April has been another dynamic month back in the Capitol and at home in Prince William County. I am excited to share updates on the progress the General Assembly has made in April, and I anticipate that the progress will continue in May as well.
General Assembly 2024 Reconvene Session
On April 17th, my colleagues and I gathered back in Richmond for the highly anticipated Reconvene Session. Often referred to as the “Veto-Session,” it occurs on the sixth Wednesday following the conclusion of our regular General Assembly session in March. The purpose of the session is for the General Assembly to consider any proposed amendments to legislation and vetoes made by Governor Youngkin.
The Governor had an action deadline of April 8th, 2024, to carefully examine all 1,046 pieces of legislation passed by the General Assembly. During that time, the Governor signed 777 bills into law, proposed 117 amendments, and vetoed a record-breaking 153 pieces of legislation.
During the reconvene session, we rejected 55 amendments, ultimately sending the bills back to the Governor as they originally passed the General Assembly. We agreed to 60 amendments proposed by the Governor to various pieces of legislation and passed HJ 428 (applying to the Governor to call a special session)
The Governor now has until Friday, May 17th, to take final action, He must either sign or veto the bills sent back to him in their original form.
Budget Update
On April 8th, Governor Youngkin communicated 233 amendments to the budget we passed in March. This is the highest number of budget amendments any governor has ever recommended on a budget, surpassing Governor Northam’s 144 amendments to the budget passed in 2020.
After much discussion and deliberation with our Senate counterparts, it was decided that further conversations were needed to find common ground for a budget that works for all of Virginia’s families.
During our Reconvene Session, we voted unanimously to set aside all of Governor Youngkin’s 233 proposed amendments to the budget, which we then subsequently passed the budget by for the remainder of the day. This allows us to bring all conferees back to the negotiating table to work together on reaching a consensus on the budget.
On the same day, Governor Youngkin called for the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia to convene back in Richmond on May 13th for a special session. This special session will focus solely on the state’s biennium budget.
Appointments
I am please to inform you that Speaker Don Scott has appointed me to the following commissions:
- Governor’s Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates
- Northern Virginia Transportation Authority
- Intercollegiate Athletics Review Commission
I look forward to working with my colleagues on these projects, as well as being re-appointed to:
- The Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board
- The Public-Private Partnership Advisory Commission
- MEI Project Approval Commission
- Virginia Minority Business Commission
2024 Early Voting
May opens the voting window for this year’s Congressional Elections. Early voting for Virginia’s Congressional primary election begins on May 3rd and will end on June 15th, ahead of election day on the 18th.
Prince William County residents may cast their vote early, 8:30 am-4:30 pm on weekdays and 8:30 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday, June 2nd, Saturday, June 8th, and Saturday, June 15th at any of the locations below:
- Office of Elections: 9250 Lee Ave, Suite 1, Manassas, 20110
- A. J. Ferlazzo Building: 15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge, 22191
- Haymarket Gainesville Library: 14870 Lightner Rd, Haymarket, 20169
For more information on early voting locations, please click HERE.
Prince William County residents have the opportunity to elect a primary candidate in either Congressional District 7 or 10.
To learn more about the candidates on your ballot, please click HERE.
To ensure your voice is heard in shaping the future of Prince William County, please cast a vote. Please click the resources below for helpful information for the upcoming primary:
- Virginia Department of Elections Website
- Virginia Department of Elections Polling Place Locator
- Prince William County Sample Ballots
- Prince William County Votes Website
Public Hearing for the I-95 and Route 123 Interchange
The Virginia Department of Transportation will be hosting a public hearing for the I-95 and Route 123 Interchange Improvements Project, at Occoquan Elementary School on May 8th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
This project will make improvements at the I-95 Exit 160 interchange at Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard). The project is based on a concept from the I-95 and Route 123 Interchange STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) Study, which assessed potential safety and operational improvements for the interchange and follows up on the I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan aimed at improving travel along I-95 in Virginia. This project aims to improve traffic flow, safety and bicyclist/pedestrian accessibility and connectivity. The improvements include:
- Replacing the northbound Route 123 loop ramp to southbound I-95 with a signalized left-turn to the southbound Route 123 ramp to southbound I-95
- Widening the southbound Route 123 ramp to southbound I-95 from one to two lanes
- Moving the Route 123 and I-95 Express Lanes ramp intersection slightly south
- Realigning the southbound I-95 ramp to northbound Route 123
- Adding a shared-use path along northbound Route 123 from Annapolis Way to Devil’s Reach Road
- Repairing and replacing the deck of the southbound I-95 bridge over Occoquan Road
If you are unable to attend in-person but would like to participate virtually, please register here.
For more information related to the project and public involvement, please check out the project website.
Mental Health Awareness Month
As May unfolds, Mental Health Awareness Month begins, a time dedicated to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting support for mental health initiatives.
Throughout the month, various events and activities serve as poignant reminders of the importance of prioritizing mental well-being. I encourage you to participate in Prince William County’s 5k Walk for Mental Health Awareness Month.
To participate in the 4th Annual 5k, please click HERE.
Additionally, join one of Prince William County’s “Question, Persuade and Refer” Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training, offering invaluable resources and skills to empower individuals in crisis intervention. Mental Health Awareness Month is a time for advocacy and education. Let’s come together, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and advocate for a society where every individual feels seen, heard, and supported on their journey towards mental wellness.
To sign up for the QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeep training, 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.