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Boysko Bulletin: Week Four Report From Richmond
Dear Friend,
This week was a powerful reminder of what is possible when people come together. I was honored to see so many individuals travel to Richmond for the Walk for Peace and to hear the teachings of the Venerable Buddhist monks. Their message was clear: if we don’t work to create peace within ourselves, we will not have a truly peaceful society. Inner peace extends outward, strengthening families, communities, and relationships even in times of disagreement. As the 2026 session moves forward, that mindset continues to guide my work. Unity makes us stronger, and it is this belief that fuels my commitment to advancing legislation that reflects the values and needs of our community.
On Friday, February 6th, Governor Spanberger signed my bill, SB 449, advancing the constitutional amendment to protect the fundamental freedom to make decisions for ourselves regarding the full scope of reproductive healthcare. Now voters across the Commonwealth will have the ultimate say through a ballot referendum in November. It has been an honor to carry legislation that affirms the ability of women and their families to have private, informed conversations with their healthcare providers about reproductive options. I’ve been working on issues surrounding reproductive health for my entire adult life - from marching on Washington as early as 1989 to serving on the Board of Directors for Repro Rising’s predecessor NARAL Pro-Choice VA, to carrying reproductive freedom legislation year after year in the General Assembly. These deeply personal decisions belong in the exam room and not in the hands of politicians. The Constitutional Amendment, SR1, and the accompanying ballot initiative language, SB 449, bring us closer to honoring that principle.
Another bill I gave deep and thoughtful consideration to was SB 339. This legislation would allow a mentally capable adult diagnosed with six months or less to live to request that an attending health care provider prescribe self-administered aid-in-dying medication. I did not approach this bill lightly. Many of my constituents asked me to carry this legislation. They want a measure of control and dignity at the end of life, rather than being forced to endure the full progression of a terminal disease as their quality of life diminishes, often forced to endure excruciating pain when medication is no longer effective. Drawing from my own personal experience, I understand the profound impact these illnesses have on individuals and families. The intent of SB 339 is to place decision-making back in the hands of the patient—ensuring that compassion, autonomy, and personal freedom guide end-of-life care, rather than the disease itself.
This past week, SB 339 did not advance out of the full Senate committee. I want to sincerely thank every stakeholder, advocate, and individual who took the time to speak on this bill. Their dedication and willingness to share deeply personal perspectives made this important conversation possible. While the legislation did not move forward, I believe we are making meaningful progress by engaging in these difficult but necessary discussions. I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and to all of the people who came to testify for their thoughtful participation and for approaching this issue with care, respect, and compassion.
I will continue the work to support and represent our district to the best of my ability, and I look forward to the work ahead throughout this year’s session. I’ve enjoyed your visits, appreciate your calls and emails, and look forward to continuing to stay in touch.
Kindest regards,
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Jennifer B. Boysko
Member, Senate of Virginia
Representing the 38th Senate District making up the northernmost portions of Fairfax County (Great Falls, Herndon, McLean, Reston, WolfTrap, parts of unincorporated Vienna and a slice of Falls Church)
Keep in Touch
I’m excited to be back in Richmond for the 2026 General Assembly Session. During Session, I work with my Chief of Staff Karen Harrison, session aides Toby Anthony and Mallory Lenz, interns from Hollins University - Mary Sheetz and Via Adongo, and interns from the University of Richmond - Morgan Koop and Michelle Bergman, and in District, Kathy Shupe, Juliet Morro, and Aditi Goel. For constituent services and to schedule meetings with your community group, please call (703) 437-0086 or email
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Friends of Jennifer Boysko
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Herndon, VA 20172
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