Naches is the Yiddish term for pride in the accomplishments of your children. I’m not sure whether the word itself exists in other languages, but I know the feeling is universal. The triumphs of our children bring joy to Karen and me often, just as most parents find happiness in their children’s successes. If there is a destiny for humanity, we know that it will be accomplished not only through us but also through our children and their children.
Yet far too many who want to have children can’t. I became acutely aware of infertility when a close family member suffered from iatrogenic infertility as a result of chemotherapy. In Virginia, the procedures to cover her treatment were not covered by her insurance. As infertility confronts at least one in ten Virginian couples – and probably more than that – only one in four can afford the out of pocket costs for IVF and other treatments. Two years ago I brought forward a bill to provide coverage for fertility treatment, and it was sent to the Health Insurance Reform Commission. The Commission, in contravention of a law that requires they provide a recommendation within 2 years, ignored pleas of myself and advocates, and failed to act.
Uncowed, we brought forward another bill this year. The stories I’ve heard since introducing my first bill tug at one’s soul. Legislators from both sides of the aisle have told me of their own struggles to have children – and that of family members. Teenagers with devastating maladies told me the psychological impact of knowing that the lack of coverage means that they will never have the chance of becoming parents – their parents could not afford the procedures to preserve their chance of becoming parents and whenever our law passes, it will be too late for them. Adults from every walk of life plead that we get this done before it is too late for them.
Giving people the opportunity to become parents isn’t a partisan issue. I took the time to speak with Terry Kilgore, the Republican Majority Leader, and many more on the other side of the aisle. I am thankful to them as well as Democrats like Mark Keam, who have joined me in this fight. For Republicans like Leader Kilgore, who asked me, “What could be more ‘pro life’ than helping people have children?”, their willingness to publicly support my bill was courageous in the face of critics who testified that IVF is akin to infanticide. This week, the bill failed in subcommittee. The failures of the Health Insurance Reform Commission to study the issue were too hard to overcome in our short session. It is a setback, but losing a battle is not losing the war. We’re not going anywhere.
Helping people is why I do this job. In my mind, this fight for coverage of infertility treatment is not just about helping people but also helping humanity. The good fights are never the easy ones. As Elizabeth Carr, America’s first IVF baby, born here in Virginia, wrote in the Post this week, “Why, 40 years after my birth as the first American IVF baby, are we still fighting for access to care through insurance coverage?” It’s the right question, and we’re not going to stop fighting until every Virginian who wants to have children and for whom it is possible, can someday experience the same naches that Karen and I so often experience.
Legislative Updates
We operate on a tight deadline here in Virginia to pass legislation. All bills must clear one of the chambers by “crossover” in order to have a shot at becoming law this year. With that deadline looming, the number of bills we considered picked up considerably.
Some of our own bills progressed. Widespread provider shortages as a result of the pandemic are delaying or dening care to too many Virginians. Our bill advanced this week with bipartisan support that makes it easier to license out of state providers in Virginia hospitals. The bill ensures every Virginian who needs a doctor can see one. Another of our bills makes Fairfax County the first U.S. home to a street recognizing the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. It looks set to pass the House unanimously on Monday. For the 50,000 Tamils in Virginia, this marks an important step in Virginia recognizing their contributions to our Commonwealth’s beautiful mosaic. The bill is being celebrated by millions of Tamils not only in the United States but throughout the world. We also saw a bill advance that helps out longtime part-time Sheriffs and appreciate Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid being a fierce advocate for her community.
My efforts to take on the special interests and dark money that have flowed into Virginia politics were, alas, less successful. Just as Republicans killed a bill to prohibit personal use of campaign funds, they killed our bill to require reporting on the source of funds used in political advertising.
And devastatingly, in a vote that I’m still trying to wrap my mind around, Republicans voted against our bill to protect survivors of sexual assault at VMI. Killing the bill virtually ensures that sexual predators will be commissioned into the US military, and I spoke about the death of the bill on the floor. The emails I’ve received from survivors at VMI since the failure of this bill are heart wrenching. This should simply not be a partisan issue. Two years ago, when Republicans voted for our bill in the House before VMI tinkered with it in the Senate, it wasn’t.
Neither should protecting our communities from gun violence be a partisan issue. On Tuesday, we saw a gunman terrorize the Bridgewater College community, killing Campus Police Officer, John Painter, and Campus Safety Officer, J.J. Jefferson. On Friday, we witnessed more gun violence in Blacksburg, also resulting in senseless loss of life. As these violent acts confronted us with the continued need for action, Republicans instead passed out of the House a Pistols in Playgrounds Bill that would end current restrictions by localities on guns in public places.
