Hi Friend,
We adjourned the 2025 legislative session this past Saturday at 5:38 pm after passing our final bills and budget amendments. But our work is not done! As I describe below in my legislative summary, the Governor has 30 days to sign or veto the legislation that passed both the House and the Senate. We will meet again in Richmond on April 2nd in the reconvene session to review the Governor's actions. Given the current slim majorities in the House and Senate, it is unlikely that we can override any of the Governor's vetoes.
This past Saturday also was a "back to the future" moment for us. The legislature has been in the 2024 Special Session I since we convened this past spring to finalize the biennium budget we did not complete during the regular session. We have never officially adjourned from that session to preserve the ability to act on other budget issues. Given the dire financial impact on Virginia from the ongoing series of executive orders from the Trump administration that have directed the firing of federal workers and ending federal funding for government programs, the legislature agreed to continue the Special Session I indefinitely. Specifically, we passed a resolution that enables us to meet and act on matters:
"..addressing the impacts upon the Commonwealth, its budget, and its services due to layoffs, firings, or reductions in force by the federal government, changes to federal government programs, actions of the Department of Government Efficiency."
Speaker Don Scott has said publicly that we will meet again later this year to consider our options in reacting to the federal administration's actions. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, the Speaker created the Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions, a bipartisan panel tasked with assessing the economic fallout and crafting solutions to protect the Commonwealth from the administration slashing the federal workforce and attempting to freeze billions in funding. That committee held its organizational meeting this past Friday and will be holding additional meetings around the state in the coming months. We will share the schedule and location of those meetings once that information is available.
As always, If you have any questions or need assistance with a state agency, please contact my office at DelRWillett@house.virginia.gov or phone at 804-698-1073, and my expert staff will be happy to assist you. I also will continue to keep you informed with relevant, accurate information via X/Twitter, Facebook, and my website. Please stay well and stay in touch.
Sincerely, |
Rodney Willett Delegate, HD58 |
That is a wrap on the 2025 legislative session...or is it? We will be back for a Special Session! |
|
|
At the start of this session, House Democrats pledged to unlock Virginia’s full potential—and this budget delivers on that promise!
It prioritizes working families, strengthens our economy, and ensures that every Virginian has the opportunity to succeed. With over $1 billion in tax cuts, it provides direct relief while making critical investments in education, public safety, and infrastructure. From tax rebates to pay raises for teachers and first responders, this budget delivers tangible benefits for communities across the Commonwealth. By balancing fiscal responsibility with bold, forward-thinking investments, we are building a stronger, more prosperous Virginia for everyone.
Building a Family-First Economy
This budget prioritizes putting money back in Virginians' pockets with over $1 billion in tax cuts, including tax rebates of $200 per individual and $400 per couple by October 2025. A permanent increase in the standard deduction will also help lower tax burdens. To further support working families, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is expanding to provide additional relief for lower-income households. Housing affordability remains a key focus, with $20 million allocated for rental assistance in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads and $15 million set aside for first-time homebuyer grants.
Investing in the workforce is critical, and this budget includes a 1.5% bonus for state employees, along with salary increases for E-911 dispatchers and juvenile justice security staff. To help families afford childcare, $25 million will be invested in public-private early childhood education partnerships, expanding access to affordable childcare options. Investing in World-Class Education This budget makes a historic investment in public education, increasing K-12 state funding by $782 million to ensure schools have the resources they need. To support educators, $134 million is allocated for a $1,000 bonus for teachers and school support staff. School infrastructure improvements are also a priority, with $150 million dedicated to upgrading and modernizing school buildings across the Commonwealth.
For students with disabilities, an additional $52.8 million is allocated to enhance special education support. Higher education remains a focus, with $55 million committed to keeping tuition costs down at public colleges and universities. Virginia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will receive $20 million to promote collaboration and expand opportunities. Additionally, this budget provides funding for 4,500 new early childhood education slots, ensuring more families have access to quality early learning programs while keeping childcare costs manageable.
Strengthening Our Communities Healthcare remains a top priority, with $869 million invested in health and human services, including increased Medicaid funding, maternal health support, and expanded mental health services. Over $40 million is dedicated to strengthening behavioral health programs, crisis services, and workforce support for mental health professionals. Public safety measures include extending workers' compensation benefits for law enforcement and firefighters to recognize their mental health needs. To help communities recover from natural disasters, $50 million is set aside for relief efforts in Southwest Virginia following Hurricane Helene and severe flooding. Clean water infrastructure improvements will receive $25 million in grants to ensure safe drinking water in local communities. Finally, economic growth and job creation remain key priorities, with $35 million allocated to attract new businesses and create good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth. |
What Happens After Sine Die? |
Now that the General Assembly has adjourned sine die, you may be wondering what comes next. The answer is the Reconvene Session. Thirty days after the regular session ends, legislators return to Richmond to address any remaining business from the session. During this 30-day period, the Governor reviews every bill passed by the General Assembly and has three options:
Sign it into law Veto the bill Send it back with amendments At Reconvene, the General Assembly will respond to the Governor’s actions, including the possibility of overriding a veto. This session serves as the official conclusion of the legislative year, ensuring that all outstanding matters are resolved. |
|
|
ICYMI: News Around Henrico |
Contribution Links are LIVE! |
During the legislative session, I am barred from taking any political donations. Since adjournment, our contribution links are live!
Your support helps pay for staff and resources that keep Virginia blue! |
Henrico County Emergency Alerts |
The Henrico County Community Emergency Notification system is one of many tools that Henrico County Public Safety officials can use to notify you of critical information like evacuation notices to missing child alerts. Henrico County, in partnership with Emergency Communications Network, LLC , is using the Everbridge high-speed notification solution. This system provides Henrico County public safety officials the ability to quickly deliver messages to targeted areas of the County or to the entire county.
The system is ONLY used for life-safety emergency situations, and is not used to send out weather information or other community notification information, unless you sign up for non-emergency notifications. For example, the system may be used to evacuate a neighborhood or tell people to shelter in place for a hazardous materials incident or to alert citizens that police and fire personnel are searching for a missing child or missing senior that has medical problems that need immediate attention in your neighborhood. The intention of the system is to share information on how to keep you and your family safe, as well as a way to give you information on how to help your public safety first responders.
|
Henrico County Sheriff’s Office Job Fair |
This is an opportunity to learn more about our agency’s role within the county which includes providing security for our jails and courthouse. We are currently hiring for Deputies (21+) and Jailors (18-20). Deputies have a starting salary of $56,265 and Jailors at $53,688. If you plan on attending the job fair, please consider bringing the following items with you: Driver’s License Social Security Card Birth Certificate Highest Level Education Transcripts Any Applicable Documentation We will be offering onsite interviews at this event! If all goes well, you could be part of our Basic Sheriff’s Office Training Academy starting on May 5, 2025.
Please RSVP for the event here, although walk-ins are also welcome. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact HCSO_Recruitment@henrico.gov or by calling (804) 501-5558. |
Have an event or opportunity coming up that you would like to have highlighted in our newsletter? Send your information to delrwillett@virginia.house.gov! |
|
|
Will I Still Get Newsletter Updates? |
Even though the General Assembly has adjourned, you will still receive newsletter updates from me but now on a monthly basis!
As we transition out of the legislative session, you can expect more district updates and visits, campaign updates, and events throughout the year! |
|
|
Paid for and Authorized by Rodney Willett for Delegate Rodney Willett for Delegate
PO Box 29428
Henrico, VA 23242
United States |
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please (Unsubscribing is not supported in previews). |
|
|
|
