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Dear Friend,
This week’s newsletter contains my reflections on the Governor’s proposed budget, provides information on our Pre-Session Town Hall and Office Open House, shares updates from recent Commission meetings, highlights our “Shadowing the Senator” program, and features select community engagements from this past week. Thank you for reading this newsletter and for staying informed.
Considering Budget Amendments to the Biennium Budget
On Wednesday, December 18, the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committees received the Governor and the Secretary of Finance as they presented amendments to the biennium budget that was passed during the 2024 Session. Youngkin’s proposals [[link removed]] range from eliminating the car tax for some Virginians to the withholding of state support for localities unless local governments cooperate with Trump’s policies on deportation and detention.
Over the next several weeks of the new year, the General Assembly will be reviewing and debating these budget amendments. At the same time, Senators and Delegates will be introducing their own budget amendment proposals for debate and discussion. During the upcoming Town Hall (see below), I will detail the budget amendments that I am introducing and share more details about the overall budget goals of the Senate.
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Pre-Session Town Hall (Virtual)
On Thursday, January 2, I will hold a virtual Pre-Session Community Town Hall. I will share the legislation and budget amendments that I am introducing; I will also outline the major topics that are anticipated for this session and discuss other community concerns. The event is open to the public; registration is required [[link removed]] . Questions may be directed to [email protected] [[email protected]] .
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Save the Date: General Assembly Office Open House
On the first day of Session, I am hosting a Senate District 15 Open House on Wednesday, January 8, 9:30 - 11:00 am. Constituents and visitors are invited to stop by Room 616 to chat with me, my staff, and grab a treat as the 2025 legislative session gets underway.
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Shadowing the Senator
Last week my office hosted a “Shadowing the Senator” program participant: Kamard. An entrepreneur and local business owner, Kamard sought out the shadowing opportunity to learn more about state government and the duties of elected officials. During his day with my office, Kamard joined me at the ChamberRVA Legislative Breakfast, attended meetings of the Joint Commission on Health Care and the Virginia Housing Commission, held a Q&A with my staff, and observed a stakeholder discussion on transportation legislation.
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Committees, Commissions, and Boards
I sit on several commissions, boards, and workgroups. This week, the following held its final meetings for 2024:
MLK, Jr. Memorial Commission: Last Monday, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission met for its final meeting prior to the 2025 General Assembly session. The Commission supported two recommendations: directing the History of Lynching Work Group to hold a symposium to educate the public on the tragedies of lynching throughout the Commonwealth and the Tribute for Senator Yvonne B. Miller Work Group to collaborate with the Clerk of the Senate of Virginia to honor Senator Yvonne Miller [[link removed]] in Capitol Square by commissioning a portrait or statue.
Joint Commission on Health Care & Virginia Housing Commission: Tuesday was a busy day as the Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) and the Virginia Housing Commission both held final meetings prior to the start of the legislative session. The JCHC voted on the legislative and budgetary recommendations; some of these recommendations include investments in our healthcare workforce; expansion of access through mobile health clinics, community health workers, and telehealth; the increase of coverage and provider reimbursements under Medicaid for emergency medical services; concerns about the anesthesiology workforce; and support for those with sickle cell disease.
Later in the afternoon, the Virginia Housing Commission also made its final recommendations. The following proposals for legislation received the endorsement of the Housing Commission:
* Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act; Early Termination of Rental Agreement
* Disclosures Related to Fly-Over Zones
* Urban Public Private Partnership Redevelopment Fund (UPPPRF)
* Virginia Housing Opportunity Tax Credit
* Accessory Dwelling Unit Legislation
* Eviction Diversion Program Renewal
* Legislation on these issues will be presented during the upcoming Session.
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Last Tuesday’s meeting of the Virginia Housing Commission
Select Community Engagements
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Monday evening included a wonderful event for my Lieutenant Governor campaign with over 100 supporters and elected officials from across the Metro Richmond Area. As we conclude 2024 and after nearly seven months on the campaign trail, we are heading into the election year energized and ready to move the Commonwealth forward.
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On Tuesday morning, I joined the ChamberRVA Legislative Breakfast with business leaders to share my priorities for the 2025 Session. I look forward to continuing collaborations with Virginia’s business community as we secure further investments in education, workforce development, and increased opportunities for Virginians.
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My staff also joined the J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens announcement of a collaborative agreement that relocates the college's horticultural program to the grounds of the nationally-recognized botanical gardens. This unique opportunity enhances students' learning and skills directly within the field itself.
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On Wednesday evening, I headed to Roanoke to join supporters for an event for my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Hosted by Roanoke Mayor-elect Joe Cobb, I met with a variety of leaders and enjoyed conversations on diverse issues. Everywhere that I have traveled, Virginians have made it clear: they are looking for leadership that lifts up working families, prioritizes public education, protects reproductive freedom and health care, protects our environment, and rejects divisive politics that harms our communities.
Lieutenant Governor Campaign Endorsements
I am honored to have earned the endorsements of EMILY’s List [[link removed]] and Indian American Impact [[link removed]] , two organizations that have been at the forefront of fighting for equal rights and representation within electoral politics. In 2025, Virginians will be ushering in new leadership in our statewide offices and within the House of Delegates, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to build on our Democratic progress and move Virginia forward.
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I am also honored to announce the endorsement of former Congresswoman Leslie Byrne. The first woman elected to the U.S. Congress from Virginia, Representative Byrne has been a trailblazer her whole life.
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Happy Holidays
In our last newsletter of the year, my staff and I extend warm wishes to everyone who is observing Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. We also wish everyone a healthy, safe, and happy New Year. We look forward to reconnecting in 2025, as our newsletter resumes for the General Assembly Session.
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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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