Dear Friends,

This week, I will discuss my bills that have been signed into law, highlight the remarkable services our libraries offer to our community, update City of Richmond constituents about construction on Broad Street, and share reflections on events around the district. We also wish all those who are observing a very happy Passover and Easter. Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter and staying informed about the current happenings around Virginia Senate District 10.

Bills Signed Into Law
This week, a number of bills I carried during the 2022 Session were signed into law. All of these bills will go into effect beginning July 1 of this year:

SB 158: Establishes the Virginia Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Historic Preservation Fund to award grants to recognized organizations, tribes, and localities to acquire and preserve land of cultural significance to Black, indigenous, or communities of color.
SB 161: Directs the Virginia Department of Education to develop guidelines on policies to inform and educate coaches, student-athletes, other school officials, and parents of the risks, signs, and prevention of heat-related illness in children
SB 241: Creates the Renal Disease Council to develop education programs, support services, and pursue research opportunities
SB 263: Requires the Department for Housing and Community Development to expand the existing Housing and Supportive Services Interagency Leadership Team (the ILT) initiative to include older Virginians as a target subpopulation, in order to increase the supply of permanent supportive housing for older Virginians
SB 265: Provides opportunities for children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to receive early intervention language development resources
SB 667: Expands paid or credit-bearing student internship and other work-based learning opportunities in collaboration with Virginia employers through the Innovative Internship Fund and Program

On April 27, legislators will travel to Richmond for Reconvene Session. We will address the state budget, vote on the remaining bills that were in conference, and act on any amendments and vetoes presented by the Governor. Please stay up-to-date on Reconvene Session by visiting the Legislative Information System (LIS) website. I will also continue to provide updates through this newsletter, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

There’s More to Explore at Your Local Library
Last week, I highlighted National Library Week and spoke about the role our libraries play in our communities. In keeping with this year’s theme, “Connect With Your Library,” I share ways for constituents to stay connected to our local libraries throughout the year.

City of Richmond
The Richmond Public Library (RPL) branches offer patrons job seeking resources, assistance with self-publishing, and online resources related to genealogy, language learning, history and more. These resources are in addition to book selections and programming specifically for kids and teens. For hands-on learners, the Innovative and Memory Labs @ RPL allows children, teens, and adults to use technology and software in creative ways from using Oculus VR Goggles to recording on Garageband to building with LEGO Robotics Kits. Continuing the spirit of National Library Week, Richmond Public Library is collecting stories about the impact libraries have on our communities; these personal narratives will be compiled into a book. More information about the project and contribution guidelines are available here. RPL’s events are highlighted in this calendar.

Chesterfield County
At our Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) branches, librarians or volunteers help residents develop learning plans in order to achieve long-term goals, supply test prep resources, and offer Makerspace for artistic endeavors, and much more. The latest CCPL programming and news is available in the Loud & Clear magazine. The latest issue centers on Earth Day and includes information about upcoming programs with SCRAP RVA and the I Love Virginia State Parks backpack program, which gives library patrons free parking and entry to our incredible Virginia State Parks. All ten Chesterfield County Public Library Branches provide updates in the calendar.

Powhatan County
The Powhatan County Public Library (PCPL) librarians are able to assist with a variety of services like recommending book titles based on individual interests using Book Marked, helping locate a mobile hotspot, and reserving rooms for community events and academic activities. A variety of digital resources are also available through the Digital Branch Library to access books online, as well as services such as continuing education, finance and tax information, and resources for seniors and our military veterans. PCPL’s weekly newsletter, Wowbrary, provides ongoing updates, and all library events and programs are located on the calendar.

Broad Street Gateway and Corridor Improvements Project
On April 11, the City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) began the months-long Broad Street Gateway and Corridor Improvements Project focused on improving pedestrian infrastructure, increasing awareness of GRTC bus lanes, expanding the traffic signal system, and replacing public utility lines. Construction is expected to be completed in Spring 2023. An interactive map of the project, including project phases, closed GRTC stops, and roadwork is located here. More information is available at the GRTC website.

Around SD-10 This Week
Last Thursday, I met virtually with the members of the Richmond City Democratic Committee (RCDC) to reflect on the 2022 Session and talk about the Reconvene Session occurring on April 27 in Richmond.

Last Friday, I joined Delegates Betsy Carr, Schuyler VanValkenburg, and Rodney Willett for the inauguration of the University of Richmond’s new President, Dr. Kevin Hallock. He spoke about the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to join the Ahmadiyya Muslim community for the Annual Iftar centering on the theme “Justice Through Compassion.”

On Monday, I met with students in Dr. Sparacino’s Legislative Internship Course to discuss the 2022 Session and focused particularly on the legislation impacting education, both K-12 and higher ed.

The Beginning of Passover
Tomorrow evening marks the beginning of Passover across the Commonwealth—a week-long holiday commemorated by gathering with family and friends to share stories, songs, prayer, and food. My staff and I wish all who are celebrating a meaningful holiday season. Chag Pesach Sameach!

Celebrating Easter
Sunday commemorates Easter, one of the holiest of days for Christian observants. My staff and I wish all who are celebrating Easter a joyful and peaceful holiday with family and friends.

Connecting With My Office
My staff continue to hold meetings with constituents via Zoom or by phone. You can sign up for a meeting with either of my staff members with our easy scheduling app:

June Laffey - Chief of Staff
Charles Turner - Legislative Assistant

You can also email us at [email protected].

— Ghazala




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