I hope all had a chance to enjoy their Independence Day. We have had some challenging moments as a country over the past few years. Nevertheless, when I think over the course of human history and even my own family’s history and challenges, I do feel lucky to be an American and to live in this country. On issues we care about deeply, we have had major setbacks in recent days, some of which give me great fear for the future of our democracy. But no one has ever said that the path to freedom is free of obstacles, and these setbacks make me all the more committed to fighting for the democracy we want for our children and grandchildren. I know that many of you are in this fight with me, and proud to be in this together.
Connecting with the Community
This past week, I had the opportunity to speak at the Sully Democrats’ monthly meeting. I enjoyed learning about the issues of concern to them and am thankful for their commitment to democracy.
In addition, our office is excited to begin a new partnership between refugee assistance programs and labor groups in the Northern Virginia area and beyond. I’m glad that we will have the chance to work together with these groups to ensure that all members of our community have access to well-paying jobs and the opportunity to collectively bargain.
Finally, I participated in the League of Conservation Voters’ Truth and Transparency webinar to discuss how Virginians can hold the Youngkin administration accountable and advocate for a healthy environment for all residents of the Commonwealth. Specifically, I spoke about the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the benefits our communities enjoy from Virginia’s participation in RGGI. As you may have read, Governor Youngkin issued Executive Order 9 in March 2022 announcing his intention to withdraw Virginia from RGGI. RGGI is a 12-state initiative to address climate change by capping CO2 emissions and reinvesting in regional initiatives. To date, flood-prone regions in Virginia and low income energy efficiency programs have received much needed funding from RGGI.
DMV Connect Clinic
This summer, I am thrilled to be partnering with DMV Connect to support Virginians in accessing service from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles if they are unable to travel to a DMV office. On Friday, July 29 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, DMV Connect will be holding a clinic at Clifton Presbyterian Church. Sign up here to attend, or let us know you will be attending by emailing olivia@danhelmer.com.
The DMV Connect program can conduct all DMV transactions, except vital records and testing. Available services include:
- Process of Real ID;
- Apply for or renew your ID card;
- Apply for or renew your driver’s license;
- Get a copy of your driving record;
- Obtain vehicle titles, license plates, decals, or transcripts;
- Order disabled parking placards or plates;
- Update your address in the DMV record;
- Update your voter registration address and/or organ donor status;
- Request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to set up a myDMV account, which will allow you to receive DMV notices via email or phone and conduct secure transactions on the DMV website; and
- Search for other state services through a Virginia internet portal
And, if applying for a REAL ID, you will need to provide physical documentation of your identity, legal presence, full Social Security number, Virginia residency (two proofs required) and, if applicable, name change. This applies to all applicants, even if you are a current Virginia credential holder.
View the document guide to determine which documents to bring when you apply. All documents must be originals and will be subject to verification; however, printouts of acceptable online residency documents can be used as proof of residency. Temporary documents and photocopies of documents will not be accepted.
In order to get a REAL ID, you must bring your documents to the clinic. Any website claiming to pre-scan and upload REAL ID documents from home is not affiliated with DMV. As such, customers should not submit any images of personal documents to such websites as they will not be transmitted to DMV and could be used for fraudulent purposes. Customers may fill out a REAL ID application in advance; however, this process will not ask you to scan and upload documents.
Gracing Spaces in need of help
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit (as well as feature in this newsletter) Gracing Spaces. Gracing Spaces works with non-profit organizations to provide the basics of living, furnishing apartments for families transitioning out of homeless shelters from furniture, household goods, kitchen items, clothes, beds, and to home décor.
Many describe the work that they do as bringing “them so much joy and relief by providing essential items…these gifts represent a new beginning for a lot of our families…they feel renewed knowing others care.”
Until May, Gracing Spaces had operated out of the basement of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church Clifton campus. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Gracing Spaces was ordered to vacate the space immediately, and as a result, they are looking for space to rent in Fairfax County.
Gracing Spaces is seeking a location that they can move to as soon as possible. If you know of any places/buildings currently available to lease, please contact our office at DelDHelmer@house.virginia.gov.
Bus Loop Expansion
Metro is seeking public input on the proposed bus loop expansion and pedestrian improvements at East Falls Church Station. Arlington County seeks to expand the footprint of the existing bus loop, upgrade the existing bus shelters, and add three bus bays with shelters at the station. The project also aims to improve sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and landscaping within and around the station, including improving the crosswalks between the station entrance and the existing bus loop on North Sycamore Street. To learn more about the project, visit Arlington County’s website.
If you wish to provide feedback, you can:
- Take a survey and provide written comments by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 1.
- Participate in a virtual public hearing on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
- To participate by phone, call 855-925-2801 and enter meeting code 4773.
- To participate via video, pre register by emailing speak@wmata.com by 5 p.m. the day before the Public Hearing.
- Watch or listen to the virtual public hearing live at on our capital and service plans page, on YouTube, or by calling 855-925-2801 and entering meeting code 4773.
YASS Prize deadline extended
The Yass Prize, in partnership with the Center for Education Reform (CER) and Forbes, announced that the deadline for the 2022 competition will be extended to Monday, July 25.
The prestigious $1 million Yass Prize celebrates the country’s education provider which best demonstrates educational experiences that are Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless (STOP) for all students. In conjunction with the Yass Prize, the STOP Awards initiative will distribute over $10 million to honor education innovators, providers and entrepreneurs that achieve excellence. Their goal is to ensure that every education provider that is interested in applying is able to do so.
Applications are limited to U.S.-based individuals or groups whose work is focused on serving PreK-12 students. For more information about the Yass Prize, including how to apply visit this page.
Fighting to Keep Life Affordable
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.
- FACETS: This program serves hot meals to unhoused individuals in the Fairfax Circle area. Roughly 100 meals are cooked, and served once a month.
Labor resources:
Rent and housing resources:
To find the cheapest fuel prices, you can visit this website, which allows you to compare gas prices in your area.
And, should you need assistance on any specific issues that you think our office might be able to help with, please email us at DelDHelmer@house.virginia.gov.
Favorites of the 40th
This week’s Favorite of the 40th is Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. The 2022 Summer Entertainment Series features concerts and shows throughout the summer at various local Fairfax County parks. Pack a picnic basket, umbrella, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy evenings of music in the parks!
In addition, the 2022 Arts in the Park Series (in conjunction with the Summer Entertainment Series) is held on Saturday and Wednesday mornings at 10 AM and Saturday evenings at 7 PM. Arts in the Park is a free children’s entertainment series that serves to entertain children, teach them the importance of protecting our natural resources, introduce them to live entertainment in an informal kid friendly atmosphere, and forge a connection between kids and parks. Click here to view this Summer’s program listing.
I hope you have a wonderful week!