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Dear Friend,
This week’s newsletter begins with information on the upcoming Special Session of the Virginia General Assembly, shares information on upcoming recreational activities for all abilities, and highlights select community engagements from this past week. Thank you for reading and staying informed.
The State Budget & Special Session
The General Assembly is convening on Monday, May 13, for its Special Session on the state’s biennium budget. As I had shared previously, when we adjourned sine die in March, the two Chambers sent a strong and bipartisan budget to the Governor’s desk. Unfortunately, the Governor returned that budget to us with over 200 amendments. During the Reconvened Session in April, we agreed to take that budget bill into conference again.
For the past several days, the budget conferees from both Chambers have been in discussion, both among themselves and with the Governor’s office; they have now reached agreement, and the compromised budget [[link removed]] will likely be made available to the public by Saturday. The General Assembly is expected to vote on this budget on Monday.
Because I am not a conferee, I have not yet seen the details of the budget agreements, and so I’ll be providing more specifics next week. It is my understanding, however, that the budget keeps intact our strong investments in education and ensures that we are able to move forward in addressing the very large funding gaps in our public schools. This news is reassuring; investing in public education and improving outcomes for all children across Virginia is an investment in our collective future.
Information about the compromised budget will be made available over the weekend at Virginia Budget [[link removed]] and through the Legislative Information System (LIS) [[link removed]] .
Upcoming Recreational Activities for All Abilities
This Saturday, May 11, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation will host the Annual All Abilities Fair [[link removed]] at the County Fairgrounds (10300 Courthouse Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23832). Vendors will highlight a range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities including opportunities in the arts, sports, music and more, for people of all ages and abilities. This free event is open to all residents of Chesterfield and surrounding localities.
On Sunday, May 19, the 3rd Annual Disability Inclusion Day at the Richmond Diamond [[link removed]] will provide an opportunity for people of all abilities to experience a baseball game in a supportive, inclusive environment. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, expanded accessible seating, sensory spaces, and more will be available.
Select Community Engagements
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Last Saturday, I joined hundreds of community members from across the Commonwealth for the 26th Annual Asian American Celebration at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. This event is a great tradition in the Richmond area as we kick off Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and showcase the diverse cultures and contributions of our AANHPI communities.
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On Sunday, I joined members of the Muslim Women United Organization for its 7th Annual Mother-Daughter Luncheon. MWU has been active in the Metro Richmond Area for over 30 years and has provided a space for Muslim women to meet, network, participate in philanthropy, and forge community. I was honored to be recognized at the lovely luncheon for my work within the Virginia General Assembly.
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On Tuesday morning, I was able to briefly join the Richmond Regional Tourism Foundation to honor our hospitality and tourism community and its many contributions during the Annual Tourism Awards. In addition to recognizing the invaluable role played by those within the tourism industry, retiring President and CEO of Richmond Region Tourism, Jack Berry, reflected on his three decades of service. President Berry’s dedication to the Richmond region and his years of work are clearly manifest in the numerous recognitions that RVA continues to receive for its cultural attractions, museums, restaurants, and history. I thank him for his sustained and engaged leadership.
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On Wednesday afternoon, I joined former colleagues and new friends at the 2024 Reynolds Community College Faculty Forum. As a founding faculty member of this annual event that has now been ongoing since 2007, I was delighted to share my thoughts on the importance of a faculty-to-faculty space where colleagues can present their original research and best practices. Additionally, I reflected on the critical importance community colleges play in our state education system and how crucial our educators are in opening pathways of opportunity for all Virginians.
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Later on Wednesday evening, I had the privilege of attending Virginia Commonwealth University’s third annual Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American Commencement Ceremony and providing the keynote address. I commend the VCU Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and its Director, Dr. Myriam Kadeba (pictured), for organizing these meaningful ceremonies for VCU’s diverse student body and their families.
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Later on Wednesday evening, I joined Senators Barbara Favola and Jennifer Carroll Foy, as well as Delegates Vivian Watts, Candi Mundon King, and Marcus Simon, for REPRO Rising’s Reproductive Freedom Legislative Wrap-Up and Scorecard Reveal Event. During the call, we provided critical updates on legislation impacting menstrual data privacy, protecting healthcare providers from the threats of extradition to other states that have criminalized crucial medical services, the protections for contraceptive access and equity, and the forthcoming constitutional amendment on reproductive healthcare that will be introduced in 2025. We are still waiting on the Governor's actions on two of my critical items of legislation: the Virginia Right to Contraception Act (also patroned in the House by Delegate Cia Price) and the Contraceptive Equity Act (also patroned in the House by Delegate Candi Mundon King).
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Thursday was an eventful day, as I spent my time in Washington, D.C. with AAPI elected officials from across the nation at the AAPI Next Generation Leadership Forum . We heard from prominent AANHPI leaders including Representative Grace Meng (NY-06) who was recognized as the AAPI Legislator of the Year and Representative Judy Chu (CA-28), on the importance of building AANHPI political power from the local to the national level. We also had the privilege of hearing thoughts from Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor, Aruna Miller, who is the nation’s first statewide elected official of South Asian heritage.
Connecting With My Office
My office can be reached at the following:
Email: [email protected] [gmail.com]
Phone: 804.698.7515
If you were forwarded this email, you can sign up to receive my office’s weekly newsletter here [[link removed]] .
— Ghazala
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