Friends,

After the attack on the nation’s capital last week, we are reminded of the fragility of our democracy. Protecting and advancing our democracy has never been easy — it has always required a collective commitment to ourselves and each other.

Although we will close one chapter of our collective American history when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are sworn in next week, our work to build equity and promote justice is just beginning. This work requires our full engagement and participation.

The loss of Senator Chafin
On January 1, 2021, we lost our friend and colleague, Senator Ben Chafin, a true public servant and a passionate voice for Southwest Virginia. When I joined the Virginia Senate last year, he welcomed me with kindness and warmth, characteristics for which he was well-known. Yesterday, as we convened for the 2021 General Assembly, we paid tribute to his service, his grace, and his leadership; the Chamber resonated deeply with his absence. My thoughts are with his family and friends from whose lives Senator Chafin was taken far too soon.

A star in our community
I congratulate Dr. Danny Avula, Director of the Richmond City and Henrico County Health Departments, who has now been charged by Governor Northam to lead the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the state. Dr. Avula will coordinate efforts between state officials, local health departments, hospitals, and private providers. Dr. Avula’s excellent management of two health departments (Richmond and Henrico), his care for the community, his effective representation of frontline healthcare workers, and his continued advocacy for vulnerable populations make him an outstanding choice for this position.

Recently, Dr. Avula was also named Richmonder of the Year by Style Weekly. This honor highlights the exemplary passion and energy that he brings to all of his efforts. We are fortunate to have had his leadership for many years in Central Virginia, and now the Commonwealth will have the benefit of his knowledge and skills as he coordinates the efforts to effectively distribute and administer the vaccine through the state. You can find the full Style Weekly article here.

COVID-19 vaccination roll-out
In addition to the appointment of Dr. Avula, Governor Northam announced the following steps to help providers increase the rate of vaccine administration:

1. Vaccination goal: The state has an initial goal of vaccinating 25,000 Virginians each day when supply allows.
2. ‘Use it or lose it’ model: Medical facilities will be required to use their allocated vaccine supplies as soon as possible, or risk having future vaccine allotments reduced.
3. Expanded priority groups: K-12 teachers and child care workers will be among the next priority groups to receive vaccinations after Group A, and the populations that will be included in Groups B and C are now outlined.
4. Group C: Group C includes other essential workers, adults age 65 and older, and people age 16-64 with certain medical conditions or disabilities that increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Additional information about Group C is available here.
5. Elevating the Virginia National Guard: As the Commonwealth receives more doses, the Virginia National Guard will provide logistical support and help local health departments administer vaccines.
6. Click here to find out when you’ll be eligible for the vaccine

The 2021 General Assembly
We gaveled in the 2021 General Assembly Session yesterday. I am distinctly honored to serve the residents of Senate District 10 for this second year in office. Yesterday, Senator Jennifer McClellan and I were among the first to arrive. The Senate Clerk’s Office Staff and our hosts in the Virginia Science Museum have provided an excellent space and logistics for us to meet safely during this pandemic and to continue the work of serving the Commonwealth.

 

Although our 2021 General Assembly will be vastly different than previous years, we still encourage meetings with constituents, advocacy groups, and other organizations. If you would like to schedule a meeting with me or my staff, please use the following links:

• Constituent meeting requests 
• Organization meeting requests

Here is my schedule during the Session:

• Monday - Thursday: Senate Floor, noon to Adjournment (varies)
• Monday mornings: Local Government Committee, 9am to conclusion of docket
• Monday afternoons: Higher Ed Subcommittee, 30 minutes after adjournment
• Tuesday afternoons: Agriculture, Conservation & Natural Resources Committee, 30 minutes after adjournment
• Wednesday afternoons: General Laws & Technology Committee, 30 minutes after adjournment
• Thursday mornings: Education and Health Committee, 8am to conclusion of docket
• Thursday afternoons: Public Education Subcommittee, 30 minutes after adjournment
• Friday: Senate Floor, 11am to Adjournment (varies)

The Senate Democratic Caucus meets an hour prior to the Senate Floor.

During my committee and Floor times, my staff will be happy to meet with you. Three location options are available (Zoom, phone, or limited in-person). For in-person meetings, we will contact you with available location options; masks and safety protocols are required. .

-- Ghazala Hashmi