Weekly Column: Finding Solutions in the General Assembly

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of February 15, 2021.

Finding Solutions in the General Assembly

 Both the Senate of Virginia and the House of Delegates have released proposed budgets and we will vote on the budget soon.  We are also working to resolve some complex bills and to accelerate vaccinations.

Vaccination Progress

               Health care providers have administered over 1.2 million covid-19 vaccinations in Virginia as of February 12, nine of ten available first doses.  As of last week, that means that Virginia ranked seventh among states as a proportion of our population.   The state also announced a unified vaccination scheduling system although Fairfax County chose to opt out.  Virginia is now receiving 129,000 doses per week which is up 23 percent from our initial allocation.  We have also expanded the vaccination program to 36 CVS drugstores around the state.  We expect the pace to pick up once the Food and Drug Administration approves the new single-shot vaccines.   

2021 COVID-19 Update Thread

The Virginia Department of Health has created a webpage dedicated solely to virus updates where you will find content that is updated daily. The CDC also has a dedicated website: 

Virginia Department of Health

Center for Disease Control

Click Here to Find Testing Locations in Prince William County (Updated Regularly)

Register online to receive a vaccine at: https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/

***UPDATE FRIDAY, 4/23/21 at 12:00 PM***

Covid Restriction Updates

Governor Northam issued Fifth Amended Executive Order 72 as follows, effective April 21. These activities are still subject to updated guidance, including capacity limits and other safety requirements:

• Seating is now permitted in bar areas of restaurants, provided at least 6 feet is maintained between parties and no standing congregation is permitted.
• Outdoor races and marathons may place runners in staggered groups of up to 100 (up from 50).
• School theatrical and musical performances may allow patrons up to 30% of the venue capacity, with a maximum of 500 patrons indoors and no specific limit outdoors.
• Distancing requirements have been decreased from 10 feet to 6 feet for entertainment and public amusement venues, swimming pool seating, graduations, and recreational sporting events.
• Personal care and personal grooming studios are no longer required to maintain appointment logs and contact information for customers.
• Karaoke is no longer prohibited.
• Splash pads, hot tubs, and saunas are no longer prohibited.
• Brass instrument players may remove masks while playing, as could wind instrument players previously.

Full Amended Executive Order 72

Restriction updates changing May 15:

• Capacity limits at entertainment venues will increase from 30% to 50%, with an increase in the maximum number of indoor patrons from 500 to 1,000 and no specific limit on the number of outdoor patrons.
• Capacity limits at recreational sports venues will increase from 30% to 50%, with a maximum of 250 spectators per field for indoor events and 1,000 spectators per field for outdoor events.
• The limit on social gatherings will increase from 50 to 100 indoors and from 100 to 250 outdoors.
• Alcohol sales and restaurant dining will be permitted after midnight.

More Information and Frequently Asked Questions

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance on March 8 about what people can do when they are fully vaccinated (which occurs two weeks after their final vaccine dose), and guidance on April 2 about travel by people who are fully vaccinated. The guidance notes that because public health researchers are still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19, even people who are fully vaccinated should keep taking precautions in public places like wearing masks, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

Guidance from CDC for Fully Vaccinated People

Get Vaccinated!

About a third of vaccine doses in Virginia are now being administered by retail pharmacy locations, which are open to anyone age 16 or older. Individuals may visit VaccineFinder.org to find eligible pharmacy locations, hours, phone numbers, and scheduling links where available. 

***UPDATE Thursday, 4/1/21 at 3:00 PM***

Vaccine Eligibility

Governor Ralph Northam today announced that all individuals in Virginia age 16 and older will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine starting on Sunday, April 18, ahead of the May 1 nationwide goal set by President Joe Biden. Governor Northam made the announcement during a visit to a vaccination clinic at First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Prince William County, where more than 1,000 vaccines will be administered today.

Weekly Column: Virginia's Rockets Up In Vaccine Distribution & Death Penalty Repeal Moves Forward

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of February 8, 2021.

               The Fifth Week of the General Assembly Session brought Crossover and the conclusion of some of our most contentious bills.

               First, Virginia rocketed up to the top ten in vaccine distribution in America.  While the system is still adjusting to vaccine supply, many constituents have reported to me that they have been able to get vaccinated.  The coming single shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine and Astra Zeneca will allow Virginia to ramp up from the current rate of 128,000 shots per week.

Although infection rates are dropping, the English and South African variants have arrived in Virginia and we must remain vigilant – even after people are vaccinated.  No state is doing better that Virginia that has a larger population and we have the 8^th lowest per capital death rate.  Group 1a should be done by the end of this week.  

Weekly Column: Virginia Legislature Is Moving Bills, Addressing Problems

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of January 31, 2021.

Virginia Legislature Is Moving Bills, Addressing Problems

As the General Assembly begins its fourth week in session this year, vaccine deployment for Covid-19 has started to accelerate and we are discussing how to jump-start in-person schooling.  Virginia’s Secretary of Education believes all school personnel will be vaccinated by March 1 and a bill is pending to require in-person elementary-secondary school options no later than July 1.  Depending on how discussions go, the General Assembly might pass a mandate to require in-person learning sooner.

This is Why We Need Limits on Qualified Immunity: My Bill to Make Police Officers Civilly Liable for Misconduct

                                      

Last summer, several acts of police brutality against Black Americans and people of color forced Virginia to confront a long history of oppression and racial injustice. Although we have made substantial progress toward racial equality, implicit and explicit racism still persists in Virginia and across America.  

Last session we made significant progress modernizing the training, hiring, firing, discipline, and professional accountability for police departments.  However, some issues were too complex to take up in a special session including enhancing civil court remedies for individuals who are harmed by law enforcement officers who violate constitutional and legal standards.

Winter Storm Watch for Wednesday, December 15: Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s that time of year again. Winter in Northern Virginia is often a surprising blend of chill winter weather and unseasonably warm temperatures. Occasionally, snow gets thrown into the mix. This Wednesday, we might be in for some potentially hazardous winter weather. Frozen mix precipitation is likely, and 2-4 inches of snow could accumulate in parts of the district. In light of this week’s forecast, I want to share some resources that you can use to ensure that you stay safe and informed during inclement weather.

Weather Updates 

Like with most weather forecasts, there’s a decent amount of uncertainty surrounding the conditions we might see on Wednesday. Some parts of the district might only get rain or freezing rain, while others might experience more severe forms of wintery participation. The National Weather Service is a great resource for monitoring weather conditions.

Click Here For Weather Forecast

School Closures

Fairfax County School buildings will be closed tomorrow but school will operate virtually.

Click Here For Fairfax School Closures

Sixth Annual Puller Institute - Applications are Open!

         

While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of many traditions, I'm pleased to announce that the 2021 Puller Institute will go ahead virtually this year.

Each year, the Puller Institute has allowed a small group of future leaders-- exceptional junior and senior high school students-- to explore their passions for creating change in the 36th district by engaging with the state legislative process. My hope is that this program inspires a lifelong interest in civic engagement from the participants. I grew up in this area and I graduated from West Potomac High School. I know that you have unique perspectives on local issues. The future of our democracy depends on young leaders like high school students who have the energy and passion for social change. 

River Farm Update #4 - Grassroots Group Forms, Gov Northam Weighs In & AG's Investigating

Here is the latest status update on River Farm. We have continued to have meetings among our stakeholder group working out a strategy to maximize the potential that River Farm will remain in public ownership. Here is what's going on. 

Grassroots Group Organized 

The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) has generously agreed to organize and lead a grassroots effort called Save River Farm to build support and raise private funds to support the purchase of River Farm by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA). 

The new website is here - Save River Farm Website 

If you care about saving River Farm, it is important that you do two things right now: 

 #1 - Sign up for email updates from the new group: 

 EMAIL SIGN UP HERE 

 #2 - Donate funds to help build private support. 80% of funds will be used for land acquisition, 10% for public advocacy, and 10% for administration. Donations are 100% tax deductible. 

DONATE HERE 

 

Weekly Column: Legislators Revised the Budget to Address Many Needs

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of November 2, 2020.

Legislators Revised the Budget to Address Many Needs

The General Assembly met over the last few months in a special session to finalize our state budget.  We had to revisit the budget because in the last week of our regular, winter session, the COVID-19 pandemic started to flare up, the shutdown began shortly after and the economic damage and uncertainty made it impossible to build a two-year budget. Governor Ralph Northam proposed amendments that the General Assembly approved in April putting all new spending on hold until we had reliable revenue estimates.  Two weeks ago, we approved a revised budget that takes a more modest approach than our original budget, but it still has some significant investments. 

First, we balanced our budget as required by the state constitution.  Second, the budget leaves over $1 billion unspent in reserves because of continued economic uncertainty.  It is a very fiscally prudent budget. 

Weekly Column: Special Session Update #2 - Building Trust in our Police Officers

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of October 25, 2020.

Building Trust in our Police Officers

                This column focuses on reforms to Virginia’s policing practices, legislation I helped craft with Senator Mamie Locke.  Last week, I reported on the criminal justice reforms that the Virginia General Assembly approved in our recent special session.   Next week, I will discuss changes in Virginia’s budget.

                The video capturing the chokehold and murder of George Floyd shocked America and was a painful example of abusive policing experienced by the African American community for too long.  These images galvanized a grassroots movement that demanded changes.  The General Assembly tried to respond with needed changes in our laws. 

Diverse Input Sought

                During the drafting process, I sought diverse views in at least a dozen meetings with state and local law enforcement leaders.  We held meetings with local officers on the street, community advocates, and heard testimony from national experts and state law enforcement leaders in a public hearing.  

Weekly Column: Special Session Session Summary #1: Criminal Justice Reform Delivered

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of October 17, 2020.

Special Session Session Summary #1: Criminal Justice Reform Delivered

Last week, the General Assembly special session effectively ended.  Governor Ralph Northam called the session to adjust the budget after the economic harm caused by the COVID-19 crisis.  After George Floyd’s May 26, 2020 murder and citizens’ demands for change, we chose to broaden our work and focus on three areas: criminal justice, policing reform, and the budget.  I will address criminal justice reform this week, policing reform next week and the budget changes last.   

In early June, the Senate Democratic Caucus determined a limited focus on only policing would not address the bulk of harm inflicted by our criminal justice system.  We invited suggestions and created a committee of Senators to vet 150 ideas which we narrowed to 28 objectives and 11 bills.

First, we passed a racial profiling bill that prohibits police from stopping vehicles for violations arising out of subjective unverifiable judgments such as window tint or loud exhaust violations, and prohibited searches based on an allegation of marijuana odor in light of the decriminalization of marijuana last session.  This will reduce opportunities for racially-biased enforcement.   

Weekly Column: We Need a Better Redistricting Amendment

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of October 4, 2020.

We Need a Better Redistricting Amendment

 Along with eliminating the Electoral College and reversing corporate contributions green-lighted by the Citizen’s United case, I consider the drawing of elected officials’ district lines to be one of the most significant, fundamental problems in American Democracy today. 

Question #1 on Virginia’s November 3 ballot is a proposed amendment to Virginia’s Constitution to create a decennial commission to establish districts for elected officials of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates in 2021 and into the future.  Our current system is flawed, but the proposed amendment is not the correct solution. 

The Redistricting Proposal

                Here is how the commission would work.  The U. S. Constitution and Constitution of Virginia requires the state legislature to redraw congressional districts and state legislative districts after each census.  The amendment would create the Virginia Redistricting Commission (VRC).  The VRC would have 16 members - eight state legislators and eight citizens.  The legislators would be equally split between the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates and further equally split between the majority and minority parties so that no party would have a majority.  The citizen members would be chosen by a panel of five retired Circuit Court judges from lists submitted by the majority and minority caucuses in each chamber of the legislature.