On July 4th, we celebrated America’s independence as a nation. I hope that you all enjoyed a safe and happy Independence Day with your family and loved ones, honoring the courage that built this great nation!
In this month’s newsletter, you will find the most recent updates on the General Assembly’s commitment to addressing the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, upcoming elections, community events, and opportunities to get involved in Prince William County.
I continue to be committed to serving our community to the best of my abilities. I invite you to share your thoughts on how we can improve Prince William County together.
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program Update
Since my last newsletter, multiple developments have occurred in the pursuit of a solution to the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program (VMSDEP).
During a Prince William County town hall and the Governor’s “Preserving Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program Task Force,” I heard from many of you in the 24th District and around the Commonwealth about how the new budgetary language would impact veterans and their families.
In response, the House of Delegates reconvened on June 28th for a special session to take up my House Bill 6003. This bill aimed to fully repeal the VMSDEP language requirements passed on May 13th. I am proud of the bi-partisan support this bill received from my colleagues in the General Assembly and that it passed the House unanimously.
Similarly, my colleagues in the Senate convened on Monday, July 1st, to take up similar legislation introduced by Senate President Pro Temp Louise Lucas. Unfortunately, my HB6003 was passed by for the day, and the Senate was unable to move forward with the legislation they had introduced.
After extensive discussions about the best path forward to address the concerns veterans and their families raised regarding VMSDEP, House and Senate leadership reached an agreement earlier this week.
On July 3rd, Sen. Lucas and I introduced HB6004 and SB6012. These identical bills fully repeal the changes to VMSDEP and related tuition waiver programs and allocate an additional $90 million to offset the costs of the programs for our institutions of higher education.
Sen. Lucas and I also sent a letter to the chair of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) asking them to undertake a thorough and comprehensive review of the VMSDEP Program to ensure its long-term sustainability and evaluate all aspects of eligibility criteria, program parameters, and impact on Virginia’s higher education institutions and tuition-paying students. JLARC approved the study earlier this week and will release its findings on September 1, 2024.
This new legislation and the bipartisan support for our efforts to find a solution indicate the General Assembly’s commitment to honoring and supporting our veterans and their families throughout this Commonwealth.
The House and Senate will reconvene at the capitol on July 18th at 2:00 PM to consider HB6004 and SB6012. To view the live session on July 18th, please click here.
Primary Winners
On June 18th, Virginia held primary elections to decide the official party nominees for the upcoming general election on November 5th, 2024.
As a Prince William County resident, you either voted in the 7th or 10th congressional district primaries. The following winners of their respective party nominations are below:
Congressional District 7:
- Eugene Vindman (Democratic Nominee)
- Derrick Anderson (Republican Nominee)
This seat is currently held by Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, who has chosen not to run for re-election to Congress. The district encompasses eastern portions of Prince William County, from the Potomac River to Colgan High School.
Congressional District 10:
- Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (Democratic Nominee)
- Mike Clancy (Republican Nominee)
Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton currently holds this seat, and she is not seeking reelection. The district encompasses western portions of Prince William County, from Hoadly Road to the Prince William/Fauquier/Loudoun Border.
Become an Elections Officer
Prince William County is looking for dedicated individuals to become election officers. The registration deadline to apply is August 2nd, 2024.
Serving as an elections officer, also known as a poll worker in Virginia, is a great way to contribute to your community, state, and country. Virginia relies on poll workers to ensure elections run smoothly during early voting and Election Day.
Roles for Election Officers may include:
- Greeter
- Pollbook Officer
- Ballot Officer
- Voting Equipment and Booth Officer
- Chief Officer
- Assistant Chief Officer
- Electoral Board Member
- If you’re interested in applying for a position, please click here.
County Wide Community Survey
Prince William County invites you to participate in the Prince William County 2024 Community Survey. This survey is essential for gathering community feedback and improving local policies.
For the first time since these surveys began in 1993, the county is including an open-response option to ensure all residents have a voice. Your confidential responses will provide valuable insights to help shape strategic decisions and initiatives to enhance the quality of life and address the needs of all residents of Prince William County.
Please share this survey with your community members to ensure a variety of voices are represented.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Communications & Engagement at communications@pwcgov.org or 703-792-6606.
If you wish to participate in the survey or share the link, please click here.
Fridays @ Five
All summer long, Prince William County Parks & Recreation is hosting a series of concerts called “Fridays @ Five.” Come unwind from the week at a FREE live outdoor concert at the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza (1 County Complex Ct, Woodbridge Va 22192). It’s the perfect place to bring friends and family or even meet new people in the community. Grab a drink or try one of the food trucks, and let the kids enjoy face painting!
Below are the concert dates:
- July 19th at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Collective
- August 2nd at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM– Lloyd Braun Band
- August 16th at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Perfekt Blend
- September 6th at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Karaoke Night with Perfekt Blend
- September 20th at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM – TBD
Dale City Farmers Market
Since 1987, the Dale City Farmers Market has been the place to be! Join over 50 vendors selling locally grown produce, meats, plants, and various other goods.
The Dale City Farmers Market will be held in July on the following dates:
- July 7th at 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- July 14th at 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- July 21st at 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- July 28th at 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Dale City Farmer’s market is open rain or shine at the Park and Ride Dale City Commuter Lot: 14090 Gemini Way, Woodbridge, VA 22193.
To find more information and view the vendor list, please click here.
How to Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have questions or concerns. Feel free to contact us directly at the district office; our email is info@delegatetorian.com, and our telephone number is 703-785-2224.