Friends,

Over these past weeks and months, as we have worked to navigate ongoing crises in our Commonwealth and across the country, I’ve been reminded of the immense value and importance of conversation.

Open dialogue — with our neighbors, colleagues, families, and friends — has always been how we as Americans and Virginians tackle the problems facing us. By working together, challenging each other, and building on the ideas of others, we can come up with solutions that work for all.

So, this week, I want to share some highlights from (virtual) conversations I’ve been having with constituents, fellow legislators, and community members.

June 30 Richmond City Town Hall on Civil Protest
I was joined by Richmond City Council members Stephanie Lynch and Michael Jones, and VCU Professor Eli Costen. Over 100 people attended, and our conversation ranged from school resources to protests and citizen engagement.

In particular, we addressed tough, necessary questions about protests and police activity in recent weeks — why are police still tear gassing protestors? How can elected officials help get wrongfully arrested protestors out of jail? How will the city bring citizens’ voices into the decision making processes, especially when it comes to oversight of the police department and the dismantling of systemic racism?

These difficult questions don’t lend themselves to easy answers, but our conversation was a reminder of the crucial importance of dialogue in shaping policy that impacts people every day. One thing was absolutely clear: citizens can help by getting engaged, speaking out on issues that affect them and their families, and voting. Complacency is not an option.


July 1 Town Hall on Criminal Justice Reform in Southwest Virginia
The Virginia Senate Democrats also held a town hall on Criminal Justice Reform in Southwest Virginia. I joined State Senators John Edwards (SD21), Creigh Deeds (SD25), and Jennifer McClellan (SD9), and 60 attendees to discuss the policies the Senate is going to bring forward to advocate for criminal justice reform in Virginia, including proposals to establish independent civilian review boards. We also discussed the need to change our approach to those facing mental health crises or struggling with poverty. Rather than responding with punitive disciplinary action, we can develop structures to treat mental illness and to help individuals get back on their feet.

July 1 Town Hall with the Richmond Delegation
Finally, members of the Richmond delegation to the Virginia General Assembly — including Delegates Adam, Aird, Bagby, Bourne, Carr, McQuinn, VanValkenburg, and Willet, and Senator Morrissey and I — came together to tackle a range of issues affecting the Central Region and to discuss state policies that affect our districts. We examined the over-militarization of local police departments, as well as the reforms measures proposed by the Virginia Black Legislative Caucus.

Our conversation also addressed the ongoing crisis of the pandemic, and the myriad ways it’s impacted residents of Richmond. As cases rise around the country, we know that we have to be cautious and thoughtful about our own reopening processes.

Childcare, in particular, was identified as a major issue that must be addressed through legislation, as well as the need to reintroduce paid family leave and paid medical leave. Families already struggling in the midst of this crisis should have the resources they need to care for their children, other family members, and themselves.

Richmond’s lack of eviction protections was also identified as a pressing challenge that disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. Homelessness in the midst of a pandemic is a crisis that we must avoid.

Final thoughts
If one thing is clear from these and many other conversations, it’s that we have a lot of work ahead of us. But I’m confident that we’ll be able to overcome these challenges. An important next step begins with the General Assembly’s Special Session in August, and I look forward to bringing forward legislation that has been developed in partnership with so many advocacy organizations and community members.

If you need assistance during these challenging times or if you want to schedule a phone or conference call, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. You can fill out this form to request a meeting. We can also be reached by email at [email protected].

— Ghazala



FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK >> www.facebook.com/SenatorGhazalaHashmi/
FOLLOW ON TWITTER >> twitter.com/Hashmi4Va
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM >> www.instagram.com/senatorghazalahashmi/



--------------------------------------------------------------
| Paid for and authorized by Friends of Ghazala Hashmi |
--------------------------------------------------------------

Friends of Ghazala Hashmi
PO Box 72923
Richmond VA 23235 United States

Senator Ghazala Hashmi was elected to represent Virginia Senate District 10 in 2019. She has led efforts in the General Assembly to support education, protect healthcare and the environment, and prevent gun violence. Senator Hashmi is committed to ensuring Virginia's government works for everyone.


Contribute >> secure.actblue.com/donate/ghazala-hashmi?refcode=20200710_em_org_newsletter_all_ptftr


If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please [link removed].