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Dear John,
Happy August! I hope you all are enjoying the last weeks of summer. As we welcome a new month, I know that many of you, like me, are getting ready for back to school and election season. Meanwhile, July was filled with fun and some much-needed R & R. Below, you’ll find legislative updates, highlights from July, and helpful resources.
For additional announcements and updates, please follow me on Facebook [www.facebook.com/VanValkenburg4VA/] , Instagram [[link removed]] , X/twitter [[link removed]] , Bluesky [[link removed]] , and YouTube [[link removed]] .
Legislative Updates
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In July, we continued to make progress on SB 349 [[link removed]] , a bill I introduced this past legislative session to regulate and restrict the residential rent fees charged to tenants prior to move-in. This bill will lower costs for Virginia renters seeking to move into their next home and give them the information they need to plan ahead. On July 23rd, one of my legislative aides, Emmaline Herring, presented an updated version of SB 349 to the Virginia Housing Commission's Rent Fees workgroup. During the July meeting, workgroup members refined the updated language and identified areas needing small changes. In August we will meet one more time to finalize the bill language, and from there it will go before the full Virginia Housing Commission for a vote of endorsement.
The Joint Subcommittee to Study the Consolidation and Scheduling of General Elections [[link removed]] , which I chair, also met twice in July! Last summer, we met four times and heard from historians, registrars, the two political parties, and the Virginia Department of Elections. This summer, we are focused on language for potential constitutional amendments related to consolidation of elections into even years. During the first meeting [[link removed]] , on July 16th, we heard a presentation from a research team from the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy. They researched and prepared a report entitled Election Consolidation and Scheduling in the Commonwealth . During the second meeting, on July 21st, we were presented with options for potential language for the constitutional amendments that the Subcommittee will vote on. If advanced by the Subcommittee, the General Assembly will subsequently need to pass before it can go to the voters.
I attended the first meeting of the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Task Force, which was created by my 2026 bill with Delegate Helmer SB 223/HB 285 [[link removed]] . The DER Task Force is an advisory commission within the executive branch charged with developing a comprehensive strategy to advance energy affordability and the Commonwealth's transition towards integrated distributed energy resource markets, and support the Commonwealth's compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 2222.
I also continued my work to bring down the cost of energy. I submitted a letter to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) [[link removed]] with other legislators in support of the Spanberger Administration's filing saying that the data center industry should pay for transmission infrastructure required by their growth. I also authored two op-eds in the Richmond Times Dispatch , one to promote the solar siting standards bill [[link removed]] I passed with Delegate Herring, SB 347/HB 711 [[link removed]] , and the other stating my opposition to the proposed NextEra-Dominion merger. [[link removed]]
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Highlights from July
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On July 7th, I enjoyed visiting Regirer Health & Rehab off of Pemberton Road. I especially loved talking to Laura about how my permanent absentee voter bill from 2021, HB 1888, empowered her to be able to vote in every election despite her health problems.
Later that day, I spoke with members Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association at a great restaurant in SD-16, Twin Hickory Tavern, about the 2026 legislative session and how we can continue to ensure Henrico and the RVA region thrive. Our food, tourism, and culture scenes are second to none!
The next day, we had a great town hall at the Cedarfield Retirement Community. We had a robust discussion about energy, data centers, education, and the past legislative session. The residents asked many good questions!
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The next weekend, I took part in a big canvass launch to kick off a full day of knocking doors. I had great conversations in the Coalpit precinct, talking with community members about why we should vote No on Wittman and re-elect Senator Mark Warner. It was great to see so many engaged residents ready to make their voices heard!
On July 13th, it was an honor to go to the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad to present Don Unger with a Virginia Senate Commending Resolution celebrating his 50+ years of service to our community! Just amazing!
The next day, I attended the Houston Home ribbon cutting in Glen Allen. Run by Hope Tree Family Services, the Houston Home is a fully accessible home for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that allows them to live autonomously and independently. What a wonderful mission!
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On July 18th, I had a blast at the ribbon cutting for Momma Luna's Magic Tattoo Co new location on Horsepen. I got a temporary tattoo and made the first purchase! Amy has this thriving business as a second job! It’s quite the business she and her family have grown.
Later that day, I attended the third annual American Muslim Heritage Celebration--it was a big success and so great to see so many local communities come together to celebrate their unique cultures. Henrico and Richmond truly represent the concept of e pluribus unum--out of many, one!
That afternoon, I visited the Filipino American Association of Central Virginia's annual picnic. It was a wonderful celebration, especially for the kids who won scholarships for their first year of college. I love that in our community everyone works together to ensure kids receive a good education and have the tools to succeed!
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The final days of July were packed. I went to the big professional conference for legislators in Chicago where I exchanged ideas with other legislators and learned more about my areas of policy interest--energy, housing, and education.
It was my pleasure to present a memorial resolution in honor of the late Mic McConnell at a ceremony at the University of Richmond. A lifelong resident of western Henrico, Mic was a force of nature in our community. He was a family man and a tireless advocate, whether that was for his clients or for public policies that make the world a better place. He is dearly missed.
