Friends,

This past week, the General Assembly took several steps towards providing the resources that communities need during the pandemic and addressing criminal justice reform. This week also concludes on a tragic anniversary, marking 19 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001.

For those of us who are old enough to remember, we will never forget where we were when horror and grief came to us on a crisp blue September morning. I remember vividly dropping my little girl off at Huguenot United Methodist Church in Richmond. She was just 19 months old, and it was her very first morning of Mother’s Morning Out. She sobbed uncontrollably, as toddlers do, but her kind teachers reassured me that she would settle in fine. By the time I picked her up, two hours later, she was playing happily, but our world had changed. Tomorrow, we honor our first responders, grieve for the loved ones we lost, and thank those who serve our country.

Criminal Justice Reform
Last week, I presented SB5035 to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. This bill grants localities the ability to establish independent Civilian Review boards with subpoena power and disciplinary authority. The bill reported out of the committee on a vote of 11 to 5 and will be voted on by the full Senate next week.

Rebuilding trust between communities and law enforcement requires increased transparency, engagement, and dialogue. This legislation is meant to ensure community engagement with the efforts of public safety.

Housing protection
According to the RVA Eviction Lab, between 169,000 and 262,000 households are at risk of eviction throughout the Commonwealth. If we don’t secure a proper eviction moratorium during this pandemic, as many as 301,000 to 741,000 Virginians, including children, are at risk of homelessness.

The pandemic has exacerbated an already existing eviction crisis in Virginia. The loss of jobs, reduction of income, and health and safety concerns have placed thousands of households in precarious positions. Keeping families “safe at home” is even more relevant now as the current data shows an uptick in COVID cases and as our most vulnerable children face housing instability as they try to learn remotely.

My eviction moratorium bill, SB 5051, was heard by the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee on Wednesday. Regrettably, the bill did not pass out of committee. However, the Governor’s budget amendment supporting payment plans and rental assistance through January 2021 is still on the table, and I hope that we will be able to provide security of housing for many of the families that need it.

I thank all those who signed on to the Eviction Moratorium bill. Their efforts and tireless advocacy continue to shine a bright and necessary light on this impending crisis. Among these advocates are the Virginia Poverty Law Center, Legal Aid Justice Center, Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, New Virginia Majority, RVA Eviction Lab, and so many more.

Upcoming events
On Monday, I’ll be participating in a virtual conversation with Senator Mark Warner and members of the Muslim American community on the topic of civic engagement. Here are the details for the event:

WHAT: Civic Engagement Conversation with members of the Muslim American community
WHO: Ghazala Hashmi, Senator Mark Warner, and you!
WHEN: Monday, September 14 at 12pm ET
HOW TO RSVP: RSVP by reserving your spot here.

Next Wednesday, I’ll be hosting a virtual town hall on the upcoming elections and the redistricting amendment. Your invitation is below, and here are the details:

WHAT: Virtual Town Hall on elections and the redistricting amendment
WHO: Ghazala Hashmi, Brian Cannon, Chris Ambrose and you!
WHEN: Wednesday, September 16 from 7pm to 8pm ET
HOW TO RSVP: RSVP by reserving your spot here.

As always, if you need assistance or if you want to schedule a Zoom or phone call with our team, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. As a reminder, email is the best way to contact us. We can be reached at [email protected].

-- Ghazala