Dear John,

Abigail fights tirelessly for the people of Central Virginia, and July was no different. Last month was a busy one for Team Spanberger, so I wanted to take the opportunity to fill you in on Abigail’s work. 

Voter Registration Block Party in Orange

Last weekend, Abigail spent the afternoon in Orange at the ‘More Than A March Coalition’ Block Party. The inspiring event was organized by two local high school students and focused on educating residents on the voting process and empowering the youth to vote. 

Abigail joined local community leaders in speaking at the event, saying: “If we are working to engage all of our community members, and if we are working toward justice in our communities, in our towns, in our Commonwealth and in our country, we will continue to fulfill that ever-present, but so far-off at times, promise of what this nation is and can be. And it is up to all of us to realize the promise of this country.”

Computers for Veterans and Students

Abigail is always looking for innovative and immediate ways to tackle the digital divide in Central Virginia, especially during this COVID-19 crisis when access to computers at home is more important than ever. 

Earlier this month, she introduced the bipartisan Computers for Veterans and Students Act, which would provide refurbished government computers to veterans, students, and seniors. In addition to getting computers into the hands of those who need them, this effort would also reduce government waste, narrow the digital divide, and help qualified nonprofit organizations nationwide fulfill their missions. 

Telehealth & Broadband Expansion

Telehealth is a vital health service, especially in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. But Central Virginians, especially those from rural or underserved areas, are routinely hampered by poor connectivity.

Telehealth and broadband expansion go hand in hand. That’s why Abigail cosponsored the CONNECT for Health Act, introduced legislation to maintain critical funding for the Federal Communications Commission's COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and voted to expand the ReConnect Program to fund future broadband internet projects in Central Virginia. 

Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare

Abigail and Senator Tim Kaine spoke out on the need to strengthen Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare to mark the 80th anniversary of Social Security and the 55th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. In 2020, Medicare serves more than 1.5 million across the Commonwealth, and Medicaid serves more than 1.4 million Virginians. 

But Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security are consistently being attacked and undermined. As the duo writes, we must reject efforts to gut these programs, and instead look at ways to build upon their frameworks. During times like these, the need for every family to have affordable insurance and a secure retirement is more important than ever. 

Please make sure you’re following our campaign Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages to keep up with everything Abigail is up to during these busy summer months.

Thank you for your support,

Bettina Weiss

Campaign Manager