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Dear John,
I've enjoyed being back at work in the classroom since the legislative session ended, but I've kept plenty busy outside of the classroom, as well!
During the first weekend in March, I went to see a robotics competition at Deep Run High School hosted by the FIRST Team 1086 Blue Cheese. I got to see some great matches and speak with students working hands-on in the pits. I was proud to get a Budget Amendment in place in 2024 to support the STEM + C Competition Team Grant Program that these teams benefit from. I also attended services at Mt Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen. Later that Sunday, I watched a preview of Screams Before Silence at the University of Richmond sponsored by the Jewish Federation’s Women's Philanthropy and Hadassah. It was hard to watch, but I am glad I went and I benefited form the discussion after. The following Monday, I joined Delegate Betsy Carr at a meeting of the Richmond chapter of Moms Demand Action. We discussed the gun violence prevention legislation we passed this session and reminded attendees that if the Governor won’t sign those bills into law this year, there’s an election this November that can bring a Gun Sense Champion into office.
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The next weekend, on Saturday, I enjoyed a father-daughter day with my middle child. First we cheered on the fantastic Richmond Spiders Women's Basketball team in the A10 tournament at the Henrico Sports & Event Center followed by a visit to the 10th Annual Henrico Arts Festival at Glen Allen High School where we saw, and purchased, some amazing art. I ended my day at the 6th Annual Ramadan Interfaith Potluck Iftar at Bon Air Presbyterian Church. On Sunday, it was my pleasure to join the Ismaili community in Richmond to celebrate the life of the Aga Khan. For 68 years, he led the Ismaili community, preaching pluralism, philanthropy, and public service. It was a privilege to present a Virginia Senate Memorial Resolution in his honor.
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I got the third weekend in March started early. On Thursday evening, I had a blast at Virginia Union University's 10th Annual Legacy Awards Gala with my fellow legislators. It was a great event for a great institution, and they honored a truly special person, Senator Mamie Locke, among others! On Sunday morning, I attended services at Quioccasin Baptist Church in celebration of Rev. Dr. Theodore Brown's seven-year anniversary as pastor there. Next, I went to the Nepali Community of Greater Richmond Virginia (NCRVA) Holi Celebration at Deep Run Park. The holiday of Holi marks the start of spring, and this year it also seems to have ushered in nice weather! I closed out the day with the Richmond Fur community at their annual Iftar event--I truly appreciate their hospitality.
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The next week, on Tuesday, I spoke at the Richmond Dudes for Democrats meeting about my challenges and successes during the legislative session. Later in the week, I once again joined Delegate Carr at the opening of the Give Me Liberty exhibit at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. It was a great exhibit about American values, especially as we come up on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in the Commonwealth. If you get a chance, stop by the Virginia Museum and check it out! On Saturday, I ran in the Freeman High School Sports Boosters’ Mavericks Miles. It was a beautiful morning to raise some money for kids and get some exercise, although my 5k time is not what it used to be.. . .
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During the final week of March, at the Henrico Board of Supervisors, I presented a Memorial Resolution for Elvin Cosby to his friends and family. Elvin worked for Henrico for 73 years and left behind quite a legacy! I’ve got 20 years as a teacher down and 53 to go to match his record of service with Henrico. I also met a group of American Political Science Congressional Fellows at the General Assembly Building and spoke with them about my journey as a public servant and about the legislative process here in Virginia--it was a fun conversation! On Saturday, I went to the American Historical Association's Virginia Conference on Introductory History Courses at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and gave a presentation with Richmond Public Schools Board Member Wesley Hedgepeth about state legislation and policy affecting history education. It was a great conversation with teachers, professors and others!
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Campaign Updates
I spent some time in March at political events helping to spread the word about the priorities and legislative achievements of Democrats in the General Assembly. I also voiced my priority for electing Democratic candidates in 2025--our values have moved the Commonwealth forward, and I'm always fired up to talk about the imperative to expand the Democratic majority in the House of Delegates! Not to mention the crucial races to flip the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General and truly move our agenda forward.
In that vein, I spoke at the monthly March Henrico County Democratic Committee meeting and later in the month at my friend and fellow western Henrico legislator Delegate Rodney Willet's [[link removed]] HD-58 re-election campaign kickoff at Waygone Brewery. At both events, the room was packed with people fired up to get this important work done, and these important races won.
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Speaking of packing the room, I hope you'll come to the fundraiser that I am hosting with my partner Devon Cushman and colleague Senator Lashrecse Aird for my friend Jay Jones for Virginia Attorney General [[link removed]] tomorrow, Wednesday April 2nd at 7pm. For more details and to RSVP, go here [[link removed]] .
If your organization or community group would like to invite me to an event or to speak with your group, please don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected]. For campaign or political inquiries, reach out to [email protected].
Thanks so much for your support!
Yours in service,
Schuyler VanValkenburg, 16th District
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