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  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
April 20, 2024 at 2:30 PM

Reconvene Session and Chesterfield CTE

This week’s newsletter discusses the outcomes of 2024 Reconvened Session, reflects on a recent tour of our Chesterfield Career and Technical Education Center - Hull Street Campus, shares information on an upcoming civic engagement opportunity in Chesterfield County, provides updates from the Virgini…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
April 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Reconvene on Wednesday: Amendments, Vetoes, and the Budget

This Wednesday, April 17, the General Assembly will reconvene in Richmond to address the Governor’s amendments and vetoes to bills passed during the 2024 Session which ended just over a month ago on Saturday, March 9.  Dear Friend, This Wednesday, April 17, the General Assembly will reconvene in Ri…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
April 6, 2024 at 2:45 PM

Right to Contraception Tour

This week has been busy with travel: a tour of restaurants participating in Chesterfield County’s first annual Restaurant Week, and a press tour across Virginia to put a spotlight on The Right to Contraception Act, a bill that the governor has yet to sign. This week’s newsletter highlights the Right…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
March 29, 2024 at 4:01 PM

From Virginia to SCOTUS: Reproductive Health Care is Under Attack

This week’s newsletter discusses some of the political and legal concerns we face regarding reproductive health care within Virginia and the United States; reflects on office engagements from this week, including my town hall with Chancellor Doré as well as a recent “Shadowing the Senator” experien…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
March 22, 2024 at 4:18 PM

Who has presented a backwards budget?

Now that we are post-Session, members of the General Assembly are awaiting the Governor’s actions on the many bills that passed out of both Chambers, many of which required long days and weeks of discussion, negotiation, and compromise. The Governor has already vetoed many items of legislation, some…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
March 15, 2024 at 4:00 PM

Proposed Peaker Plant in Chesterfield

We are in the first week of post-session and have slowed the schedule down just a bit to tie up some loose ends on legislation, recover from the long hours and hectic days of Session, and begin planning town halls and several other community engagements. We are also waiting for the Governor’s action…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
March 11, 2024 at 4:15 PM

The General Assembly has adjourned Sine Die

This week, we completed the work of the 2024 General Assembly and adjourned sine die on Saturday, March 9, with a solid budget in hand and legislation that provides improved supports for Virginians.  Dear Friend, This week, we completed the work of the 2024 General Assembly and adjourned sine die o…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
March 3, 2024 at 3:03 PM

A National Spotlight on the Right to Contraception

We are finishing out the final days of the 2024 General Assembly. At present, we are scheduled to adjourn sine die on Saturday, March 9. I am hopeful that we will conclude this session with a budget bill to present to the Governor. If a budget agreement is not reached between the Senate and the Hous…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
February 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM

Nearing the End of Session

This week’s newsletter provides updates about my legislation and highlights select meetings from this past week. Thank you for reading and staying informed.  Dear Friend, This week’s newsletter provides updates about my legislation and highlights select meetings from this past week. Thank you for …
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
February 19, 2024 at 5:40 PM

Post-Crossover Session Updates

This past Tuesday was Crossover: the deadline for each Chamber to complete its work and send all of its successful legislation to the other side. Additionally, yesterday (Sunday) was the deadline for each Chamber to present its amendments to the Governor’s proposed budget bills: SB29/HB29 (Caboose B…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
February 11, 2024 at 5:35 PM

In an historic first, medical aid in dying passes the full Senate...

