Friend,

Many of you have reached out to me calling for accountability, justice, and change, and I'm hearing you and loud and clear. That's why, on behalf of all Richmonders, I am urging the General Assembly to consider a number of crucial programs and policies to improve equity and public safety during the special legislative session next week.

I'm speaking out and asking the General Assembly to consider the following proposals which are crucial to achieving reformed public safety and increased equity:

1. Legalize marijuana, establish an excise tax system for recreational use, and utilize that revenue to provide needed funds for Virginia's at-risk add-on — The Virginia General Assembly decriminalized marijuana earlier this year but it is time to take it a step further.

2. Allow automatic expungements — Virginia is one of the nation's least forgiving states when it comes to providing second chances. Allowing the expungement of misdemeanors and nonviolent felony convictions for certain offenses is one of many steps needed to build wealth and empower our community.

3. Provide funding for mental health, specifically for crisis alerts — My administration is currently working to establish a local crisis alert for mental health calls for service. I ask the Commonwealth of Virginia to mirror our approach and assist localities with their crisis alert efforts by providing funding.

4. Establish a statewide law enforcement officer misconduct database — The buck stops here. A database will prevent "problem officers" from being rehired by another department.

5. Launch a statewide eviction diversion program — Particularly now, with a pandemic threatening the financial stability of so many, it is vital that the Commonwealth take steps to help Virginians stay in their homes.

Given the unprecedented and challenging times we are experiencing now, promoting equity and inclusion is more crucial than ever to ensure that residents have the opportunity to thrive. But to truly move forward, we need justice at the local and state level.

There is so much our city can achieve together with financial assistance and changes to state law. Please add your name now, friend, to join me in supporting these proposals to the General Assembly.

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Thank you,

Levar


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