Friends,

Every day we inch closer to the most important election of our lifetime.

I’m so gratified by the record-setting voter turnout, and I'm especially proud that Virginians have led the charge in early voter turnout. Here are some updates on a couple of community events I recently attended and important notes regarding the budget as it reaches its final stages.

Nature walk
This week, I joined the Virginia League of Conservation Voters and concerned citizens on a Nature Walk at Pump House Park.

During the walk, Dr. Jeremy Hoffman and Devin Jefferson of the Science Museum of Virginia discussed climate change, the ways in which localities can change behaviors to stave off further climate devastation, and innovative infrastructure alternatives that help to mitigate rising temperatures. We also measured particulate matter in the atmosphere to identify the impacts of human activities on air quality.

Dr. Hoffman had a very specific warning for us about climate change:

"Human-caused climate change isn't far away in place or time - it's happening right now, in our backyards, and we have the ability to do something about it. From building parks in the hottest areas of our cities, to reducing our emissions of heat-trapping gases, to broadening our understanding of how public health and the planet's health are inextricably linked, we strive to make climate change solutions central to the Science Museum's mission to inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science."

The climate crisis is an international issue affecting American communities from coast to coast. We need global, national, and regional leadership to address these critical concerns, and Virginians can begin to make changes now that will have significant impacts on climate change. Additionally, our focus should also be on championing climate justice — not just climate solutions — because we must address the crisis’ disproportionate effects on marginalized communities.

Blue Ballot Bash
This weekend, I also had the pleasure of attending the Blue Ballot Bash hosted by the Powhatan County Democratic Committee. Held in a lovely and large outdoor space, the Bash gave us an opportunity to meet safely, as all attendees wore masks and spread out.

Also attending were other Virginia legislators including Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, Senator Jennifer McClellan, and Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy.

The focus of the Bash was not just to encourage voter turnout but to drive home the message of values. Supporting our communities and families through this health and economic crisis has been the top priority for all of us, and we were able to discuss the ways in which Congressional and state efforts continue to focus on areas such as broadband expansion, support for small businesses, protections for frontline and essential workers, childcare, and education. And that’s why this election is so critical; as Virginia works through the ongoing crisis and rebuilds its economy, we need capable and compassionate leadership, at the local, state, and federal levels.

If you haven’t voted yet, please be mindful of poll closing deadlines and make sure to cast your ballot before or on November 3. You can find more information on voting deadlines on the Department of Elections website.

Budget Highlights
In large part, we wrapped up the Special Session last Friday. Here are a few highlights about the budget:

The final budget approval will occur following the November 3 election and after Virginia voters make their voices heard on the issue of Amendment One - Redistricting. The General Assembly will reconvene that first week of November to decide on the inclusion of funding for the Redistricting Commission.

Significant areas of the budget seek to address our ongoing response to the pandemic: The budget includes a restoration of more than $37 million for the state’s early childhood education programs and about $35 million for schools, including a number considered at-risk in Richmond. Broadband expansion efforts are funded with an additional $85 million. Also included in the budget is rent and mortgage relief, helping to forestall a massive eviction crisis by keeping many families in their housing and ensuring that landlords have continuity of rental payments.

Remember, you can always follow all legislation, view all committee meetings and floor sessions, and stay in touch with your representatives by visiting https://lis.virginia.gov/.

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 Hashmi

 

Contribute