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Dear Friend,
This week’s newsletter shares information about the Commonwealth’s funding of K-12 education, provides updates on recent legislative meetings, and reflects on select community engagements from this past week. Thank you for reading this newsletter and for staying informed.
Funding Public Education and the Governor’s Budget Proposals
This past Monday, the Joint Subcommittee on Elementary and Secondary Education Funding convened again to continue the discussion and analysis of revising Virginia’s K-12 public education funding model. We received additional presentations on the recommendations from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), near-term strategies for Special Education in Virginia, and further insights into the K-12 funding reform processes in other states. As we approach the start of Session in January, Committee members, as well as other legislators, will be introducing both budget and legislative items to assist the transition of Virginia’s public education funding formula to a student-centered model.
Later this week, the Governor will release his proposed budget. The event is public and will be livestreamed on the Legislative Information System [[link removed]] . On January 3, regional public hearings on the Governor's proposed budget will occur virtually. Individuals wishing to speak may register between 8 am - 4 pm the day before each virtual hearing . Additional information is available through the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee [[link removed]] .
Committees, Commissions, and Boards
Last Monday, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Public Safety and Claims Subcommittee [[link removed]] received presentations from the Virginia Department of Corrections on facility closures, the transfer of Lawrenceville Correctional Center from private to state management, the conversion to electronic health records for incarcerated patients, training partnerships between VDOC and the Virginia Community College System, and staffing concerns.
On Thursday, the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority [[link removed]] (VHWDA) convened for its final meeting of the year and heard updates on its program initiatives to address healthcare workforce shortages in the 2025 legislative session. VHWDA administers the Virginia Area Health Education Centers (VA AHEC), graduate medical education, and certifies Community Health Workers.
On Friday, the Pandemic Response and Preparedness Joint Subcommittee [[link removed]] reviewed the policy and budget recommendations presented by each of the three subcommittees: Government and Regulatory Systems; Healthcare Systems and Emergency Management; and Education. Because a quorum was not present, the Joint Subcommittee will convene prior to Session to vote on final recommendations.
Select Community Engagements
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On Tuesday, my staff joined the Virginia Assisted Living Association’s regional discussion on senior living and heard priorities for the 2025 legislative session. As life expectancy continues to increase, quality and affordable support for aging populations becomes even more necessary and requires investments in healthcare workforce development, senior protections, and more.
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Additionally this week, my Chief of Staff joined the Virginia Farm Bureau for its annual Chesterfield Regional Legislative Meeting. Members shared concerns about the siting of large-scale solar facilities, the effects of data centers on Virginia’s rural landscapes, and the importance of funding programs crucial to farmers, including the Agricultural BMP Cost-Share (VACS) Program through our Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
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I joined Richmond City Councilwoman Stephanie Lynch for her 5th District holiday celebration. The event brought together other elected officials including Councilwoman Reva Trammel (pictured above), Mayor-Elect Danny Avula, Delegate Betsy Carr, and Senator Lamont Bagby, as well as Richmond City Police Chief Rick Edwards, numerous community leaders and constituents.
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On Wednesday evening, I joined UMFS [[link removed]] for a conversation between UMFS CEO Nancy Toscano and former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. In a discussion facilitated by Nancy Eberhardt, Psaki shared her thoughts on communication, public trust, and the responsibilities we all share.
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On Thursday morning, I joined a press conference highlighting Freedom Virginia’s 'Get Ahead' Agenda for the 2025 legislative session. Virginia’s working families are struggling to afford necessities such as food, housing, and childcare. During this upcoming session, I and my colleagues will be working to pass legislation and budget amendments to lower the cost of medicine, provide support for renters seeking to invest in first homes, support access to quality childcare, and assist part-time workers save for retirement.
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Closing out this week, my Legislative Assistant joined FIRST Robotics Team 422: The Mech Tech Dragons for their annual legislative Open House. Students showcased their talents in the technical room and at competitions. Robotics competitions help to inspire students by connecting natural inclinations towards curiosity and imagination to direct applications of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and critical thinking.
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On Saturday night, the Chesterfield County Democratic Committee held its annual Snowflake Soiree to recognize the hard work of its strong leadership, committed members, and numerous volunteers. During this recent November election, Chesterfield County was one of the few Virginia localities in which Kamala Harris received more votes than President Joe Biden did in 2020. Chesterfield Dems have much to celebrate and applaud.
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I rounded out the weekend on Sunday by joining Kannan Srinivasan (Democratic-nominee for Senate District 32) and Delegate David Reid for a canvass launch for the critical Special Election to fill the Senate seat recently vacated by Suhas Subramanyam who was elected to Congress this past November. Despite the cold and light snow, we had a phenomenal turnout in Ashburn Sunday morning as volunteers joined us to knock doors.
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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