Dear Jack,

With October upon us, it’s a great time to reflect on progress and look ahead with confidence. Let’s continue fostering hope, positivity, and community spirit. As always, my office stands ready to assist you in any way we can.

I introduced Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (CD-10) and attended his town hall for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, convened to address urgent concerns about the ongoing government shutdown. With the shutdown several days in, the Congressman explained the shutdown began after a continuing resolution lacking an extension for crucial Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) tax credits, which failed to pass, leaving federal workers, contractors, and families across our community in limbo. We listened to residents about the crisis’s impact, expressing the pain caused by the government shutdown and described how federal actions are affecting their lives:

Vice President of Melwood highlighting what organizations who employ individuals with disabilities are facing: “Our workforce is predominantly people with disabilities. Our workers thrive on stability and structure and are contributing members of society and are off of government benefits because of their employment through Melwood. Many without those benefits and without steady pay may need to return to those benefits that are also facing significant changes. Unlike federal employees, contractors don’t receive back pay when the government reopens."     - JC

Georgetown University professor on the impact of the Trump presidency on higher education and its effect on research: “We’ve had huge cuts to federal funding for research already. American research output is declining. We have other nations that are racing ahead of us.”                                                                                           - BA

Former non-profit, government-contracted employee, after losing her job in January as a result of funding cuts, being fired at 4:30 p.m., then losing her health care insurance 30 minutes later: “I am underemployed and paying for bare bones minimum coverage through the Virginia marketplace as provided by the Affordable Care Act. I may lose my coverage again with their (Republican) current policies and threats with the government shutdown.”                                                                       - Former Nonprofit Employee Contracted with USAID

As we continue to work across all levels of government, Virginia Democratic lawmakers are continuing to support federal workers through key legislation, including:

SB 1430 - During a government shutdown, people at risk of losing their home get 60 days (instead of 30) before foreclosure starts. This help now applies to any length of shutdown, not just ones lasting 14 days or more.

HB 1766 - Weekly unemployment benefits will increase on or after January 1, 2026 (the enactment would have been July 1, 2025, but Governor Youngkin amended it to start later).

As a Delegate representing Loudoun County - a community where a significant number of federal employees - I am committed to ensuring that these workers are not left alone during this challenging time. I will continue working with colleagues and local leaders to assist affected families and help protect Northern Virginia's economy.

For the thousands of residents of Loudoun County and the surrounding area impacted by the government shutdown, the county has assembled a variety of resources to assist those who are affected. To learn more about the available support and services, please visit the links below.

If you are facing difficulty due to the government shutdown and require assistance from the state government, contact my office at [email protected], and a member of my staff will be in touch.

Founded in 1875 as a small, one-room building, Sterling United Methodist Church has grown into a pillar of the Sterling community. This past Sunday, the congregation gathered to celebrate its 150th anniversary, marking a monumental milestone that I was honored to speak at. Sterling United Methodist Church has long embodied the welcoming, inclusive, and service-focused spirit of Sterling and its neighboring areas.

In celebration of this anniversary, the church has launched “Difference 150,” a special initiative inviting everyone to complete 150 acts of kindness. I’m personally participating in this meaningful challenge and encourage others to join as well! Every act, no matter how small, helps to demonstrate our collective dedication to serving not just Sterling, but the broader community as well.

As part of the celebration, I was asked to attend and speak at a service. I had the privilege of presenting Sterling United Methodist Church with a Certificate of Commendation from the Virginia House of Delegates, recognizing 150 years of dedicated service to our community and getting to know the extraordinary members of this congregation.

Navigating state agencies can be confusing and difficult at times. As the delegate for House District 27, I can help you communicate with state agencies such as the Virginia Employment Commission, Departments of Taxation, Social Services, Transportation and more! I can also submit inquiries with those agencies on your behalf. There are limits to what I can do, however. For example, I am unable to expedite cases or force state agencies to favor your inquiry, provide legal advice or recommend a specific attorney, intervene with judicial issues, overturn decisions, or be involved with matters between private businesses. 

Whether you require my office’s assistance, want to bring an issue to my attention or invite me to a community event, please reach out here: https://atoosareaser.com/help/.

Alongside constituent services, I can submit drafts for commending and memorial resolutions. If you know of a person or organization in the district that deserves special recognition, please submit a request here: resolution request form.

If you are happy with the work I am doing, please consider donating to my campaign for re-election using the button below.