. Indoor entertainment venues will be able to operate at 50% capacity at a maximum of 1,000 people, and outdoor venues will be able to operate at 50% capacity. The number of spectators allowed at indoor sporting events will increase to 250 spectators or 50% capacity, whichever is less, and outdoor sporting events will increase to 1,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is less. Restaurants may also return to selling alcohol after midnight. Additionally, Virginians who are fully vaccinated can now safely gather in small groups with other fully vaccinated people without wearing masks.
After a challenging year, I am heartened that we’ve reached a point where all adults in our country are eligible to receive the vaccine. This has been a long road, and we’re getting closer to ending this pandemic each day, but we must remain vigilant. As COVID restrictions begin to ease, please continue to take steps to protect yourself and others, including wearing a mask, washing hands, and getting vaccinated.
As always, my office is here as a resource – please feel free to reach out if we can be of any assistance. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
Warm Regards,
Dan Helmer