What a year it's been, friends.

As we close out 2020 and look with clear eyes toward 2021, I'd like to share a few highlights from the year and join you in celebrating this New Year’s Eve.

Highlights from 2020 
The past year marked my first as Virginia’s Senate representative from District 10. Although we faced a global pandemic shortly after the 2020 General Assembly came, our office transitioned immediately to work remotely and continued to assist constituents in navigating challenges spurred by the crisis.

Here’s a broad look at our 2020 efforts:

• We staffed our new District 10 office
• Passed 15 pieces of legislation over 133 days
• Held 8 town halls about important issues facing our community
• Participated in well over 30 town halls or other sessions hosted by a variety of organizations
• Sent weekly communications containing vital resources and information

As we continue navigating the reality of COVID-19, we must look to the future with hope and remain united in our efforts to keep each other safe — and we’ll continue communicating with you about the efforts our team is making.

Remembering those we’ve lost
The losses we’ve suffered individually and collectively in 2020 are immeasurable.

From civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we have lost leaders who paved the way for so many of us. It’s our responsibility now to ensure their memories are a blessing and that we continue to uphold their legacy by fighting for equity and justice for all.

And tragically, more than 350,000 Americans have lost their lives to the coronavirus this year. Too often, because of the pandemic, we weren’t able to grieve adequately for those beloved amongst us. Millions of families throughout the world have forever been changed by this moment. I wish those friends and families peace and healing.

Looking ahead to a new year
Despite the many challenges we faced, I’m inspired and hopeful for what 2021 holds. Why, you may ask? Because we have joined together as a community. Healthcare workers continue fighting tirelessly to keep folks healthy, and our education professionals adapted quickly to ensure students could still receive quality learning.

The recent approval of the first COVID-19 vaccines are a beacon of hope as we head into 2021, but we must remain vigilant with our mask wearing, social distancing, and following guidelines until all of our friends, family members, and neighbors are vaccinated.

I wish you and your family a Happy New Year. May this new year bring us all together as we work towards compassion, understanding, and unity as a nation.

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. Email is the best way to contact us. We can be reached at [email protected].

-- Ghazala Hashmi

 

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