August Edition Friends, As summer draws towards a close, I wanted to provide you with an update of some of my office’s activities. Next Session Believe it or not, we are already staring preparations for next year's session. If you have an idea for any legislation, please reach out to my office to set up a meeting. I love being able to advocate for my constituent's proposals in the Senate. This year is a short session, and we will probably have a limit on the number of bills we can carry, so please reach out as soon as possible if you would like to see one of your idea’s become law. Page Program One of the joys of serving in the General Assembly is getting to see all the young Virginians who come to serve the House and the Senate each year as pages. If your child will be 13 or 14 in January, please consider having them apply to this prestigious and highly competitive program. Application are due October 1st. You can learn more about both the House and Senate page programs here. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office. Falls Church - US News Healthiest City! Congratulations to the City of Falls Church on being named as America's healthiest city by US News! I am so proud of all the great cities and towns that I have the privilege of representing in the General Assembly. 2024 Politics At the beginning of the summer, it also seemed as if the presidential race would be relatively quiet compared to the last few cycles. Trump and Biden were deadlocked in the polls, with little movement. However, after the June debate, the attempted assassination of former-President Trump, and President Biden stepping aside, everything changed. Although Democrats were divided for a few weeks and had some uncomfortable conversations, I believe we have come out stronger. I am thankful to President Biden for making the selfless decision to step aside and put his country above himself. This decision will be remembered in history as a noble one. I am proud to support Vice President Kamala Harris for President this year, and I am excited to see how Democrats have unified around her. As a South Asian, I am particularly thrilled that, in addition to being the first Black woman elected to the Presidency, she would be our nation’s first AAPI President. She will be a fighter for making life more affordable, for our democracy, and for all Americans. This week, I am serving as a delegate to the DNC, and I am proud to make her my party’s nominee. I hope you will all tune in to hear the Democratic Party's vision for America. Sen. Salim at the DNC yesterday. VP Harris at the DNC yesterday. Fairfax City Elections Relationships between local and state officials is incredibly important, especially in Virginia since we are a “Dillon Rule” state. This means that local governments only have power that has been specifically granted to them by the General Assembly. In order to be successful, local elected officials must have good partnerships with their General Assembly members. This year, I am proud to be supporting Mayor Catherine Read and Councilmember Billy Bates for re-election, along with the rest of the City of Fairfax Democratic Committee’s endorsed candidates. I have seen in Richmond how they are strong advocates for Fairfax City’s interests, and I know that they will keep fighting for Fairfax’s future. I am excited to be speaking at the City of Fairfax Democratic Committee’s Kickoff this coming Saturday. Likewise, I hope you can join me on Saturday or donate to these candidate’s efforts. Last election cycle was very close, and even a few dollars can go a long way. Photo Gallery At an Event Supporting VP Harris in Vienna Voting for the VMSDEP Repeal at the Special Session Touring the I-66 Express Lanes Facility Sen. Salim's Office Attending the Groundbreaking of the Crystal City Metro Station 2nd Entrance Unveiling of the Falls Church Smart City Traffic Control Box with Sen. Saslaw, & Mayor Hardi Sen. Salim Speaking at the Government Blockchain Event in Fairfax City Sen. Salim at a 79th Korean Liberation Day Celebration GUAC in Tysons, a show about a father turned activist after his son was killed in the Parkland shooting Sen. Salim at National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)   Contributions During the annual legislative session, legislators are forbidden from accepting political donations. Now that the session is over, please consider making a donation. During non-election years, your donations are crucial towards paying staff and keeping my operations going. Click HERE to contribute. Donate $25 Donate $50 Donate $100 Sincerely, Senator Saddam Azlan Salim Virginia State Senate District 37   Send me your Thoughts! 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