This Tuesday, the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate each finished consideration of their legislation and sent passing bills to the other chamber for approval. Your new majority is moving Virginia forward, with more bills approved by the House prior to the crossover deadline than in any recent year. On voting rights, anti-discrimination measures, women’s rights, affordable health care, public education, and more: We are working to advance equity of opportunity across the Commonwealth. You can read a summary of our pre-crossover accomplishments here.
Legislative Progress
Two bills I introduced – House Bill 1250, the Community Policing Act, and House Bill 1251, eliminating balance billing for emergency care – passed the full House this week. Those bills have crossed over to the state Senate where they will join other bills that have passed the House.
House Bill 395, introduced by Delegate Jeion Ward and approved by the House last week, will raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour by July 1st and $15 per hour by 2025. This is an essential change to ensure that every working Virginian is able to earn a living wage. I was proud to speak in support of HB395 on the House floor. Click here to watch my full remarks.
General Assembly Visitors
This week I was delighted to meet with Major General Randal Fullhart and representatives of Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets.
It was a pleasure to meet the former Colorado Speaker of the House, Terrance Carroll, who was the first African American to hold that office in Colorado. Mr. Carroll was in Richmond on behalf of Unite America, a movement of people across political parties working to bridge partisan divides and foster a more representative and functional government.
This Thursday, February 13 was the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Prince William County Chapter’s (NCBW-PWCC) Legislative Day at the Virginia General Assembly. I was delighted to host the Chapter and introduce them on the floor of the House. NCBW-PWCC members spent the morning discussing current legislation and their advocacy issues with representatives from the Prince William County delegation and members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.
Budget Updates
The House Appropriations Committee will report our biennial budget on Sunday. The members and staff of the Appropriations Committee have crafted a forward-looking, fiscally responsible budget that reflects the values and priorities of our Commonwealth. This budget includes critical investments in education, affordable health care, and workers’ rights. It will guard Virginia’s AAA bond rating while supporting every Virginian’s ability to succeed.
Thank you for your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns about the 2020 General Assembly session.