Few know more than our community just how important the work of the Federal government is: the inspections done by US Department of Agriculture to keep our food safe, the work by the Department of Energy to protect our nuclear infrastructure, the investigations done by the Environmental Protection Agency to make sure our water is safe to drink and air is safe to breathe, the care given to our Veterans for the ongoing wounds of war, and so much more. Many of us have spent our professional lives in service to our fellow Americans and to the idea of American leadership in the world and at home. The work of our neighbors spans from dangerous spying on foreign adversaries to the technical engineering analysis for the grants that allow communities to replace or build new infrastructure. Some of us spend our days in the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, JB Anacostia Bolling, JB Myer-Henderson and Quantico ensuring the national defense. Others work to make sure vulnerable Americans, mothers, and children have access to food and shelter.
It is hard to watch the dismantling our life’s work, to know that the impacts will extend to “Blue” states and “Red” states alike, to understand that the pain caused will be broad based and the impact long-lasting. So we are not going to just watch. I’m grateful to Virginia House Speaker Don Scott for appointing a bipartisan committee to build real strategies to protect our economy and livelihoods. And while I’m frustrated that our Governor’s response has been to tell federal workers to find another job or, more recently, that his office “cannot appropriately address this matter given that it falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government,” we are going to continue to do all we can at the state level to ensure we minimize the impact to Virginians’ lives. We will highlight the harm being caused, cover gaps at the state level when possible, and push the federal government wherever we can.
In the meantime, I am grateful to all in the community who are coming together to help one another. If you or your family are being impacted by the appalling dismantling of critical programs, please feel free to contact our office. We are ready to help.
Winter Happenings
I had a great time connecting with the Braddock Democrats at their Annual Soupfest.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture hosted Virginia History Day where students from all over the Commonwealth were able to present their projects.
We had a productive conversation about data centers and their power needs at the weekly NOVA Delegation meeting.
The Richmond Animal League and the Richmond SPCA visited us at the capital to encourage and celebrate pet adoption. Interested in making a furry friend your own? Visit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s page to find the perfect fit: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/
In the News
Our work in the General Assembly has been getting some press this week: WVTF: Virginia legislature looks to further embrace the blockchain (Feb 7, 2025)Virginia wants to be welcoming to all kinds of businesses. That’s why I have backed a law that would allow the creation of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations in the Commonwealth. We want industries creating jobs to choose Virginia as their home.WUSA9: Virginia student athlete recruiting bill fails to advance (Feb 7, 2025)We are not giving up. I plan to introduce an even more expansive bill next year because this is an on-going issue in high schools across the Commonwealth.Politico: How Trump’s assault on bureaucracy could rock Virginia elections (Feb 12, 2025)I had the opportunity, in my role as the Campaigns Chair for the House Democratic Caucus, to discuss the potential impact of the Trump administration’s attack on the federal workforce on the upcoming elections in November.
Top of the Tenth
Centreville High School students have shown their exceptional skills in the arts in this year’s Regional Scholastic Art Awards, earning eight Gold Keys Awards, 11 Silver Key Awards, and 10 Honorable Mentions in the 2025 Regional Scholastic Art Show. This competition recognizes talented artists in the region, and the Gold Key winners had the opportunity to showcase their work on February 10th at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. These incredible results are a testament to the great talent and dedication among our local youth. We wish everyone luck with their future endeavors and celebrate their hard work!
Local Events
Free Women’s Self Defense Seminar February 18th, 2025 8:00 PM Victory Martial Arts, 13860 Braddock Rd D, Centreville, VA 20121
Join this free women’s self-defense class that is designed to empower and educate you on the essential self-defense tactics. Train with certified black belt instructors and get ready to break a sweet! No prior experience needed but be sure to wear comfortable workout clothing and bring a bottle of water.
Beginner Watercolor Workshop February 16, 20253 pm to 5 pm Clifton Cafe, 7144 Main Street, Clifton, VA 20124
Come and enjoy lunch and afterwards take an in-person watercolor class with Carol Natalie Creative at the Clifton Cafe. No drawing skills required but reservations are filling up fast so if interested, check out the event listing for more information!
Announcements
Applications Open for The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership
The Sorensen Insitute for Political Leadership is seeking civic-minded students from across Virginia to apply to the 2025 High School Leaders Program (HSLP)! The HSLP is a two-summer program designed for Virginia high school students who have a passion for public service and leadership. The HSLP curriculum covers the foundations of public policy and effective civic engagement, while connecting students with peers of different backgrounds and philosophies from around the state. Admitted students live on Grounds at the University of Virginia, attend field trips, and networks with current leaders in Virginia’s public, private, and non-profit sectors. The online application for the 2025 HSLP is open through Monday, March 17, 2025, and materials are due by Friday, March 21, 2025. To learn more or refer a candidate, visit here or contact Sorensen’s Community Relations and Program Recruiting Assistant, Samuel Barndt at srb6dp@virginia.edu.
Nominations Needed!!!!!!
One of the best parts about serving in the General Assembly is being able to honor individuals, groups and organizations in the 10th district that deserve recognition with a Commending or Memorial Resolution. Know a person who has given back to the community, a group engaged in an activity worthy of noting, a small business doing a great job, or a team that has excelled either on the field or off? Tell us about it! We can also honor significant anniversaries both for couples and institutions, as well as remember those that have passed. Email us all the details at deldhelmer@house.virginia.gov and a member of my staff will be in touch.
On-Going Resources
Helpful VDOT Graphics
Please check out these graphics VDOT has shared to stay safe this winter season. 
Unemployment Assistance
Many individuals have reached out to our office regarding troubles with the Virginia Employment Commission. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, whether it be from the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) or elsewhere, our office is happy to help. Please email our office at DelDHelmer@house.virginia.gov.
Affordable Broadband for Students
Cox internet program: Connect2Compete (C2C), designed to provide low-income households with school-aged children with affordable broadband service. Virginia families that participate in any government assistance program are eligible for C2C—and can subscribe to speeds up to 100 Mbps download for just $9.95/month. You can learn more about the program here: www.cox.com/digitalequity
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: https://www.commonhelp.virginia.gov/
FCPS Family Services: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
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: https://foodforothers.org/
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries: https://wfcmva.org/; provides food and rent assistance to community members
FACETS: http://facetscares.org/; 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:
The Centreville Labor Resource Center: http://centrevilleimmigrationforum.org/centreville-labor-resource-center/
The Virginia Career Works: https://vcwnorthern.com/fa-booking/
Rent and housing resources:
Cornerstones: https://www.cornerstonesva.org/
To find the cheapest fuel prices, you can visit this website, which allows you to compare gas prices in your area.