I also gave the keynote speech on the concluding day of the Richmond Debate Institute Speech & Debate Summer Camp. It's always a pleasure to speak to Richmond Debate Institute students and their parents. Kids debated about the moral imperative of space travel, legislative ideas, the pros and cons of a cap and trade system, and more--Phyl Demetriou and his team do a tremendous job!
Resources & Information for Constituents
General Information:
- Need information on available housing, food, healthcare, and other community resources in Virginia? 211 Virginia is a free, confidential service available 24/7, 365 days a year, connecting Virginians with providing Virginians with much needed information on available resources .
Call or Dial: 2-1-1
Text: CONNECT to 247211, or
Visit: 211virginia.org/ [211virginia.org/]
Extreme Weather Preparedness:
Our area has experienced several storms recently with more expected in the coming weeks. In addition, we can continue to expect days with intense heat and humidity. With that in mind:
- Get up-to-date weather alerts here [[link removed]] .
- Read these [[link removed]] reminders and resources [[link removed]] from the Virginia Department of Health [[link removed]] , and Virginia Emergency Management's Extreme Heat Safety Guide [[link removed]]
- Here are some general [[link removed]] [[link removed]] severe heat resources provided by Henrico County [[link removed]] [[link removed]]
- You can search for cooling centers across the state here [[link removed]] .
- If your power goes out, check out Dominion Energy’s outage map [[link removed]] [[link removed]] for more information on estimated times of restoration in your area.
- Visit Dominion Energy ’s website [[link removed]] for more information regarding state cooling assistance and payment plans. To report an outage or power emergency, go here [[link removed]] .
- If you see downed power lines, please stay at least 30 feet away from them and call Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357 to report the location immediately.
- Register for Henrico County Emergency Alerts here: henrico.gov/services/henrico-alert/ [[link removed]]
- Follow Henrico County and departments on social media: henrico.gov/social-media/henrico.gov/social-media/ [[link removed]]
Employment:
- Check out Virginia Works to find job search resources here [[link removed]] .
- On Wednesday, September 2nd from 10am to 2pm at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (1651 East Parham Road), Virginia Works is hosting Pivot with Purpose, a free career summit to help individuals exploring a fresh start in the workforce. Whether you are restarting after a layoff, reentering after time away, shifting into a new field, or pursuing a path that aligns better with your skills and interests, these sessions offer the guidance, connections, and encouragement to help you move forward. For more details and to register for event, go here [[link removed]] .
- The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), in partnership with Virginia Works, is holding its first annual Virginia Runs on Small Business Virtual Employment Fair on Thursday, August 13th from 10am to 4pm. This free statewide event is designed to virtually connect Virginia's small businesses with qualified job seekers. Employers can meet candidates through live video conversations, review resumes, and build a pipeline of talent for current and future hiring needs. Job seekers will have the opportunity to connect directly with hiring small businesses from across the Commonwealth, explore career opportunities in a variety of industries, and participate in virtual interviews, all from the convenience of home. For more details and to register for the event, go here [[link removed]] .
Virtual Town Hall regarding H.R.1 Medicaid noncitizen changes:
- On Thursday, August 13th from 12pm to 1pm, the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) are hosting a virtual town hall to learn about upcoming H.R.1 Medicaid noncitizen changes that will take effect in October 2026, including updates related to noncitizen eligibility, what these changes may mean for Medicaid members, and where to find additional information and resources.
Format: Virtual (Microsoft Teams) - Find the link to the meeting here [[link removed]]
Meeting ID: 288 174 078 977 30
Passcode: Po7QT62n [[link removed]] [[link removed]]
Back to School
- Henrico County Public Schools is hosting vaccination clinics this summer to offer Tdap, MenACWY and HPV vaccines to rising 7th and 12th graders ahead of the start of the 2026-27 school year in August. These sites will also offer adult vaccines for hepatitis B, pneumonia and shingles. You can find more information here. [[link removed]]
- On Sunday, August 9th from 4pm to 6pm, Henrico County is hosting a [[link removed]] [[link removed]] Back to School Bash [[link removed]] at Belmont Recreation Center (1600 Hilliard Road) featuring carnival-style games, family activities and back to school resources.
- On Saturday, August 15th from 10am to 3pm, Henrico County Public Schools is hosting their [[link removed]] [[link removed]] [[link removed]] [[link removed]] Back-to-School Kickoff [[link removed]] at the Henrico Sports & Events Center (1 All Star Blvd) and will have live entertainment, free school supplies, and opportunities to chat with school leaders, teachers, and representatives from various community organizations.
I’ll be back at the end of August with more great updates to share!
In the meantime, the 2026 Midterm General Elections are approaching, and Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. If you haven't already, make sure you get out to vote! To find your polling place and check your registration status, go here. [[link removed]]
Please also mark your calendars for Saturday, September 12th at 2pm when I will be holding an SD-16 Town Hall with Delegate May Nivar (HD-57) in the large meeting room at the Twin Hickory Library (5001 Twin Hickory Road.)
As summer winds down and the new school year is just around the corner, I’m wishing all of our students, families, and educators a successful start of the school year!
If you are having any issues we can assist you with, would like to reach out and share an opinion, or if your organization or community group would like to invite me to an event or to speak, please don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected].
For campaign or political inquiries, reach out to [email protected].
Thanks so much for your support!
Yours in service,
Schuyler VanValkenburg, 16th District
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