Sen. Aaron Rouse
Monday, January 22th, 2024
Weekly Newsletter
Dear friend,
As we approach the upcoming week of session, I wanted to reach out to provide you with an update from the General Assembly and a breakdown of my legislative priorities. The session has started off to a fast pace and I’ll endeavor to get you up to date with meetings and news clips from the past week.
First, my bill, SB 189, to change Virginia Beach’s charter to adopt the 10-1 voting system reported from Local Government and passed the Senate unanimously. I’ve been fighting for this issue since my time on Virginia Beach City Council. This voting system has resulted in the most diverse City Council in the history of our city.
My bipartisan bill, SB 212, to regulate skill games passed out the Commerce and Labor committee. This bill will support small business owners while bringing in $200 million in tax revenue for items such as public education and school construction. During testimony, more than 100 business owners were in attendance in support of this legislation. The bill is next scheduled to be seen before the Senate Finance committee.
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Senator Rouse presents his legislation before the Commerce and Labor Committee.
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More than 100 business owners showed up in support of the legislation.
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On Tuesday, I presided as Chair of the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee. Major issues before our committee included constitutional amendments introduced and legislation to roll back voting rights in our Commonwealth. We successfully defeated bills to restrict early voting and establish stricter voter identification laws to disenfranchise voters.
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Senator Rouse presiding as Chair of the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee
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Status of Constitutional Amendments
As the chair of the committee responsible for these transformational constitutional amendments, I’m focused on getting them across the finish line as quickly as possible.
The decision to continue them until the next session will not impact the timeline for consideration of these amendments by the voters. Constitutional amendments must pass both chambers of the General Assembly in two years, with an election for the House of Delegates in between.
The next House elections are in November 2025. It then needs approval from Virginia voters to take effect. Given our election schedule, any new amendments wouldn’t go before voters until the November 2026 federal election.
I look forward to continuing to work with our leadership and stakeholders such as Planned Parenthood Advocates, Virginia NAACP and Equality Virginia to move these amendments forward to ensure reproductive freedom, restoration of voting rights and to protect marriage equality.
My Geology bill (SB 184) was passed out of committee with a vote of 15-0 and is on its way to second reading on the Senate floor. The purpose of this bill is simply to expand the definition of the practice, which allows for the practice of geology to include the performance of any professional service or work where geological principles and/or methods are used.
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Thursday, I was proud to join Senator Lashrecse Aird, The Commonwealth Institute, Freedom Virginia and Voices for Virginia’s Children in support of my legislation, SB 183 and Del. Cia Price’s HB 620 to expand the refundable earned income tax credit from 15% to 20%. We will make this a reality and ensure we have a fair tax code that lifts up Virginia families.
Senator Rouse with colleagues and organizations in support of expanding refundable earned income tax credit.
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TCI@TCIFiscal 5:42 PM · Jan 18, 2024 · X
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This session, I was selected as the Chair of the ABC Subcommittee under the Rehabilitation and Social Services committee.
Friday, my bill, SB 182 sailed through the Rehabilitation and Social Services committee on a unanimous vote. This bill directs the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to promote formal terms and conditions regarding the advertisement of alcoholic beverages via electronic means.
Senator Rouse presents SB 182 to Rehabilitation and Social Services committee, passes 15-0.
Aaron in the News
Advocates for low-income families seek tax credits, not tax cuts
Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, and Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, have introduced legislation — Senate Bill 183 and House Bill 621 — to expand the refundable earned income tax credit from 15% to 20%. The current tax credit was part of $4 billion in one-time and ongoing tax cuts approved by the assembly and governor in 2022.
Senate panel defeats GOP efforts to scale back early voting
“Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, the committee chair, said the early voting window makes participating in democracy easier for more Virginians — particularly those “who are working 40-plus hours a week.”
Constitutional amendments postponed until 2025, Democrats say that is intentional
"As the new chair of the committee responsible for these transformational constitutional amendments, I am laser focused on getting them before the voters and across the finish line as quickly as possible," Sen. Aaron Rouse, D - Virginia Beach, said. He noted that the committee's decision won't affect when the amendments are brought to voters.
Virginia Senate committee advances bill to raise minimum wage
Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, also spoke in support of the bill and said higher minimum wages can help Virginia grow and retain its current and future workforce.
Small businesses welcome Virginia bill legalizing skill games — as others raise oversight concerns
“This is a small-business bill,” Rouse said. “It is looking out for the mom-and-pop small businesses in many of our communities.”
Skill games legislation taking steps towards Senate floor
“Gaming is here in the state of Virginia. It's available on your mobile phones as well and to my knowledge everyone seems to have a mobile phone today," says Rouse. "But I am interested in making sure that not only is skill games safe, but it is enforced and protected so that everyone involved can be protected."
Events and Constituent Meetings!
Senator Rouse served as the keynote speaker for the Virginia Beach Interdenominational Ministers Conference as we honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sen. Rouse meets with members of the Virginia Credit Union League.
Senator Rouse meets with student leaders from Y Street.
Senator Rouse joins Delegate Askew and Feggans at the 16th Annual African-American Male Summit hosted by Virginia Beach Public Schools.
Stay Connected
We look forward to sharing updates with you throughout the remainder of the session. To contact me or my staff, please reach out to [email protected] or via phone at (804) 698-7522.
If you plan on visiting the General Assembly during the session, you can arrange a meeting with my office, attend committee meetings and sit in the gallery of the Senate or House to watch us on the floor. To keep up with all the action at the General Assembly throughout the coming weeks follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Have a great week,
Aaron
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