Email from Senator Tammy Mulchi Election Thoughts and Veterans Day Message Election Thoughts and Veterans Day Message Greetings, The Election is over! I am not happy with the results! I am sad for my friends and colleagues who lost. I am sad for the Commonwealth that I love! But - I have been here before when I worked for Frank Ruff! I witnessed him move on with that quiet dignity he always had. So, Tuesday night I was sad. I was angry. I even shed a few tears as I watched the concession speeches. But now I am back doing what I do - moving forward! Thinking about the future and what my constituents and our shared community need and expect.   To quote the words of Attorney General Miyares in his concession speech, “Please join me in praying for my successor’s wisdom and guidance as he takes on this new role and sacred responsibility. And always remember — we are fellow Americans before we are political opponents.” Campaigns are temporary; some are won and some are lost. Losing is hard. Never forget that our shared values and principles remain unchanged. In times like this, I am reminded of God’s word in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” It serves as a reminder for us to trust in God's timing and to accept the changing seasons of life, both joyful and painful, as part of a greater purpose. I will continue to pray for strength, wisdom, and peace for our local, state, and federal elected leaders. But as your state Senator, I will continue to stand firmly on our founding principles as well as the Constitution. I will continue to fight for policy that makes our great Commonwealth and the 9th Senate District the best place to live, work, and raise a family. This week, we pause to applaud our veterans. Please take a moment to honor our service members who have served and sacrificed, allowing us to enjoy our liberties and freedoms, and spend time with our loved ones. We honor and thank our veterans for their service. Their dedication protects our freedom, and we are deeply grateful for their sacrifices. Often, we don’t dwell on the dangers that face our servicemen and women as they work to protect our Nation. But, it is there. Each Veterans Day, we honor and celebrate those who are willing to put their lives on the line for millions of Americans through their service in our armed forces. We are grateful to every one of you. My appreciation for you is deep, and my admiration for you is even deeper. Thank you so much for your service. As always, my staff and I are 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]   Governor Glenn Youngkin Submits Virginia’s Application for $1 Billion in Federal Funding to Transform Rural Health Care Virginia’s “VA Rural Vitality” plan will expand access, strengthen the workforce, and modernize care delivery across rural communities. RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Virginia has submitted its application for $1 billion in federal Rural Health Transformation funding under H.R. 1, which was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The Commonwealth’s proposal — VA Rural Vitality — presents a bold, locally-driven plan to modernize health care delivery, expand the workforce, and improve outcomes across rural Virginia. Developed under Executive Directive Twelve and led by Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly, VA Rural Vitality reflects extensive input from communities and providers across the Commonwealth, as well as research on national best practices to deliver lasting change in rural health. “Our VA Rural Vitality plan takes bold action to ensure every Virginian – no matter their zip code – can access high-quality care close to home,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This $1 billion investment will strengthen our workforce, expand innovative care models, and deliver the tools communities need to live healthier, more productive lives. I want to thank President Trump and his administration for their collaboration and commitment to transforming rural health care and building a stronger, healthier Virginia for generations to come.” Four Initiatives Driving Rural Health Transformation The plan centers on four initiatives designed to empower healthier lives, strengthen the workforce, reimagine care delivery, and accelerate innovation. Through VA Rural Vitality, Virginia will: Empower healthier lives: Launch incentive-based programs and technology-driven tools that help Virginians prevent and manage chronic conditions. Grow our own workforce: Build local health pipelines through high schools, community colleges, and universities to train and retain the next generation of rural health professionals. Rewire care delivery: Expand hybrid and mobile care models, connect rural providers to larger health systems, and develop sustainable payment structures. Invest in innovation: Deploy advanced technologies, including AI-powered tools, to improve access, coordination, and patient outcomes. Once funding is awarded, the initiative will be implemented through the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. The Commonwealth will also work alongside hospitals, health systems, federally qualified health centers, food banks, and health technology partners to drive measurable impact statewide. “This plan reflects the voices of rural Virginians,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “From Chincoteague to the Cumberland Gap, we listened to Virginians who want their health care to improve — and VA Rural Vitality directly responds to their needs with innovative, community-based solutions.” “We are proud to submit a plan that not only addresses today’s needs but builds a foundation for lasting rural