Hi Friend,
Moab, located in southern Utah, is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and liberating places to explore the beauty of this country. If you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or riding any sort of off-road motorized vehicle, this is the place for you. Additionally, you're just minutes away from the stunning national parks of Canyonlands, Arches, and Capitol Reef, along with both the Colorado and Green Rivers.
Recently, my wife and I were fortunate enough to visit Moab and take advantage of some of these activities and the incredible parks. On our last night in Moab, we found a campsite at a new state park called Utahraptor. The facilities were still being finished, making the camping experience a bit rustic, but the setting was breathtaking, with towering red rock faces surrounding the desert floor. At daybreak, I took a run around the sandy, rocky terrain and stumbled upon a series of markers detailing the area's history. It was fascinating to learn that dinosaurs had once roamed the area, and numerous fossils had been found in the surrounding rocks.
However, what struck me even more was the modern history I discovered. I learned that our campsite was the site of a Japanese internment camp during the 1940s! While most Japanese Americans were interned in camps in California, the U.S. government converted a former Civilian Conservation Corps housing site in Moab into an internment camp for those deemed higher security risks. As I stood at the history marker on April 27th, I read that on the same date in 1943, a group of men who had protested the camp's living conditions were placed into a wooden box and transported hundreds of miles to another internment camp. That marker was next to a recreation of the wooden box used on that day. Even when I hunched down, I could hardly fit through the open side of the box. Suddenly, a place that seemed so wide open and free felt quite the opposite.
Coincidentally, just days before our visit to Moab, my wife and I had listened to an interview with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Steven Hahn discussing his book "Illiberal America: A History." Hahn argued that the unjust incarcerations and deportations during the Trump administration are part of a historical pattern in our country, in which leaders from both parties have acted to protect us from perceived threats posed by those who are “different” or “not from here.” The internment of Japanese Americans serves as one example of how our leadership has failed certain Americans under the pretense of acting in the interest of national security. The author did not defend the current administration but rather provided context to understand the behavioral patterns that have led us to our current situation.
I can accept that Trump is not the first president to pursue this path. However, it brings to mind the saying that we are doomed to repeat mistakes if we do not learn from our history. Given that it is now 2025, we have ample history to learn from, including the experiences of those Japanese Americans in the Utah desert. I appreciate Utah's efforts to acknowledge these dark historical facts as the state opens this new park in one of the most beautiful places imaginable. I hope that current and future leaders will visit Moab, enjoy its recreational offerings, and take the time to read the same historical markers that I did.
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 804-698-1058, 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 |
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During the 2025 General Assembly session, 916 bills were sent to the Governor. Of these, he signed 599 bills, amended 159, and vetoed 157. Additionally, he returned the budget bill (HB 1600) with 205 amendments and eight item vetoes.
At the reconvened session, the General Assembly voted to send 57 House Bills (HBs) and 33 Senate Bills (SBs) back to the Governor in their enrolled form. We are also returning two bills that were agreed to in part, bringing the total to 92 bills being sent back to the Governor for final consideration.
Unfortunately, some important measures—such as raising the minimum wage, expanding access to contraception, and early voting—were vetoed by the Governor. I remain committed to fighting for these critical rights and protections.
We did, however, accept key amendments, including those to increase the weekly unemployment benefit and require air quality evaluations for aging school buildings, both of which will positively impact Virginians across the Commonwealth. The Governor has until Friday, May 2nd to sign or veto these remaining measures.
(P.S. stay tuned for early June for a Townhall to discuss the 2025 legislative session and community concerns!) |
What's Happening Around HD58 |
April was a busy month! From our campaign kickoff to the reconvened session, my team and I made the most of the warmer weather and packed schedule.
Not pictured: I was honored to accept the Legislator of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Workers – Virginia Chapter. I'm deeply grateful for this recognition and proud to stand with social workers who are on the frontlines of care and advocacy every day. |
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An honor to have Senators VanVaulkenburg and Bagby at my campaign kick off with Speaker Don Scott! |
| I spoke with University of Richmond students who interned at the General Assembly earlier this year. |
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Reconvene was a long day with us adjourning near 8:30pm! |
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It was great to speak at the Virginia Health Foundation's retreat on rural healthcare! |
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ICYMI: News Around Henrico |
ICYMI: Willett announces he will seek re-election
Thank you to everyone who joined me in my campaign kickoff earlier this month. Your support means the world to be and I am ready to take this energy to the doors and our community.