This past week was the final full week of review of the Senate’s introduced bills. Early next week, each Chamber will need to complete its work and then send all bills that it has passed over to the other Chamber; this day is known as Crossover, and it tends to be a very long day on the Floor. Next …
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
February 4, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Approaching Crossover: Session Updates

Another eventful week of the General Assembly has come to a close, with a variety of bills making their way through Committee processes and passing the full Senate. This week’s newsletter shares numerous updates on my legislation, as well as select community meetings. Thank you for taking the time t…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
January 28, 2024 at 4:30 PM

Legislative Updates and Community Engagements

As the legislative session progresses and each Chamber approaches Crossover, the day by which all bills must pass out of their Chamber of origin, bills are moving through the committee process. This week’s newsletter shares numerous updates on my legislation and reflects on select community meetings…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
January 20, 2024 at 7:35 PM

Saturday Edition Newsletter: Session Updates

The first full week of session has concluded, and the days have been intense and busy as the Senate began the work of reviewing and debating bills. We are now preparing for the week ahead. Here, I provide updates on my legislation and share highlights of some of the numerous visitors to my office an…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
January 14, 2024 at 5:05 PM

Sunday Edition: First Week of Session Updates

The first week of session has concluded, and we are preparing for the week ahead. In this newsletter, I provide an update on my legislation and share engagements from this past week. Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and for staying informed.  Dear Friend, The first week of sess…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
January 6, 2024 at 5:40 PM

The General Assembly Convenes Next Week

Happy New Year! For members and staff of Virginia’s General Assembly, January signals the convening of a new Session. We look forward now to a “long session” because 2024 is a budget year, challenging us to craft a strong two-year plan for the priorities of the Commonwealth.  Dear Friend, Happy New…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
December 17, 2023 at 5:01 PM

Sunday Newsletter: JLARC Presentations & An Evening with Angie Kim

This week’s newsletter shares findings from the December Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, reflects on our recent Virginia Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus event with bestselling and award-winning author Angie Kim, and discusses select community meetings and engagements from t…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
December 8, 2023 at 4:55 PM

NCSL Forecast ‘24 and the Virginia Education Summit

This week’s newsletter covers policy discussions held at the Maternal & Child Health Preconference, as a part of the NCSL Forecast ‘24 Conference, shares discussion topics emerging from the Hunt Institute’s Virginia Education Summit, highlights the recent Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) m…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
December 1, 2023 at 5:00 PM

The Upcoming General Assembly Session

This week’s newsletter discusses the upcoming General Assembly session, shares a recent op-ed I wrote with Delegate Carrie Coyner (Chesterfield), spotlights our most recent “Shadowing the Senator” program participant, and highlights select community engagements and events from this past week. Thank …
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
November 19, 2023 at 4:30 PM

Sunday Newsletter: SFAC Retreat and Thanksgiving

This week’s newsletter highlights the presentations made during the recent Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee (SFAC) Retreat, discusses this past week’s commission meetings, and spotlights selected community engagements and events from this past week. Thanksgiving holidays are right around …
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
November 12, 2023 at 4:30 PM

Sunday Newsletter: Election Results and Commemorating Veterans Day

This week’s newsletter reflects on Tuesday’s election results which saw Democrats maintaining control of the Virginia Senate and flipping control of the House of Delegates; we also commemorate Veterans Day and highlight select community engagements and events from this past week. Thank you for takin…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
November 3, 2023 at 4:20 PM

Early Voting and Election Day

This week’s newsletter discusses what is at stake this election, shares information on voting early and voting on Election Day, and highlights select community engagements and events from this past week. Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and for staying informed.  Dear Friend, Th…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
November 2, 2023 at 5:37 PM

Election Day is almost here, and we need your help

We need people at the polls telling voters what’s at stake this election, and why it’s important to vote Democrat.  Dear Friend,  We’re now just 5 days away from Election Day. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for your continued support. For the last four years, you’ve generously offe…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
October 27, 2023 at 4:05 PM

Saturday Voting & Tax Rebate Checks

This week’s newsletter discusses expanded opportunities for early voting, shares information about tax rebate checks coming to Virginians, shares information about this weekend’s canvass launches, discusses National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and provides highlights from selected community eve…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
October 20, 2023 at 4:31 PM

Childcare Affordability and Sales Tax Holiday

This week’s newsletter discusses a recent JLARC report’s findings on childcare affordability in the Commonwealth, shares information about the upcoming Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, reflects on recent Commission meetings, and provides highlights from selected community events of this past week. Thank y…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
October 13, 2023 at 4:10 PM

It’s Election Season in Virginia!

This week’s newsletter discusses the 2023 election season, information about the Senate Page Program, and provides highlights from selected community events of this past week. Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and for staying informed.  Dear Friend, This week’s newsletter discuss…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
October 12, 2023 at 2:08 PM

Even Contraception Access is On the Line in November

I recently wrote an op-ed about how essential it is to protect our fundamental right to birth control.  Dear Friend,  A few weeks ago, I wrote an op-ed about contraception access and its uncertain future both in Virginia and on the national stage. We continue to see Republicans tiptoe around the iss…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
October 8, 2023 at 2:15 PM

Sunday Newsletter: Government Shutdown Avoided and the New GAB

This week’s newsletter discusses temporarily-averted government shutdown and the impacts that we would see in Virginia if a budget agreement is not reached. I also invite community members to the upcoming grand opening of the renovated General Assembly Building, share highlights from this past week’…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
September 30, 2023 at 2:10 PM

Gun Violence Prevention and COVID Tests

This week’s newsletter discusses gun violence prevention efforts, reflects on my recent trip to Georgia for the Council of State Governments (CSG) Education Committee conference, shares information about acquiring free, at-home COVID tests, and highlights select community meetings and engagements fr…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
September 22, 2023 at 3:45 PM

Virginians Head to the Polls Today!

This week’s newsletter discusses today’s start of Early Voting, my office’s shadowing program, Senate Page Program applications, commission meetings from this week, a training opportunity for community health workers, and select community meetings and engagements from this past week. Thank you for t…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
September 16, 2023 at 4:00 PM

Early Voting and New COVID-19 Vaccines

This week’s newsletter: highlights details about early voting, the new COVID-19 booster vaccine, my panel at the National Vaccine Law Conference in Washington, DC, the Richmond Public Schools’ Teacher Licensure Fair, and select community meetings and engagements from this past week. Thank you for ta…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
September 8, 2023 at 4:30 PM

The Commonwealth’s Budget

This week’s newsletter discusses the recent Special Session of the General Assembly and passage of the state budget, shares information on an upcoming housing forum, and highlights select community events and meetings from this past week. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and for …
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
September 7, 2023 at 4:37 PM

Yesterday, we finally passed the budget.

Democrats fought for a budget that reflects their values.  Dear Friend, Yesterday, the Virginia General Assembly passed long-delayed budget amendments that put Virginia families first. While Youngkin and his fellow Republicans pushed for massive and permanent tax cuts for large corporations, Democr…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
September 1, 2023 at 3:45 PM

Special Session - Voting on the Budget

This week’s newsletter discusses the upcoming Special Session of the General Assembly, commemorates Labor Day, and highlights select community events and meetings from this past week. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and for staying informed.  Dear Friend, This week’s newsletter …
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
August 29, 2023 at 6:48 PM

An Endorsement Update on My Campaign 10 Weeks from Election Day

I’m incredibly excited to share the elected officials and organizations supporting my re-election campaign.  Dear Friend,  Since we’re only 10 weeks away from Election Day, I am excited to share an update on the widespread support my campaign has received, and continues to receive, from so many rema…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
August 25, 2023 at 4:10 PM

Shadowing the Senator: New Engagement Opportunity

This week’s newsletter discusses a new shadowing opportunity offered through my office, provides recent updates from commission meetings, welcomes students and staff back to school, and highlights select community events and meetings from this past week. Thank you for taking the time to read the new…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
August 18, 2023 at 5:00 PM

One Year of the Inflation Reduction Act

This week’s newsletter commemorates the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, reflects on our recent “Support LGBTQ+ Students and Families Town Hall,” shares information on the Senate Page Program, and highlights select community engagements and events from this past week. Thank you f…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
August 15, 2023 at 12:56 PM

Youngkin's Kicking the Campaigning into High Gear instead of Doing His Job.

