Dear Jack,

We've just finished Week 8 of the 2020 legislative session! We are now heading into the final week of session, when the budget and much of the legislation will be finalized.

On Friday I joined Governor Northam with other members of the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus in announcing the Governor's Suicide Prevention Challenge. In Virginia, veterans account for 23% of all suicides, even though veterans make up only 5% of the population. Through using the three Cs -- Care, Connect, and Communicate -- we hope to reduce suicide rates among service members, veterans, and their families.

On Saturday, I had my first town hall of the year at Mullen Elementary School in Manassas with Del. Danica Roem! We discussed our legislation and this session's highlights, and took a wide variety of questions from the attendees. I encourage you to attend one of my town halls coming up to hear more about my work as your Senator!

Legislation Updates

2020 Legislation: We have been passing so much legislation this week in the House and Senate, it's hard to keep track at home! So here's some of the ones you may have missed.

SB804: This bill repeals the minimum wage exemption for domestic workers such as maids and nannies. Domestic workers are workers like any other, and they deserve a fair living wage like anyone else.

HB789: This bill, also called the Virginia Fairness in Lending Act, caps interest and fees for short-term loans at 36% and places other restrictions to ensure fairness. Payday lenders have preyed on the vulnerable for too long, and I'm glad to see us take this step.

SB601: This bill eliminates Lee-Jackson Day and instead makes Election Day a state holiday. It's important that we make voting as accessible as possible, and this is a great step forward.

My Legislation: It's been a productive week for me -- we passed several of my bills through the House of Delegates this week! This includes:

SB264: This bill gives nurse anesthetists the same authority to prescribe medication as other nurse practitioners.

SB377: This bill allows teachers to request a three-member fact finding panel when they are accused of misconduct, which ensures that they can have a fair hearing.

SB378: This bill expands the definition of computer trespassing to include crimes committed "through intentionally deceptive means and without authority," which makes it easier to prosecute these crimes.

District News

I know we've all been feeling some anxiety about the outbreak of coronavirus globally. Even though very few cases have been discovered in Virginia, it can never hurt to take basic precautions to keep yourselves and your loved ones healthy.

• Wash your hands regularly! Use soap and water, and wash for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. This is how viruses spread!
• Stay home when you are sick whenever possible. 

Not only will these steps help to prevent coronavirus, they also help to prevent the spread of the flu and the common cold!

Town Hall Schedule

Hearing directly from constituents is deeply important to me. If you would like to ask questions or hear updates from the legislative session in person, I encourage you to come out to a town hall discussion!

Aldie Town Hall with Dels. Karrie Delaney and Suhas Subramanyam

Monday, March 30th, 7-9pm

Gum Spring Library (24600 Millstream Dr, Aldie, VA 20105)

Ashburn Town Hall with Del. David Reid

Saturday, April 11th, 1-3pm

Ashburn Library (43316 Hay Rd, Ashburn, VA 20147)

As always, feel free to reach out to my office anytime with any concerns or questions you may have. My office’s number in Richmond is (804) 698-7513 and our office's email address is [email protected].

Sincerely,