I am pleased to announce that the Governor has officially signed into law my bill that will bring high-quality jobs to Southside. Senate Bill 1207 is a key part of a broader plan to expand microporous lithium-ion battery production in our region. This legislation is a major step toward strengthening our local economy by creating sustainable, well-paying jobs for our workforce. These types of investments not only provide economic stability but also attract further innovation and industry to Southside. This is precisely the kind of development I envisioned when I ran for office—to advocate for the needs of our local communities and ensure they receive the support they deserve. I am grateful that the General Assembly recognized the importance of this initiative, and I will continue working to bring more opportunities to the people of Southside.

Many of the bills we were able to come together on represent bipartisan efforts to reform and modernize our state code. One example is Senate Bill 1177, which allows critical access hospitals to increase the number of swing beds available for patient care. Swing beds are hospital beds that can be used for both short-term acute care and longer-term skilled nursing care, depending on the patient's needs. This flexibility is crucial for rural and underserved areas, where access to specialized healthcare facilities may be limited.

By expanding the availability of swing beds, we are ensuring that patients who no longer need acute hospital care but still require medical supervision—such as those recovering from surgery, illness, or injury—can receive the necessary treatment without having to transfer to a separate skilled nursing facility. This change brings Virginia in line with federal standards and helps address critical healthcare shortages in our Commonwealth, particularly in rural areas where access to post-acute care options is limited. By allowing hospitals to provide both short- and long-term care under the same roof, we are improving continuity of care, reducing unnecessary hospital stays, and ensuring patients receive the right level of treatment without delay. This is a common-sense reform that will make a real difference in the lives of many Virginians, and I am proud to have supported this effort.

Another bill I was happy to see passed and signed into law was Senate Bill 921. This bill establishes a grant program to promote large animal veterinary programs, which is a crucial step in addressing the shortage of veterinary care in our rural communities. Many farmers and livestock owners struggle to find veterinarians who specialize in large animals, which can lead to delays in treatment, animal health concerns, and economic losses for agricultural businesses.

By providing financial support for veterinary students and practitioners who focus on large animal care, this program will help ensure that farmers have access to skilled professionals who can keep their livestock healthy and productive. This initiative will not only improve animal welfare and strengthen Virginia’s agricultural industry but also promote job growth by creating more opportunities for veterinarians to establish careers in rural areas. Investing in rural veterinary care is essential for sustaining our farming communities, and I am proud to support legislation that makes this a priority.

Finally, the last bill that became law that I wanted to highlight was Senate Bill 1289, which prohibits public schools from serving meals or competitive foods containing seven artificial dyes: Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6. These additives have been linked to health concerns like hyperactivity, allergies, and other risks. This is a major win for student health, ensuring our children have access to safer, more nutritious food. I’m proud to support efforts that improve school meal quality and promote lifelong healthy habits.



Although not all the bills passed by our General Assembly this year were bi-partisan or bills that I agreed with, I was happy to see some well-thought-out reform from not only the bills mentioned but others that have been signed into law. We are coming up to the reconvene session soon where we will see which bills get vetoed by the Governor as well as consider any of his proposed amendments to bills. Reconvene will highlight the importance of having a common-sense conservative governor, and I look forward to seeing his recommendations for the bills.

My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected]