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Dear John,
May proved to be another FULL month. Here are some highlights.
Starting with some final legislative updates, on May 2nd, Governor Youngkin took final action on three of my bills that he had amended:
📝 SB 854 [[link removed]] - This bill limits the use of social media platforms with addictive feeds for users under 16 to an hour per day unless they get verified parental consent. The Governor had amended this bill to make it stronger, but we rejected the amendments, and he signed it. [[link removed]]
📝 SB 1040 [[link removed]] - This bill would have spread solar energy across the Commonwealth and allowed for more solar installations on industrial facilities and locations other than farmland. The Governor heavily amended the bill and we rejected those amendments, and the bill was sent back to the Governor as passed. He vetoed it. [[link removed]]
📝 HB 1957 [[link removed]] - This bill sought to overhaul the K-12 assessment process, bolstering the quality of both SOL and local alternative assessments, providing test transparency and increased release of prior test items while limiting the window that the SOL tests can be given to the last two weeks in May, and making the end-of-course exam count for 10% of the student's grade. This bill was amended by the Governor and we accepted some of the amendments but rejected the others. The Governor signed the bill [[link removed]] .
As for outreach highlights, on May 1st, I spent a wonderful night at the Spotlight on SPARC fundraiser. SPARC has been helping kids in the RVA area “discover their shine” through the performing arts since 1981. I am thankful for all they do for our community!
On May 6th, I went to the Henrico NAACP meeting where I was blessed to be able to present a Virginia Senate Memorial Resolution to the family of Rev. Roy Carter, Sr. He did so much to help our community, and it was a joy to be able to show his family a small measure of our appreciation.
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On May 7th, our office participated in an event co-hosted by Anthem Health Keepers and Comfort Cases to pack backpacks for kids in foster care.
Later that day, I enjoyed giving a legislative update to the Henrico Bar Association with fellow Henrico legislators, Delegates LeVere Bolling and Owen. We had a good conversation about the budget, housing, and how we can get more lawyers into the field--of course, I plugged more civics education!
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May was Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and I made sure to stop by the Asian American Society of Central Virginia’s 27th Annual Asian American celebration on May 17th! Going from booth to booth, you could see the wealth of Asian cultures that are represented in RVA.
A few days later, I had the honor of giving the keynote address at Henrico Schools Virtual Academy graduation--I can’t wait to see what see these students do next!
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On May 20th, my office joined Henrico County Board of Supervisor members, Henrico Government and Economic Development Authority officials at the grand opening of the Henrico Global Business Gateway and Gather West End at Innsbrook. Very cool space and concept!
The following weekend, I enjoyed the beautiful weather and crowds in Glen Allen at the Indian and Sri Lankan Food Festival. The Chicken Kathi Roll was what’s up!
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I was honored to receive a Legislative Leadership Award along with Delegate Callsen from the Virginia League of Conservation Voters for our aforementioned solar bill and to be named a legislative hero! Fighting for clean air and water, a healthy environment, and a clean energy economy is the right thing to do for our kids.
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During the last days of May, my office and the rest of the Henrico General Assembly delegation hosted a Community Resources Fair at Libbie Mill Library with the Henrico Department of Social Services, the Virginia Employment Commission, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, DMV, Feed More, and the SPAN Center. It's so important to show our constituents what their local government and agencies can do for them.
I spent the last day of May at the BAPS Charities Annual 5k in Short Pump. Over 46,000 people in 76 localities in the United States participated. BAPS, a religious social service organization that specializes in humanitarian relief, does wonderful work in our community. It was a great way to start the day!
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Finally, I want to highlight the work I did in May to help elect good people to office in Virginia. I've continued to attend events for Abigail Spanberger, May Nivar, and Mark Warner, including supporting them at fundraisers and knocking doors. I've enjoyed being out canvassing again and talking to residents in the 16th District! I also had fun at the Henrico Democrats' spring social event. I know how important it is for us to maintain and grow our majority, and I will keep showing up for our great candidates in Henrico!
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I'll be back at the end of June with another update. In the meantime, I want to let you know that on June 11th , I'll be participating in a town hall with fellow Henrico legislator Delegate Rodney Willett (HD-58) at the Tuckahoe Library. RSVP and submit your questions using this form [[link removed]] .
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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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