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Dear friends,
Greetings from the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston! This was the 50th year that NCSL has brought together lawmakers from every state in the country to share ideas, find common ground, and build networks between state capitals.
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On Sunday I traveled to Boston for events held in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, TD Garden, and other venues near Boston's historic seaport. The Conference operated much like a legislative body, and the annual meeting included elections of officers, business meetings, and panel discussions on the important issues of the day.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker was the keynote speaker, and is rumored to be mulling a bid for the presidency. Governor Pritzker spoke shortly after news broke [[link removed]] that he is hosting Texas Democrats who broke quorum to try and stop an illegal gerrymander, and he received a standing ovation.
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Spotlight on Mason
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Over the last several weeks, many of you have contacted my office about the rumors circling around George Mason University. In the wake of UVA President Jim Ryan's abrupt resignation under pressure from the Trump Department of Justice, the Departments of Justice and Education announced investigations into not only GMU President Gregory Washington, but even the faculty, who are reportedly having their emails searched by the federal government while being targeted online by right wing extremists.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, I voted with my colleagues to reject Governor Youngkin's nominations to the GMU Board of Visitors. When the Governor and his nominees tried to ignore us, we sued them, and after a Circuit Court judge affirmed our power to reject his nominations, the remaining board members met as hundreds of GMU students, alums, and friends gathered outside to let them know that we support GMU President Gregory Washington - and that we reject the Trump administration's attempts to criminalize a welcoming campus with academic freedom.
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When the meeting ended, word quickly spread that the Board voted to give President Washington a 1.5% raise [[link removed]] , effectively ending the threat to his job for the foreseeable future. As a GMU alum, I am proud to see how many of us have stepped up to defend our university - and it is our university!
FCNP August Column
For more about the lawsuit, the Senate's power to reject nominations and my background as a GMU alum please read this month's column at FCNP.com [[link removed]] .
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CD11 Candidate Forums
Last week, current Braddock district Supervisor and candidate for Congress in CD11 James Walkinshaw faced his opponent, Republican Stewart Whitson, in the first of several forums before the September 9th, 2025 special election to succeed Rep. Gerry Connolly.
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The next forum is on Monday, August 18th, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area. It will be livestreamed on YouTube at Inside Scoop TV. [[link removed]]
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Trump Watch
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The view of what was once the White House Rose Garden. Credit Jim Watson, Getty Images.
President Trump paved over the Rose Garden [[link removed]] , and is plotting to build a $200 million dollar ballroom on the White House property . This is not something President Trump ever talked about during his campaign, and it was done in such a rush that most Americans still have no idea. To permanently alter our nation's most historic and hallowed sites without even a public discussion is typical of Trump's recklessness, and I for one am hopeful that cooler heads will prevail before any more construction starts at the White House.
I continue to hear from constituents who are being impacted by layoffs and budget cuts from the DOGE commission, Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill', and the budget rescissions package. In addition to the resources linked below I hope you will reach out to my office at [email protected] [[email protected]] if you are dealing with these or other challenges and are in need of information or assistance
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On Redistricting
We are watching to see if legislatures in Texas [[link removed]] and other states around the country follow through on their threats, and President Trump's request, to quickly change their congressional maps to limit Republican losses in the upcoming midterms. This week WVTF's Brad Kutner reported on this issue [[link removed]] and spoke with several of my colleagues.
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Conversations around gerrymandering can be both technical and abstract, but it should be very clear that when a party does unpopular things and loses popular support, passing new electoral maps to thwart the will of the voters and cling to power is undemocratic. As a member of the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections I am monitoring this situation closely. As always please feel free to share your thoughts on this matter with me at [email protected].
Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market
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At our first committee meeting on July 9th, this new commission met to elect a chair, Fairfax Delegate Paul Krizek, and Vice Chair, Senator Lashrece Aird from Petersburg. We also heard a presentation from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, the state body which was created in 2021 to regulate the recreational marijuana market which has been held in limbo by Governor Youngkin's refusal to sign enabling legislation, which we have sent to his desk twice.
On August 20th, the Cannabis Commission will hold its second meeting. There is much work to be done to chart the path forward, but the November election of our next Governor will likely decide whether the Commission's work will become law. If this issue is important to you, I urge you to look at the candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and in the House of Delegates, as we may need to have Democrats in all these offices to finally pass legislation and put an end to Youngkin's gray market.