health improvements for generations,” said Cheryl Roberts, DMAS Director. “We look forward to the work ahead with partners across the Commonwealth to deliver this transformational change.” “Every region of rural Virginia has a role in this work,” added Dr. Karen Shelton, VDH State Health Commissioner. “By connecting care, strengthening the workforce, and supporting healthier lifestyles, we can increase local access to quality care and transform outcomes across the Commonwealth.” The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will make Rural Health Transformation awards by December 31, 2025. More information on Virginia’s application can be found at [link removed]. Background Rural communities across Virginia face some of the most significant health disparities in the nation: Nearly 55% of rural localities are in Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas. 63% of Virginia counties lack an OB-GYN, and 22% of rural residents travel over 40 minutes to reach a labor and delivery unit. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension all exceed national averages. Substance use disorder affects 17% of rural adults and 9% of youth aged 12–17. Governor Youngkin’s administration has made historic progress improving behavioral health, reducing fentanyl deaths by 59%, and cutting maternal deaths by 49%. VA Rural Vitality builds on that momentum with a comprehensive strategy to make rural Virginia healthy again. VIRGINIA CARES! Virginia is the first state in the nation to provide direct nutritional assistance to SNAP recipients during this shutdown. But we know there are still thousands of families, including federal workers and newly SNAP-eligible Virginians, who are struggling to make ends meet as the Democrat Shutdown continues. Last week, we infused an additional $1 million into the Commonwealth’s regional food banks, for a total of $4 million, and this week we launched the Virginia Cares Initiative. This is about neighbors stepping forward to bridge the gap and support one another, especially as we approach Thanksgiving. You can scan the QR code or visit the link below for more information on how to sign up and support your fellow Virginians in need by donating food or funds. Participants will receive a list of high-demand food items, drop-off locations, and open hours. More Info Here Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces $15.5 Million in Land Conservation Grants Record level of funding protects 8,606 acres through the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced $15.5 million in Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) funding to conserve 8,606 acres around the Commonwealth. The 28 projects receiving grant awards for fiscal year 2026 include acquisitions to expand state natural area preserves and open spaces and parks, as well as conservation easements to protect prime farmland, working forests, historical battlefields and culturally significant lands. “The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation grant awards will support projects spanning all the way from Scott County in Southwest Virginia to Virginia Beach on the Chesapeake Bay. I’m proud that we have made significant, meaningful investments over the last four years to protect our natural resources and boost our local economies,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “By expanding open spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities, we’re bolstering local economic activity while providing beautiful, natural places for Virginians and visitors to recreate.” Grants were awarded in the following categories: farmland preservation, forest preservation, historic preservation, natural area protection, and open spaces and parks. Halifax County Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - Difficult Creek Natural Area Preserve, Bournes Addition | $120,000 Acquistion of 23.5 acres adjacent to Difficult Creek Natural Area Preserve in Halifax County. Located in one of the most significant essential conservation sites in the state, the property supports dozens of natural resources including habitat for four rare plants. Category: Natural Area Preservation Mecklenburg County Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Parkland Farms | $751,753 Conservation easement to protect Parkland Farms, a 950-acre Century Farm featuring streams and wetlands in Mecklenburg County. The working farm, which produces tobacco, corn and beans and maintains cattle pastureland, is adjacent to another 686-acre Virginia Outdoors Foundation easement. Category: Farmland Preservation Nominations Now Open for 2026 Virginia Sheriffs’ Association Awards The VSA is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Annual Awards honoring exceptional deputy sheriffs and dispatchers across the Commonwealth. These awards provide an excellent opportunity to recognize the meritorious contributions, leadership, and selfless service of our law enforcement community. The honorees for the Deputy of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, and the Valor Awards made by the VSA Awards Committee will be recognized during the VSA Annual Conference, September 15-17, 2026, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Marriott. Nominations are due by close of business on February 13, 2026. Click HERE for additional information and to make a nomination. Danville City Job Openings DONATE Email Us P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 (434) 374 5129 Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Paid for and Authorized by Mulchi 4 Senate Senator Tammy Mulchi | P.O. Box 145 | Clarksville, VA 23927 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice