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Dear John,
June was SUPER busy! First, I will start with some legislative updates.
Recently, I spoke at a work group meeting to address issues of oversight and transparency within the recovery space. This work group was formed as a result of SB 838 [[link removed]] , legislation I passed this past session to hold uncertified recovery homes accountable and improve the system of substance use recovery. I will continue to work alongside a wide range of stakeholders and experts to improve oversight and transparency, and to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Our goal is not to shut down existing homes, but to put residents at the center.
In addition, on June 24th, my office participated in a meeting to discuss SB 195 [[link removed]] , legislation I passed during the 2024 legislative session which created a stakeholder advisory group to discuss the possibility of allowing a single exit staircase in six story R2 residential buildings. Since its passage, the advisory group has recommended lowering the height outlined in my bill to four stories and requiring advanced safety measures. Currently, building code allows for one exit staircase in R2 residential buildings with three stories. My hope is that by amending the code to allow for one exit staircase in four story residential buildings, we can design higher density apartments with more spacious layouts. We will continue to meet throughout the year with the goal of providing recommendations to the House and Senate Committees on General Laws.
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Otherwise, I started Pride Month 🌈 by attending Side by Side’s annual Bloom Together event. They are a wonderful organization that focuses on ensuring that LGBTQ kids have a space to thrive and be authentically themselves. They do amazing work in RVA and I was glad to be able to show my support!
I spent the next morning with Henricopolis Soil and Water learning about Virginia agriculture and soil health during visits to the Reservoir Distillery and Creamfield Farm. That evening, I attended a meet & greet and presentation by the Virginia Muslim Civic League at Libbie Mill Library and heard about the Muslim community in Henrico--its places of worship, the great work they do in the community, and things they're concerned about.
Later that week, I spoke at an awards luncheon hosted by GRASP Virginia for the schools in the 16th District. I helped recognize students who are able to go to college because of GRASP's financial and counseling support.
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On Friday, June 6th, I kicked off the weekend by attending candidate for Governor Abigail Spanberger’s press conference in Henrico where she unveiled her housing policy priorities for Virginia. We have the first pro-housing Gubernatorial candidate in Virginia history. She wants to make us a national leader in supply, and that’s exactly what we need to be to make Virginia affordable for working people. Let’s go!
I started my day Saturday at the Collegiate School with Delegates Rodney Willett and Destiny LeVere Bolling running for Virginia Voice. They do such great work to bring print information and culture to the blind and people with low vision! Next, I enjoyed giving remarks at the Save the Children Action Network conference in Richmond. Affordable child care and early childhood education are key to a child’s success and to a family’s quality of life. Finally, I witnessed a fantastic robotics exhibit at Regency from Freeman, Godwin, and Deep Run students. All three schools went to the World Championship in Texas! Very impressive!
That Sunday, I joined Moms Demand Action, Virginians for Change, and Representative McClellan, Delegate Rodney Willett, and Chesterfield Supervisor Schneider at MDA's Wear Orange Community Gathering to honor survivors and connect with those working to end gun violence. We must do more! Later that day, I participated in a walk with Run For Their Lives Richmond in support of the Boulder community as they faced violence and terror, and to call for the release of the hostages held by Hamas.
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The next week, on June 9th, I enjoyed talking with Goochland, and Henrico teachers at Tucker High School about teaching, the law, and legislative landscape for AI in Virginia.
On June 11th, in the morning, I had a great time reliving early fatherhood memories at the Children's Museum of Richmond. They have a really exciting renovation coming up. Happy to have voted for some funding for this great resource for kids and families in the RVA region! That evening, Delegate Rodney Willett and I held a town hall at Tuckahoe Library. We reviewed key takeaways from the past legislative session, with a focus on housing and healthcare. During the Q & A, we dove into education, climate, energy, healthcare policies, and the impact on Virginia of the scary changes happening at the federal level. I'm always glad to hear directly from residents of the 16th District!
I ended the week at the No Kings protest in downtown Richmond where over five thousand people came together to say “No Kings!” As a high school civics teacher and state senator, I was proud to take part in such a historic protest, one of thousands that took place across the country.
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The following week, I enjoyed visiting Kindercare in western Henrico, one of the 16th District's many early childcare facilities. We need more slots, better compensation for these hardworking caretakers & teachers, and we need to make childcare more affordable for working people!
I had a blast at Tucker High School getting the crowd excited for our Henrico Hometown Hero and Affordability Champion Abigail Spanberger as we prepared to finish primary voting and kick off the General Election. After the primary, I celebrated with Team VanValkenburg now Team Jay Jones at the Jones Victory Party!
Later that week, I recognized Kristin and Tracey at Hobnob. The restaurant has become a hub of Lakeside and Western Henrico and it was a blast to give them the Resolution we passed in the General Assembly recognizing all their hard work!
The next day, my office closed in recognition of Juneteenth. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day to celebrate and rededicate ourselves to freedom, where we reflect on the horrors of the past and deliberate about the best ways to move forward regarding racial equality.
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The following Saturday, June 21st, I attended a town hall meeting at Glen Allen High School with Senator Mark Warner alongside Representative Jennifer McClellan and State Senator, and Lieutenant Governor candidate, Ghazala Hashmi. We heard horror stories about DOGE firings, the negative impacts of tariffs, threats to Medicaid, immigratio n, and cuts to NIH funding. I truly appreciate Senator Warner’s leadership not just in trying to stop the things coming out of DC right now but on having a positive vision for the future, one of growth, affordability, and using technology to help improve lives.
Later that day, I enjoyed attending Abigail Spanberger's bus tour kickoff in Richmond and the DPVA Commonwealth Gala, especially seeing Maryland Governor Wes Moore!
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On Monday, June 23rd, I stopped by the Lakewood Retirement Community to celebrate Brad Muranko with a Virginia Senate Resolution for his six-day, 469-mile bike ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association. It was an inspiring journey!
Finally, I wrapped up June by joining Richmond Mayor Danny Avula and Friendship Circle at the Flying Squirrels stadium to celebrate Disability Inclusion Day at The Diamond. Inclusion Day is all about bringing people together in community, friendship and dignity. It’s my third year in a row going! Friendship Circle does amazing things.
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I'll be back at the end of July with another update. In the meantime, if you would like to reach out and discuss any of my legislative priorities, share an opinion, or if your organization or community group would like to invite me to an event or to speak, 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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