Traffic & Construction News
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Later this month, traffic on I-495 heading north toward the westbound Dulles Toll Road or Dulles Airport Access Highway will be shifted onto a newly-built ramp at Exit 45. This will enable the reopening of the fourth lane of the northbound Beltway in this area, which has been closed since November 2022.
By the end of the year, VDOT expects work to be completed on the new ramps between 495 NEXT and the George Washington Memorial Parkway, pictured below.
Click on 495next.vdot.virginia.gov [[link removed]] to learn more.
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In mass transit news, Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street stations on the Blue Line reopened on Sunday after Metro successfully finished three weeks of track work on time.
Crews updated the train control and signaling system, renewed rails and ties for a smoother ride, and repaired lighting for better visibility.
Construction will now take place on the southern end of the Green Line through Aug. 31. Learn more at wmata.com. [[link removed]]
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Upcoming Events
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Net Zero House Fundraiser for Ghazala Hashmi
Join Senator Ghazala Hashmi for an evening in one of our local net zero homes to discuss sustainability, climate action, and her campaign for Lieutenant Governor in the 2025 election.
Sunday, August 10th 2025
6pm -7:30pm
Vienna
For more information contact [email protected]
RSVP or make your donation here [[link removed]] .
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Falcon for Fairfax's Dog Days of Summer BBQ
Join Chris Falcon, candidate for Fairfax County Clerk of Court, for a family-friendly barbecue at Mason District Park!
Saturday, August 16, 2025
6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT
RSVP or make a donation here [[link removed]] .
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Dulles Area Democrats Monthly Breakfast
This month's breakfast will feature James Walkinshaw answering your questions in the final days of the special election campaign to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly. Submit questions to: [email protected] [[email protected]]
Monday, August 25, 2025
Jimmy's Old Town Tavern
7:30 AM: network
8:00 AM: breakfast and speaker
697 Spring St, Herndon, VA 20170
RSVP or make a donation here. [[link removed]]
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VOICE is looking for a part-time Homes for All Fellow (20 hrs/week) to support their campaign from August 11 (ideally!) through February 11, 2026 .
I have met with VOICE organizers both at the capitol and in my district on a number of issues including housing, behavioral health, and civil rights. This is an incredible opportunity for someone interested in policy, organizing, or faith-rooted social justice work to gain hands-on experience in grassroots strategy, statewide advocacy, and campaign planning.
If you or someone you know might be a good fit, please email a resume and short cover note to Jessica Sarriot at [email protected] [[email protected]] . Fellowship Description Here [[link removed]]
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Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation fall grant cycle is now open! They’ll be accepting applications from August 4 - September 15. They’ll also host virtual office hours throughout the cycle for any non-profits who have questions about the application process. For more information, please visit this website: www.dominionenergy.com/foundation [[link removed]]
If you are involved in one of the amazing charitable organizations that serve our community and think you might qualify, please consider submitting an application.
Commonwealth Spotlight
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Senator Salim, Delegate David Bulova, and Supervisor and CD11 candidate James Walkinshaw at the 4th of July parade in Fairfax City. The ribbon cutting ceremony for SeoulSpice's West Falls location on Falls Station Blvd. Senator Salim supporting Kimberly Pope Adams, candidate for the House of Delegates in District 82. Kimberly is running again after losing in 2023 by just 78 votes.
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Senator Salim's Chief of Staff Aeshah Sheikh joined SkyDio to learn about DFR (Drone as First Responder) technology and how it is being deployed to benefit public safety.
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Senator Salim was invited by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to speak at the 75th Jalsa Salana USA in Richmond, on the theme "Building a Sustainable Peace: Saving Humanity Amidst Grave Conflict."
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Senator Salim at a July fundraiser for May Nivar, candidate for the House of Delegates in District 57.
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Senator Salim riding in style in the 4th of July Parade - though you may have seen him after he put his hat on. Thanks for the smooth ride!
As always it is an honor to continue to represent you.
Sincerely,
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Senator Saddam Azlan Salim
Virginia Senate District 37
Democrat for Virginia's Future
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