Like all of my past races, I am taking this seriously. My sleeves are rolled up and I have already hit the ground running hiring staff, and getting out to meet and hear from YOU! |
Feeling Anxious? Take Action with Henrico Democrats! |
It’s easy to feel anxious with the constant news out of Washington — executive orders, rollbacks of rights, and an endless cycle of bad headlines. But here in Henrico, Democrats are channeling that energy into real action: events, rallies, and community engagement.
Recently, DemocracyCircleRVA hosted a standing-room-only In-Absentia Town Hall for Rep. Rob Wittman. Community members packed the room to share real stories, express their frustrations, and highlight how ineffective our "representative" has become. The contrast couldn’t be clearer: just last week, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan filled her town hall and continues to host regular tele-town halls — proving that real leadership shows up, listens, and responds.
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, May 1:
Spanberger Henrico Potluck at 6:30 PM.
Bring a dish and join us for a fun, low-pressure evening focused on how to have engaging conversations with voters you know! Building relationships is key to winning in November.
Thursday, May 1:
May Day Protest and March organized by 50501VA.
Join the march from Monroe Park to Capitol Square! Henrico Dems will have a voter registration and information table there — come say hi and help empower new voters.
Friday, May 2:
Early Voting Begins!
Early voting for the primaries officially opens! Henrico will have primaries for Lt. Governor, Attorney General, HD57, and HD81.
Visit our Candidate Page for more information. We'll also have Henrico Dems information tables at both the Eastern and Western Government Centers on kickoff day.
Swing by, say hi, and do your civic duty!
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Real ID deadline looms May 7 for air travelers |
Your current Virginia credential may be used to board a domestic flight through May 6, 2025. On May 7, 2025, the federal government will require all domestic air travelers to present a REAL ID compliant driver's license or ID card or another federally approved form of identification.
Don’t wait! DMV will become increasingly busy the closer it gets to the federal enforcement deadline of May 2025. Check the expiration date on your credential. You can renew up to one year in advance of expiration. If it is time to renew, consider coming to DMV as soon as possible if you want to get a REAL ID. If you don’t need to renew for several years, you can come in any time and request a replacement credential. Save yourself time and get REAL ID ready now! It is also important to note that, while The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will not start enforcing REAL ID for domestic air travel until May 2025, effective immediately, some military bases may no longer accept non-REAL ID compliant credentials which display “Federal Limits Apply."
Start your application process HERE. |
Student Representatives to the Virginia Rural Health Association Board of Directors |
The VRHA Student Representatives to the Board of Directors are expected to serve as a communication link between the current leaders of VRHA and the future ones. In order to meet this expectation, the students selected will need to interact with both the VRHA Board Members and students in a wide variety of health-related programs.
The students selected will help VRHA achieve its strategic goals, with particular emphasis on increasing awareness of VRHA and the benefits of VRHA membership among students. Whenever possible, the students selected will represent different academic programs/professions. This will be a non-voting position on the board. Students selected will receive complimentary registration and hotel room at the VRHA Annual Conference.
Deadline to Apply: May 23, 2025 |
ReproRising Student Advocacy Fellowship |
The Student Advocacy Fellowship is open to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled at a Virginia public or private university. Two fellowship positions are open at each Virginia university and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled.
Fellows commit to 8 hours of work a week in the fall and spring semesters, and 2 – 4 hours a week over winter break. Fellows also receive a stipend per semester to compensate them for their work. Applications for the the 2025 – 2026 cohort will open soon; nominate yourself or a student leader today! |
We’re excited to share that Virginia’s Youth in Action (VAYA) is back and better than ever. After a thoughtful pause and refresh, we are proud to relaunch this signature program from Voices for Virginia’s Children—and applications for the 2025 cohort are officially open.
VAYA is designed for young leaders ages 15 to 24 who want to make a difference in their communities and influence the policies that affect their lives. Whether someone is just discovering their voice or already passionate about advocacy, this program meets youth where they are and helps them grow.
Participants will explore public policy issues like mental health, education, foster care, and economic justice. They’ll also build critical skills in storytelling, public speaking, community organizing, and legislative advocacy.
The application asks for basic background info and includes a self-assessment to better understand each applicant’s interests, lived experiences, and comfort levels in areas like research and communication. There’s no “perfect” applicant—we’re looking for potential and passion, not perfection. |
Have an event or opportunity coming up that you would like to have highlighted in our newsletter? Send your information to caleigh@rodwillett.com! |
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Paid for and Authorized by Rodney Willett for Delegate
Rodney Willett for Delegate
PO Box 29428
Henrico, VA 23242
United States |
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