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Dear Friend,
This week’s newsletter highlights recent updates to Virginia’s history and social studies Standards of Learning and the Commonwealth’s participation in RGGI – the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. First, however, the tragic death of Irvo Otieno weighs heavy on our minds in Virginia, as does the need for accountability for his death. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and for staying informed.
Irvo Otieno
Recently, a scene that is frighteningly familiar in our country occurred in the Richmond region, recalling the death of George Floyd and too many others to count. Irvo Otieno, only 28 years old, died in police custody. Handcuffed and in leg irons, Irvo was asphyxiated as he was pinned down by numerous officers and hospital employees. That day, while being transported to a psychiatric hospital, Irvo was instead murdered. Rather than receiving the mental health care that he deserved, this young man died at the hands of authorities responsible for his well being.
Ten people, including seven Henrico County Sheriff’s Office deputies and three Central State Hospital employees, have been indicted on second-degree murder charges [[link removed]] related to his death.
Irvo is remembered by family and friends as a gifted songwriter, brilliant, creative, and bright. He enjoyed playing football and began playing at the college level but mental health concerns cut short his dreams.
Individuals experiencing crises should be met with appropriate behavioral and mental health services, and law enforcement personnel must be trained to recognize and respond to such crises in an appropriate manner. Beyond that, however, it is unconscionable that a young man in custody and in chains should be brutalized so severely that he is murdered while in the care of the State. I join others in calling for a full and thorough investigation of Irvo’s death.
Standards of Learning & Changes to VDOE
In August 2022, the Youngkin administration upended the work of historians and educators – reflecting two years of effort – by rejecting the nearly 400-page revised draft of the Standards of Learning for history and social studies. Since then we have been waiting for the administration to provide answers as to why that first draft produced by experts was rejected and to produce the “better” standards of learning that they have been promising us.
A second draft was provided in early Fall and rejected because of its sloppiness, numerous errors, and insufficiencies. Now, a third set of revisions [[link removed]] [[link removed]] , which has still continued to draw criticism [[link removed]] from educators, historians, and the public, is expected to be voted on by the Board of Education next month. In anticipation of the vote, the Board hosted public hearings across the state [[link removed]] , with the final meeting occurring this past Tuesday. Hundreds of individuals, including the Chair of the Virginia Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus (VAAPIC) Delegate Kathy Tran [[link removed]] , have spoken in opposition to the standards and the secretive process by which they were crafted with remarkably intrusive input from conservative-leaning and non-Virginian institutions such as the Fordham Institute [[link removed]] and Hillsdale College [[link removed]] .
Further complicating the disrupted and long-delayed process of finalizing these standards of learning is the lack of leadership in the Virginia Department of Education for the past several weeks. Following the resignation of Superintendent Jillian Balow, who arrived from Wyoming just last January, Governor Youngkin announced the appointment of a new Superintendent yesterday [[link removed]] , with the selection of Tennessee’s Chief Academic Officer Lisa Coons. As the search was underway, many educators and leading education organizations called for the appointment of a Superintendent with strong experience in Virginia so that leadership could be restored quickly and effectively to the VDOE. Further complicating matters at VDOE is the fact that Balow apparently will continue to serve in some sort of “consultant” capacity [[link removed]] to the Governor while also receiving a severance package that reflects a full year’s salary [[link removed]] .
Our public education system deserves strong and clear state-level leadership. These disruptions have not been helpful as we seek to improve quality and address our workforce crisis in education. Rather than focusing on issues that we know translate to students’ success—increasing support positions in schools, funding behavioral and mental health counselors, paying teachers competitive wages, ensuring students have access to nutritious meals—this administration continues to promote culture wars seen throughout the country [[link removed]] [[link removed]] . We need clarity from the VDOE about our standards of learning and about its leadership going forward.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
In one of his first declarations as Governor, Glenn Youngkin pledged to pull Virginia out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative [[link removed]] , despite the fact that Virginia’s participation in RGGI is mandated by law [[link removed]] . After attempts to take Virginia out of RGGI failed via Executive Order and legislative actions, Youngkin is moving forward through a regulatory process to undermine the Code of Virginia.
This month, members of the public had the opportunity to speak on RGGI to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; all fifty experts and community members who spoke argued in favor of remaining in the program [[link removed]] . Virginians recognize that our participation in RGGI affects climate change, public health, emergency preparedness and response, and opportunities to address needs for our most vulnerable communities.