Finally, Republicans sought to freeze Virginia’s minimum wage at $11/hr and eliminate the incremental raises that would bring the minimum wage floor to $15 by 2026. The bill passed the House on a party line vote and, if not stopped by the Senate, it will mean that not only hundreds of thousands of Virginians will be denied a fair wage for a fair day’s work but also that 1 in 5 military veterans who benefit from a $15/hour minimum wage will be denied the opportunity to live in dignity.
You can follow the progress of other bills we’ve proposed here.
I look forward to keeping you informed on the progress we are making in the coming weeks and welcome your ideas and feedback.
Community Connections
I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Debbie, a member of NOVA District PTA, and constituent of the 40th District. Thank you Debbie and the rest of NOVA District PTA for your advocacy for students and to ensure that they can continue to thrive and learn in our schools.
I met with members of the Fairfax League of Women Voters to discuss their legislative priorities for the 2022 session. I am grateful for LWV’s work to make our democracy accessible to all, whether by hosting forums for citizens to meet their candidates and officials, or advocating for legislation. I similarly valued meeting with a number of judicial candidates from Prince William County.
And this year, we are proud to celebrate George Mason University’s (GMU) 50th Anniversary. Earlier this week, the General Assembly was honored to have GMU’s President, Dr. Washington, join us on the House floor for a center aisle presentation to honor the work that the university has done. George Mason University is one of the most diverse, fastest growing, and largest public institutions of higher education in Virginia, educating more than 39,134 students, 10,895 staff and 66 faculty, and more than 215,900 alumni, including 135,300 currently living in the Commonwealth. We are grateful for the university’s efforts to promote educational access and academic excellence in the Commonwealth, and look forward to their continued work in the years to come. Go Patriots!
COVID-19 Updates
COVID positivity rate dropping. While COVID-19 cases remain high, the positivity rate in both Fairfax and Prince William Counties have dropped significantly. In Fairfax, the positivity rate for the last 14 day period was 17.9%, down from 31.5% the previous period. In Prince William County, positivity for the period ended January 28 was 26.0%, down from 39.8% the previous 14 day period. Even though the rates are dropping, COVID is still everywhere.
Vaccines and masks continue to be our best defense against serious illness and hospitalization.
N95 Mask rollout. The CDC recommends wearing a protective mask like an N95 mask. Last week, clinics and pharmacies began to offer N95 masks following the White House’s announcement. According to Walgreens, mask distribution will continue on a rolling basis, and participating stores will have signage indication mask availability. For the full list of participating stores, click here.
Need a shot? If you haven’t been vaccinated or are eligible now for a booster, you can schedule your shot in Fairfax County here and in Prince William County here. Children aged 5 and up are eligible for vaccines. Teens aged 12 and up are eligible for boosters 5 months after completing their COVID vaccine series.
Shots for the very young. Shots may soon be available for children 6 months through 4 years of age. The FDA will be meeting on February 15 to discuss Pfizer’s request for emergency use authorization for children in this age group. In scheduling the meeting, the FDA affirmed its commitment to well-designed clinical trials for this age group with the goal of a vaccine that is safe and effective for very young children.
Vaccination Clinic. As mentioned last week, the Centreville United Methodist Church is holding a vaccination clinic on February 12 from 8-11 AM. The clinic is being conducted in partnership with the Fairfax County Health Department and the International Mayan League. All are welcome to attend. You may pre-register for an appointment here, but walk-ins are welcome, too.
Need a COVID test? Schedule your COVID-19 test in Fairfax County here and in Prince William County here.
In addition, you can use this tool to find a test by location, pediatric testing, rapid testing, Spanish language, and more.
Favorites of the 40th
This week’s Favorite of the 40th is the Centreville Immigration Forum. The Centreville Immigration Forum is a nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of the immigrant community. CIF’s mission is to: implement sustainable programs that provide immigrants in need with the means to improve their lives and become more integrated into the community; improve communication and cooperation among groups serving immigrants; and build community recognition of our strength in diversity.
CIF’s programming includes job placement through providing a safe space where employers and members can meet to negotiate terms of employment, English classes for speakers of other languages, Skills Training, assistance in wage theft, financial literacy and empowerment training, and accompaniment.
Since early 2020, CIF has shifted focus to direct assistance and vaccine work, to meet immediate needs of the community due to COVID-19 hardship. In 2022, they are committed to focusing on regular programming, investing in their members to foster professional growth and the self-sufficiency needed to provide for themselves and their families.
You can support CIF through hiring its members for indoor and outdoor projects; both skilled and unskilled laborers are available. They also welcome volunteers for various programs, including informal and formal English classes, financial literacy, data entry, event planning and more. CIF’s donor funds and programs directly invest in the community. You can donate to help support the work that CIF is doing here.
As a community organization where all of their programs include community members in leadership and decision making, CIF appreciates community support in achieving their mission. Their vision of a community that provides acceptance and opportunity for all immigrants appreciates your support.