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Dear John,
I want to start by wishing all my constituents who celebrate, a Happy New Year, a Happy Dashain, and a wonderful Hispanic Heritage Month! I definitely got out and about in the 16th District and beyond during September, but first I'll begin with some legislative updates.
During the 2025 Legislative Session, I passed legislation, SB 1223, [[link removed]] that would have given the people of Henrico the opportunity to officially weigh in on the establishment of the proposed Rosie’s gaming emporium. It ended up as a line item budget amendment in the final state budget bill that would have had the same effect as the original legislation. Sadly, Governor Youngkin vetoed it [[link removed]] . Ever since, Brookland Supervisor Dan Schmitt and I have been working to identify all possible avenues to ensure that Henrico residents have a voice in this matter. On Monday, September 15th, we spoke at the Virginia Racing Commission meeting [[link removed]] where Churchill Downs and Rosie’s application to open the facility with the slot machine-type, Historical Racing Terminals, was considered. We thank all of the Henrico residents who spoke out, whether in person, via email, or by signing a petition. Unfortunately, the Racing Commission vote did not go our way [[link removed]] . Even so, we will keep fighting on behalf of Henrico and keep pushing for transparency, public participation, and accountability. This fight is not over [[link removed]] .
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On September 18th, the final SB 838 Recovery Residences [[link removed]] work group meeting took place. These meetings have been very productive! Stakeholders were able to come together and offer thoughtful recommendations. We look forward to receiving their report in November and possibly carrying new legislation on this topic in the coming session.
Speaking of which, my legislative work on housing policy continues. My staff and I are starting to map out our office's portfolio for the 2026 Legislative Session, and housing legislation will be a big part of that. On that note, we enjoyed attending US Senator Mark Warner's Key to Housing Affordability Summit at the Westin Hotel in Henrico on September 8th, and Virginia Poverty Law Center's Candidate Forum on Housing and Economic Justice at the Richmond Public Library on September 25th. I'm so glad the senior Senator from Virginia, along with other candidates and organizations like the VPLC are prioritizing affordable housing and housing supply. In 2023, Austin, Texas, permitted more homes than all of Virginia did. RVA is the third of ten metropolitan regions with the biggest rent increases. We need more housing ASAP!
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Otherwise, there was no shortage of other events to attend in our and the greater RVA community!
On September 3rd, I attended the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) regional meeting at the Westin Hotel. I really enjoyed talking to them about economic development, lowering the cost of living, infrastructure, and the upcoming election. They are a huge engine in our economy!
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The following weekend was a busy one!
First, I went to Democracy Circle RVA's town hall on health care where experts talked about the negative impacts the BBB and the Trump/Kennedy Administration are having on our country. We must protect access to affordable health care and we must protect public health! Next, I stopped by the McShin's Foundation Annual Recovery Fest. McShin has been a leader for years in our area in ensuring people get the help and supports they need in recovery. My third stop was the Libbie Mill Library for Sigma Delta Zeta's forum on Black Maternal Health. Last year’s MOMnibus [[link removed]] , led by Delegate Candi Mundon King, was a great step towards solving the disparities that exist, but we have more to do!
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Next, I spoke at the Medical Society of Virginia's Student Leadership Retreat in western Henrico. We discussed advocacy and state government. The Henrico NAACP's Annual Freedom Fund Banquet that evening was not to be missed! My Delegate Destiny LeVere Bowling gave a fantastic keynote address on the need to continue to fight for civil rights, for voting rights, and for a society that works towards full equality! I wrapped up the weekend at the India Association of Virginia's annual picnic at Deep Run Park, where I ran into Henrico Commonwealth Attorney and CD-01 candidate Shannon Taylor!
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The following weekend, I enjoyed seeing friends at The Festival of India. It is a fantastic Richmond tradition that I look forward to every year! I also had a great time with Shannon Taylor and Supervisor Misty Roundtree at the Malayalis’ celebration of Onam at JR Tucker High School. It was a magnificent celebration filled with good food, programming, and conversation! Finally, it was my pleasure to join in Dashain festivities with the Nepali community along with Delegate Rodney Willett and HD-57 candidate May Nivar. I know many Nepalis are thinking of friends and family in Nepal and I hope there will be a peaceful and democratic resolution there.
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Finally, the last Saturday in September, the 27th, I gave a presentation to fellow teachers about public policy during a Virginia Civics workshop at the Virginia Museum of Culture and History. The rain that day didn't stop RVA from having fun at RVA Pridefest 🏳️‍🌈 It was great to celebrate with the Henrico Dems and Metro Richmond Area Young Dems. I'm looking forward to getting that awful marriage ban out of our Constitution! I ended the day at the Gujarati Samaj RVA Annual Garba. As always, the Garba was a fun night of food, dancing, and friends!
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On the political and campaign front , I had a fantastic time serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the Annual Henrico Dems Blue Moon Bash. We honored Henrico Chair Alsúin Creighton-Preis as she presided over her last Bash, and heard from CD-04 Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, DPVA Chair and State Senator Lamont Bagby, and our next Delegate representing HD-57, May Nivar. I also attended fundraisers for Abigail Spanberger and for May.
Speaking of May and Abigail (and of the rest of the statewide and Henrico candidates), we have got to get these folks elected! Early Voting started September 19th and goes through Saturday, November 1st. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th. If you live in Virginia, and you haven't gotten out to vote yet, make sure you do as soon as possible. Find out more about where, when, and how to vote at iwillvote.com [[link removed]] . Flipping the statewide offices blue and expanding the Democratic majority in the Virginia House of Delegates is crucial (and runs through Henrico!) Let’s get it done!
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Finally, I want to thank everyone who donated and who came out to support my fall fundraiser on September 16th at the Capital Ale House at Innsbrook. It was my first big one since I was elected to the Virginia Senate and, thanks to all of you and to our special guest speakers, it was a big success!
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I'll be back after the end of October with another update. In the meantime, i f 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] [[email protected]] .
For campaign or political inquiries, reach out to [email protected] [[email protected].] .
Thanks so much for your support!
Yours in service,
Schuyler VanValkenburg, 16th District
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