Email from Senator Tammy Mulchi Topics that should sway this election What will sway this election?   Greetings, This week, I am stepping away from our recent discussions on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to turn toward the issues that will define this year’s election. What many may not realize is that early voting is already underway in Virginia. You can cast your ballot in person at your local registrar’s office or return your absentee ballot today—there is no need to wait.   Over the next month, I will focus on four key topics that I believe will ultimately decide this election: education, crime and immigration, tax reform, and Green New Deal policies. This week, I’ll begin with the issue that strikes closest to home for every family in Southside Virginia—education. The Youngkin–Sears administration has made significant progress in education funding. Under the Governor’s proposed amendments for the upcoming budget year, an additional $50 million will be directed to school construction grants and loans, bringing the total to $610 million. Overall, direct aid to public education will rise by nearly half a billion dollars—$452.6 million above the current budget and $166.1 million more than the introduced budget. Since the pandemic, spending per student has increased by 53%. These numbers are not just figures on a spreadsheet—they translate into modernized classrooms, improved resources for teachers, and learning environments that prepare our students for success. Strong schools build strong communities, and these investments demonstrate a real commitment to our children’s future. Since taking office, Governor Glenn Youngkin has made parental rights the cornerstone of his education agenda. Winsome Sears, if elected, will continue this focus. Their administration has taken deliberate steps to ensure that parents are empowered and actively engaged in their children's education. They required schools to notify parents about incidents such as drug overdoses and sexually explicit instructional material. They made mask-wearing optional in classrooms. They passed legislation giving parents the right to review curriculum content and opt their children out of material deemed sexually explicit. In addition, they created a tip line for parents to report divisive practices in schools and signed an executive order banning the teaching of critical race theory in public instruction and training. These actions give parents a stronger voice in their children’s education and restore trust between families and schools. For too long, bureaucrats and special interests pushed parents to the sidelines—this administration has worked to put students and families back at the center of education. Another major education issue is fairness in girls’ sports and privacy in school facilities. As many of you know, I introduced legislation in 2024 and 2025 to ensure that biological males are not allowed to compete in girls’ sports or access girls’ locker rooms. Every Democrat on the committee voted against it. This is not a matter of politics—it’s a matter of fairness, privacy, and safety. Girls deserve the right to compete on a level playing field and to use facilities without feeling unsafe or uncomfortable. Republicans are united on this issue because we know that protecting our daughters should never take a backseat to political ideology. Education is just one piece of the larger fight to defend our values and shape Virginia’s future. This year’s election will determine not only what happens in our children’s classrooms but also the direction of our economy and the safety of our communities. The Democrats have made their position clear: they stand with bureaucrats and ideology, not with parents, families, or students. We must respond just as clearly—by voting. Early voting has already begun. Don’t wait until November. Cast your ballot now, encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same, and pray for our elections. Together, we can send a message loud and clear: Southside Virginia will stand firm for our values and fight for our future. 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]   Early Vote Now! Early voting has begun and will continue until November 1st. You can early vote by mailing in an absentee ballot, turning in an absentee ballot at your local registrar's office, or voting in person just like you would on Election Day at your early voting locations. Early voting is open every weekday, Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on the two Saturdays before the election, October 25th and November 1st. Early voting is important—bank your vote now so you can help get 10 friends to the polls! Every vote matters, so click below to find more information on early voting in your area. Early vote Today!   September was Prostate Cancer awareness Month Screening Recommendations The American Cancer Society recommends that men consult their healthcare provider in making an informed decision about when to start prostate screening, based on individual risk factors. Here’s when men are generally recommended to begin getting screened: Age 50 for men at average risk of prostate cancer Age 45 for men at high risk Age 40 for men at higher risk For more information on prostate cancer, visit the Stay in the Game website or speak with your healthcare provider. Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Tax Rebates for Virginia Taxpayers – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that eligible taxpayers will receive tax rebates of up to $200 this fall if they filed individually, and up to $400 if they filed jointly. To be eligible, taxpayers must have incurred tax liability in 2024 and filed by November 3, 2025. Starting Thursday September 25th, taxpayers can visit tax.virginia.gov/rebate and check their eligibility for a tax rebate. Eligible taxpayers who filed their state taxes prior to July 1 will be sent rebates by October 15, 2025, arriving by the end of October. Taxpayers who received a state tax refund by direct deposit this year should expect to receive their tax rebate by direct deposit in the same bank account. All other eligible taxpayers will receive their rebate by paper check in the mail. Learn More Here Our office has recently assisted several constituents with issues related to the car tax. As we help, we also remind them of Winsome Earle-Sears’ pledge to Axe the Tax. I am committed to working with her to deliver on this promise when she becomes our next Governor. Department of Veteran Services is HIRING! If you or someone you know is searching for a rewarding career serving Virginia's veterans and their families, then look no further! *5090423 - Veterans Services Representative - Quantico: [link removed] *5090425 - Veterans Services Representative - Springfield: [link removed] *5089865 - Resource Specialist - Danville: [link removed] *5090717 - Veterans Services Administrator - Fort Eustis: [link removed] *5091110 - Veteran Peer Specialist - Hampton: [link removed] *5091154 - V3 Transition Resource Coordinator - Virginia Beach: [link removed] DONATE Email Us P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 (434) 374 5129 Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Senator Tammy Mulchi | P.O. 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