Sen. Aaron Rouse
Tuesday, February 27nd, 2024
Weekly Newsletter
We recently completed the fifth week of Session for the Virginia General Assembly. We are now two weeks away from the end of the session.
Senator Rouse was featured in a profile piece by Cardinal News, a news publication who provides in-depth journalism about the politics, economy and culture of Southwest and Southside Virginia. He had the opportunity to discuss significant legislation he is ushering through the General Assembly and how his personal journey has taught him that we all have different backgrounds and perspectives but we all share a common goal, to win. Check out the full article below.
Former Virginia Tech football star Aaron Rouse makes a quick rise in the General Assembly - Cardinal News
On Tuesday, Senator Rouse was proud to stand alongside the American Heart Association, NFL and Super Bowl Champion and NFL Network Analyst Michael Robinson to rally support for cardiac emergency response plans in all Virginia public schools. Whether in the classroom or playing field, having a plan in place to respond to a cardiac emergency can save lives.
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I’m proud to stand alongside @American_Heart, @NFL and @RealMikeRob to rally support for cardiac emergency response plans in all Virginia public schools. Whether in the classroom or playing field, having a plan in place to respond to a cardiac emergency can save lives.
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Aaron Rouse @AaronRouseVaBch 12:11 PM · Feb 20, 2024 · X
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As we are now in the second half of the session, my bills are making their way through the House of Delegates. Below is a general update on their progress:
On Tuesday, two of the Senator’s bills were seen by the committee of general laws which were SB212 and SB448. Due to consistent support and advocacy in the committee meetings for SB212, the bill was able to successfully pass the General Laws Committee with a vote of 15-Yes to 6-No. The bill will now move on to the house and be reviewed on the floor. Furthermore, for SB448 that bill was passed by for the week, so that the Senator can continue to work with his colleagues in order to make sure the bill is in good shape to make it to the Governor’s desk.
Earlier that day three of Senator Rouse’s bills, SB182, SB184, and SB635 all went through the House Chambers to be voted on by full House of Delegates. SB182 passing with a landslide vote of 90-7. SB184 passed with a unanimous vote of 98-0. SB635 passing with a vote of 82-16.
On Wednesday, the House floor saw another three bills from the Senator, which were SB355, SB343, and SB189. SB355 passed with a unanimous vote of 100-0 and SB343 passed with a vote of 98-2.
On Friday, Senator Rouse’s bill SB650 was reviewed by the Rules subcommittee and successfully reported out and it will now be going to the House Appropriations Committee.
After presenting his bill, the Senator had an interview with ABC 8 News and Channel 6 News. They asked him about the Emergency Response Toxic Exposure Grant Fund and Program and the Cannabis Control bill for establishing a retail market. He expressed the benefits of these bills and his gratitude for the support of his constituents and colleagues. The Senator then ran into some members of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners after the interview and introduced himself to them.
Friday evening, after leaving the Senate floor, Senator Rouse joined Virginia Tech Football Coach Brent Pry and coaches to connect with high school coaches throughout Hampton Roads during a Norfolk Coaching Clinic to relay how our young athletes can succeed both on and off the field.
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Aaron Rouse @HokiesFB 1:07 PM · Feb 24, 2024 · X
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Rouse in the News
- How state lawmakers hope to keep more military families in Virginia (wtvr.com)
- State Senator Aaron Rouse (D - Virginia Beach) proposed a bill that would offer tax breaks and other financial incentives to businesses in and around military communities.
- It's a rather simple question: 'If you had a chance to save someone's life, wouldn't you?'
- "With over 1.2 million students enrolled in Virginia public schools as well as 400,000 faculty and staff, working at Virginia school buildings at any time, it is critically important for each school facility to have a plan in place to address cardiac emergencies and provide critical care when seconds matter," Rouse said.
- Advocates pushing to improve cardiac readiness in school sports across Virginia | 13newsnow.com
- Virginia Democrats press forward on deal on legal weed market despite veto threat: Here's what to know (wric.com)
- The substitute version of the bill agreed to by Del. Krizek and state Sen. Aaron Rouse (D-Virginia Beach), the sponsor of the Virginia Senate’s bill, would allow businesses to seek applications for licenses in September, allow sales to begin on May 1, 2025, and products would be subject to a 9% retail tax.
- Democratic lawmakers finalize bill for marijuana sales (richmond.com)
- Brent Pry, with special guest Aaron Rouse, connect with high school coaches during Norfolk Coaching Clinic (247sports.com)
- During Pry’s first trip to the microphone, he introduced the special guest of the evening: Aaron Rouse.
- As would be expected, the former Virginia Tech defensive back who spent several years in the National Football League before turning his attention to politics, Rouse knew how to work the room from the microphone. Arriving at the event straight from the Senate floor in Richmond, Rouse talked about his upbringing in Norfolk before moving to Virginia Beach, which included the incarceration of his father, his recruitment to Virginia Tech by Frank Beamer and Bryan Stinespring, and his adjustment to being a full-time father, student, and football player as a freshman, among other topics.
Events and Constituent Meetings!
Senator Rouse chatting with constituents representing Virginia Education Association, alongside Delegate Bonita Anthony - 2/19
Senator Rouse greeting students on Virginia Wesleyan University Lobby Day
Senator Rouse meeting with RISE For Youth to discuss their legislative priorities.
Senator Rouse meeting with President Sands, Virginia Tech on Hokie Day!
Senator Rouse meeting with Hampton Roads Realtors Association.
Senator Rouse speaking with students at Virginia Union University Day at the Capitol.
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