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There are plenty of line items that I was proud to have supported in the Budget. One item that I know is important to all Rural Virginians is additional funding to help with the expansion of broadband. At this point in our society, access to the Internet is vital to expand business in the Commonwealth and help all Virginians get ahead. This funding is a critical first step to helping all Rural Virginians.
Additionally, our schools and teachers will receive a much-needed pay raise along with direct aid. We need to do everything in our power to ensure that our teachers are taken care of so they can continue to prioritize our children. I am proud to have supported additional funding for our teachers. Finally, we were able to secure funding to improve public safety in the Commonwealth by prioritizing the recruitment and retention of correctional officers to keep prisons safe and orderly.
Unfortunately, not everything in the Senate budget was good for Virginians. Democrats deemed it necessary to fund legislation allowing violent criminals with long sentences to petition the courts for early release. Additionally, they not only removed the much-needed tax relief that Governor Youngkin included in his budget but also increased taxes on digital downloads and streaming. This is not the direction we need to be going, especially during a time of rampant inflation and a struggling economy. We need to put more money back in the pockets of Virginians, not continue to take tax dollars to fund partisan pet projects.
In a recent setback to educational advancement, the Senate budget also pulled out Governor Youngkin’s funding for new lab schools in the state. I voted against this; these schools are important for our communities. Lab schools are an innovation hub for career exploration and workforce development. They focus on progressive learning, catering to preschoolers through grade 12. These schools encourage performance-based educational programs, establish high standards for teachers and administrators, encourage greater collaboration between pre-kindergarten and postsecondary program providers, and develop model programs. Lab schools have been something I have been trying to bring to Mecklenburg, and I feel they would be beneficial throughout the district. I have been working with the Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera on this initiative and was greatly disappointed to see it omitted. I hope Governor Youngkin revisits this decision and reinstates funding for lab schools in the final budget. To learn more about lab schools please visit https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/specialized-instruction/laboratory-schools
In addition to the budget, we were busy working on House bills this week. One good bill that passed out of the Senate was HB 1269. This bill will be a good way to help those who are struggling with drug addiction by allowing individuals who have previously been convicted of minor drug offenses to be hired in adult substance abuse programs as peer recovery specialists. Provided that they have been in good standing for 5 years after a conviction. I believe this will be a great way to show those struggling with substance abuse that there is a path forward by allowing those who have been in their shoes to guide them out of their addiction. In my opinion, there is no better teacher than someone with personal experience in a subject.
As always, I encourage you to watch the General Assembly session. You are welcome to visit me in person here in Richmond and view the proceedings from the gallery. You can also stream each day’s session here: WATCH HERE. Session typically begins at noon each weekday except Friday, which generally starts at 10:00 or 11:00 AM. Always check these times, as they can change when needed. You may also be interested to know that committee meetings are also streamed. A list of upcoming meetings with links to streaming are here: WATCH HERE
I want to hear your views, opinions, suggestions, and questions related to legislation or state government. You can email my office at [email protected] or call us at 804.698.7509. And if you are in Richmond, please come by my office at the General Assembly building. I am in Room 502, and it would be my privilege to hear your concerns and listen to what is important to you.
I’ll be in touch next week with another update from the General Assembly. Have a wonderful week!
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