Since its inception, over $590 million has been generated [[link removed]] [[link removed]] for the Community Flood Preparedness Fund and energy efficiency measures for low-income Virginians. If Virginia is pulled out of RGGI, our communities will lose the opportunity to access these critical funding streams.
The public has the opportunity to provide comment via the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall [[link removed]] [[link removed]] on our participation in RGGI through March 31; I encourage everyone to contribute to this important discussion.
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On March 16, I stood alongside Senators Dave Marsden and Lynwood Lewis, and community environmental leaders from across the state to voice support for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Organizations such as Clinicians for Climate Action, Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, Virginia Conservation Network,Virginia Interfaith Power and Light, and so many others have been strong, consistent advocates for Virginia’s participation in RGGI.
VEA Education Champion Award
On March 17, I was honored to receive a 2023 Legislative Champion award from the Virginia Education Association (VEA). As the Senate Public Education Subcommittee Chair, I have a front seat view on the critical needs of our public schools, our students and educators. Our needs are great: competitive pay for educators; a strong focus on literacy, mathematics, and critical thinking; school modernization; English Language learners; support for vulnerable children; behavioral and mental health services, and much more. I look forward to continuing my partnership with the VEA to strengthen our public education system.
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Mayor’s Youth Academy
The Mayor’s Youth Academy (MYA) is now accepting applications [[link removed]] for its 2023 Summer Work-Based Learning program [[link removed]] [[link removed]] . The MYA program is a paid opportunity open to Richmond residents aged 14-24; participants gain valuable experience that translates to today's workforce. More information about the program is available by calling 804-646-7933 or emailing [email protected] [[email protected]] [[email protected]] .
Medicaid Unwinding
Under the Families First Coronavirus Act [[link removed]] , states were directed by the federal government to maintain Medicaid coverage for those enrolled on or after March 20, 2020, regardless of changes to eligibility, until the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. On March 31, 2023, this continuous coverage requirement will end, and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) will resume full re-eligibility screening of all Medicaid members, with the first closures set to occur on April 30, 2023.
In a year, re-eligibility screening will have been initiated for all 2.2 million Virginians enrolled in Medicaid. DMAS will only cancel or reduce coverage after first asking enrollees for updated information on their case. Contact information must be up to date. Contact information can be updated online [[link removed]] , by calling the local department of Social Services [[link removed]] , or calling Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282. Individuals who no longer qualify for Medicaid will be notified when their coverage will end, information on how to file an appeal, and a referral to the Federal Marketplace to find coverage.
Community Events & Meetings
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On March 16, I traveled to the Powhatan County Seat Restaurant for the Powhatan Chamber Luncheon. Alongside Delegate Lee Ware, we updated Chamber members on legislative actions from the recent General Assembly session, discussed ongoing budget debates, and heard concerns from small business owners in the community.
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I joined members of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional society for women educators, later on Thursday afternoon to discuss legislation impacting the Commonwealth’s education system. Our teachers serve an invaluable role in our society by stewarding our greatest public good and hearing their concerns helps guide my work as a legislator.
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That Thursday evening, I joined the Chesterfield County Democratic Committee for their “Pizza and Politics Event,” focused on connecting community members with elected officials and candidates throughout Chesterfield County. As we begin to head into election season, members of CCDC will continue their critical work of mobilizing voters to get to the polls.
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On Saturday, March 18, I joined the Shia Imami Ismaili Council to celebrate Navroze. The gathering was a beautiful reflection of our wider community: individuals of diverse national origins and cultures gathered to commemorate the beginning of Spring and the New Year.
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On Sunday, March 19, I joined community members from across the Commonwealth for a pre-Ramadan gathering and reflection on the social and civic responsibilities of Muslims. Sponsored by the Islamic Center of Virginia, this gathering welcomed the start of the holy month of prayer, reflection, and charity.
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Last Tuesday, my staff and I had the pleasure of touring the recently-constructed temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Henrico. The faith community was incredibly welcoming, and I look forward to continuing to connect with its members. This Temple is the first and only temple for the LDS community in Virginia.
Ramadan Mubarak!
For many in the Muslim community, last Wednesday marked the first fast for the holy month of Ramadan. As Muslims across the Commonwealth and the world begin this time of fasting, spiritual reflection, and charity, I wish all observants peace, healing, and special times with family and friends. Ramadan Mubarak!
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Connecting With My Office
Please email us at [email protected] [[email protected]] or call our office at 804-698-7510. If you were forwarded this email, you can sign up to receive my office’s weekly newsletter here [[link removed]] [[link removed]] .
— Ghazala
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