Governor Youngkin is spending his time with billionaires who want to buy the election instead of working on the budget.  Dear Friend,  We’re now just 12 weeks away from Election Day, and we’re seeing Governor Youngkin galavanting around the country on the campaign trail instead of doing the job he …
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
August 11, 2023 at 4:10 PM

Parents Matter Tour

This week’s newsletter reflects on the “Parents Matter Tour” being led by the Governor, discusses our upcoming “Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Families” Town Hall, shares information on the Senate Page Program, and highlights community engagements and events from this past week. Thank you for taking…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
August 4, 2023 at 4:15 PM

RGGI & Back to School Events

This week’s newsletter discusses the legal challenge presented to Youngkin’s efforts to pull Virginia out of RGGI, shares information about our upcoming Town Hall: “Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Families,” talks about upcoming back-to-school events, and highlights select community engagements and e…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
July 30, 2023 at 1:37 PM

We’re officially 100 days away from Election Day

It’s official– in exactly 100 days people across the Commonwealth will be casting their votes for who they trust to amplify the values they hold dear by representing them in the General Assembly.  Dear Friend, It’s official– in exactly 100 days people across the Commonwealth will be casting their vo…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
July 28, 2023 at 4:30 PM

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students & Families

This week’s newsletter discusses the recent release of new VDOE policies, shares information about our upcoming Town Hall: “Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Families,” highlights my recent participation in Network NOVA’s Women’s Summit, talks about how community members can stay safe during extreme he…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
July 21, 2023 at 4:02 PM

An About Face on Early Voting and Extremist Efforts to Ban Books

This week’s newsletter discusses the new and sudden GOP embrace of the Democrats’ hard-fought early voting initiatives, reflects on my participation with the Richmond stop of the nationwide Banned Book Tour, shares information from recent Board and Commission meetings, and discusses some select comm…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
July 20, 2023 at 12:48 PM

Republicans are Gearing Up for November

Earlier this week, the quarterly fundraising reports for every candidate and organization in Virginia became public and one thing is very clear – Republicans are ready to spend millions of dollars across the Commonwealth to consolidate power and advance their extreme agenda. Dear Friend, Earlier thi…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
July 14, 2023 at 4:35 PM

Recent JLARC Report Findings - Funding Public Education

This week’s newsletter addresses recent findings in the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) report on Virginia’s K-12 funding formula; shares information on the continued, harmful attacks by the Youngkin administration on LGBTQ+ youth and their families; reflects on my recent trip …
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
July 7, 2023 at 4:11 PM

US Naturalization Ceremony and New Laws

This week’s newsletter reflects on the Independence Day holiday, shares information on new laws that recently went into effect on July 1, and discusses an opportunity for community involvement in the City of Richmond. Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter and for staying informed. Dea…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
June 30, 2023 at 7:15 PM

Actions taken by the US Supreme Court

This week’s newsletter focuses on the recent Supreme Court rulings. We also share resources and information related to our recent Medicaid Unwinding Town Hall; highlight a new program offered by Virginia529; and review recent community engagements and events. Thank you for taking the time to read th…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
June 30, 2023 at 6:01 PM

We're down to the wire

If you’ve been waiting to give...now is the time!  Dear Friend, I wanted to reach out to you personally ahead of one of the most important fundraising deadlines of my campaign. This is it. We're down to the wire, and there's just a few more hours left before this critical end of quarter deadline at…
  Sen. Hashmi Campaign · [email protected]
June 29, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Good news and bad news

There’s still time to chip in  Dear Friend, We have good news and bad news for you today. The bad news: there's not much time left until the end of the fundraising quarter, we have a new opponent who is well connected to Governor Youngkin, and we're still $7,530.11 away from our quarterly fundraisin…
  Ghazala Hashmi · [email protected]
June 28, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Help me hit our EOQ deadline

I have an opponent who is a leader in the Republican party!  Dear Friend, This past Tuesday, at the last minute the Governor Youngkin and his Republican cronies filed yet another candidate to run against me. A personal injury attorney, he is also a leader within the extremist Republican Party, chair…