Across our community, people are celebrating Easter, Passover, and Baisakhi this week as our Muslim neighbors continue to observe Ramadan. It is a testament to the diversity of our community and our strength that we can all celebrate our faiths together. With so many here coming, as my family did, from lands where persecution was the norm, our mosaic is unique. It makes me proud to be an American and, even as we pursue a more perfect union, thankful to be here in our country. To all who have celebrations and observances in the coming days, happy holidays!
Legislative Updates
All five of our bills were signed by Governor Youngkin. These bills will benefit Virginians by:
- fighting high healthcare costs by requiring hospitals to post real price information on their websites;
- expanding access to healthcare by removing barriers for out-of-state doctors to practice in Virginia;
- ensuring that thousands of low-income students are able to stay in school by ensuring access to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program;
- celebrating the richness and diversity of our community by offering historic recognition to Virginia and America’s Tamil community;
- ensuring that part-time and full-time law enforcement officers are not treated differently at retirement, with both able to purchase their service weapons
In the midst of COVID, I’m just plain mad about the governor’s veto of Nadarius Clark’s and my medical debt statute of limitations bill. No one should face the choice between feeding their family and affording medical care – and we should expect better of our governor than yielding to moneyed special interests to protect their profits over Virginian’s health. With his record number of vetoes, including one seeking to undo elections, the governor is proving over and over that his promises of seeking to be bipartisan and govern were mere words.
Connecting with the Community
To celebrate Ramadan, I joined the McLean Islamic Center for Iftar on Wednesday. Ramadan reminds us of the importance of spiritual growth and love.
On Thursday, I joined the Sikh Foundation of Virginia Gurdwara Sahib to celebrate Baisakhi. Baisakhi is a spring harvest festival which marks the start of the Punjabi New Year and also celebrates the year 1699 when Sikhism became a collective faith.
I also had the opportunity to speak at the Springfield Dems’ monthly meeting. I enjoyed learning what issues they are concerned with currently going on in Virginia, as well as updating them on legislation that was passed during this year’s Session.
V-VEAC Event
As a serving member of the Army Reserve, I appreciate the work that the Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center (V-VEAC) does to assist veterans with their needs.
On April 26-28 from 10 AM – 3 PM, the V-VEAC is hosting an event for veterans regarding health care assistance, VA benefits, community services, crisis resources, and much more. Their goal is to assist at least 600 veterans over three days. Please reach out to us at DelDHelmer@house.virginia.gov if interested.
Roadside Cleanup
At the end of March, I joined the Springfield Dems to clean up roadside garbage. Earlier this week, my team joined the Sully Dems also to assist in roadside cleanup. We appreciated the opportunity to volunteer with so many friends and neighbors!
Paving and Restriping Virtual Meetings
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host a series of virtual meetings in April to present paving and restriping plans across the County for 2022. The meetings will be held in coordination with the Virginia Department of Transportation.
- April 18, 7 PM: Dranesville, Hunter Mill and Providence Meeting link; Join by telephone: 571-429-5982; ID: 556 585 990#
- April 19, 7 PM: Lee, Mount Vernon and Springfield Meeting link; Join by telephone: 571-429-5982; ID: 652 144 956#
- April 21, 7 PM: Braddock and Mason Meeting link; Join by telephone: 571-429-5982; ID: 886 603 035#
- April 21, 7 PM: Sully Meeting link; Join by telephone: 571-429-5982; ID: 449 262 506#
If you are unable to attend the meetings, a video recording of each event will be available on the paving and restriping webpages, and feedback may be submitted online up to two weeks after the meeting date.
For more information, visit the Fairfax County 2022 Paving and Restriping Program as well as VDOT’s 2022 Statewide Paving Status Map.
COVID-19 Updates
Approval of 4th COVID-19 shot for those over 50
On March 26, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared the way for anyone 50 and older to receive another COVID-19 shot. In addition, severely immune-compromised patients, (ex. organ transplant recipients) as young as 12, are also eligible. Schedule your appointment for a booster here.
The Biden Administration has also rolled out a one-stop shop website which helps individuals in the United States access COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments, along with status updates on infection rates where they live.
Have questions about COVID-19? INOVA has answers in this FAQ.
Fighting to Keep Life Affordable
The Northern Virginia Regional Commission is looking for volunteers on April 22nd and 23rd to assist in packing the donated items for shipping. Packing will take place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Oakton, VA. This is an “all hands on deck” effort. If interested, sign up here to volunteer!
If you or someone you know needs assistance, I have provided resources below that may be helpful. In addition, you may always reach out to our office by email at DelDHelmer@house.virginia.gov – and we will work to connect you with community partners.
General resources:
- Commonhelp
- FCPS Family Services:
- PWC Mutual Aid: Prince William County Mutual Aid’s Resources and Services Request Page is available to those living in the region, as well as those from Fairfax County. You can also contact them directly at pwcmutualaid@gmail.com, or find more information about the organization on their Facebook page.
Food resources:
- Food for Others
- Western Fairfax Christian Ministries: provides food and rent assistance to community members.
Labor resources:
Rent and housing resources:
- Cornerstones
- FACETS: This program serves hot meals to unhoused individuals in the Fairfax Circle area. Roughy 100 meals are cooked, and served once a month.
And, in light of the higher gas prices, to find the cheapest fuel prices, you can visit this website, which allows you to compare gas prices in your area.
Favorites of the 40th
This week’s Favorite of the 40th is Cox Farms. Located in Centreville and family owned and operated since 1972, Cox Farms features an abundance of activities year round for all ages. From Cox Farms’ ever popular Fall Festival and their Fields of Fear (our team can verify that it is scary fun!), to their Christmas Corner Market, Cox Farms is an important member of our community.
Beginning April 29 and running through August 21, Cox Farms will be opening their corner market, which will operate Friday-Sunday 10 AM – 7 PM. Among many things, their corner market will feature:
- Seasonal produce and local goods including honey, pasture-raised eggs, preserves and more;
- Food including all-natural vanilla soft-serve ice cream, local root beer, hot dogs, milkshakes, fresh-squeezed lemonade, our famous kettle corn, donuts and cinnamon-roasted almonds; Barbeque on Saturdays from 11 AM – 3 PM; and
- Live music.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!