April 23rd Newsletter
We often hear that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That holds true in legislative circles as well — many of our best ideas for bills come from legislation that we have seen other states enact successfully. And other states certainly have used our laws as models for their own.
The most recent example of one good idea inspiring another comes from Virginia’s gun safety laws. In 2020, we enacted a series of bills intended to address gun related tragedies in the state. Those new laws included enforcing universal background checks on gun sales, eliminating existing loopholes, requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours to law enforcement, reinstating the one-gun-per-month limit on the number of guns an individual may purchase, and so much more.
This past week, on the eve of the anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings, Virginia’s US Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine introduced federal legislation modeled after the new Virginia laws. Their bill, entitled the Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act, would require universal background checks, limit handgun purchases to one a month, and allow guns to be temporarily confiscated from people shown to pose an imminent threat to themselves or others. The act also would also close what is termed the boyfriend loophole to prevent abusive, unmarried partners from possessing firearms, create penalties for people who “recklessly” leave loaded guns unsecured in the presence of children, and require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours. The senators recognize that they will need to build support from their colleagues for the bill (the legislation failed to pass previously), thus, they are considering pursuing the universal background check provision first.
Warner and Kaine are passionate about doing something at a national level to address gun violence - Senator Kaine was Governor of Virginia at the time of the Virginia Tech tragedy - and I wish the senators success in their advocacy. I also encourage other legislators at any level of government to copy our best ideas.
Washington Post: Sens. Kaine and Warner want to make Virginia’s gun restrictions go national
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 a member of my staff will be happy to assist you. I also will continue to keep you informed with relevant, accurate information via Twitter, Facebook, and my website. Please stay well and stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Rodney
New Information
All Virginian Adults Now Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine
As of Sunday, April 18th, all Virginians 16 or older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This expansion of eligibility comes as Virginia reaches a new milestone in its vaccination program—approximately half of all adults in the Commonwealth have received at least one dose. Only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for individuals aged 16 and 17. The Moderna vaccine is approved for ages 18 and up.
With this move into Phase 2, appointments will still be required for most vaccinations. Virginians are now able to find and schedule appointments directly through the Vaccinate Virginia vaccine system by visiting vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). The vaccinate.virginia.gov site will link to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s VaccineFinder website, which has a searchable map-based tool to find appointments at Community Vaccination Centers, local health departments, pharmacies, and hospitals.
If you are a resident of Henrico and Richmond county, you can schedule an appointment with the health center over the phone by calling (804) 205-3501.
Virginians seeking an opportunity to get vaccinated may need to wait for an appointment as demand for vaccinations is expected to continue to outpace supply in many parts of the Commonwealth. Those who were eligible under Phase 1a, 1b, 1c, who cannot find an appointment should pre-register for a priority appointment at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA. The Northam Administration anticipates that all Virginians who want a vaccine will be able to get at least their first dose by the end of May.
Henrico County to Host Walk-Up Vaccination Event for Immigrants and Refugees April 25
The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) will host its first public walk-up COVID-19 vaccination event, specifically for immigrants, refugees, and members of the Hispanic, Latino and Asian communities in Henrico and Richmond who may not have access to pre-registration. The event will be held this Sunday, April 25th from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Richmond Raceway.
Attendees should enter the raceway complex at the main gate at the intersection of East Laburnum Avenue and the Richmond-Henrico Turnpike – not at Gate 4, the entrance that is being used for other vaccinations at the site.
Anyone who fits the demographics will be able to walk up and be vaccinated Sunday, while supplies last. Officials are planning to administer 400 or 500 doses during the event. Those who come will not have to provide any identification but will be asked to provide their first and last names, birthdates, race or ethnicity and address.
RHHD is nearing the end of vaccine pre-registrations — only about 10,000 people in Henrico/Richmond who have registered have not yet been scheduled for an appointment. As supply continues to increase, the health department has worked to proactively approach and identify individuals who have not yet been registered, or may have barriers to registration.
Anyone eligible in Phase 1A, 1B or 1C may register by phone at (804) 205-3501 for a priority appointment. These phases include:
Healthcare personnel
Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities
Frontline essential workers
People age 65+
People age 16 - 64 with an underlying medical condition
People living in correctional facilities, homeless shelters and migrant labor camps
Grocery store and restaurant employees.
Public safety employees
See the full list of phase 1 eligibility groups online here.
As Vaccinations Rise, Governor Northam Announces Expanded Capacity, Social Gathering Limits to Begin May 15
On Thursday, Governor Northam announced that sports and entertainment venues in Virginia may begin to operate with expanded capacity, and social gathering limits will increase beginning Saturday, May 15th. The announcement comes as vaccinations continue to rise in the Commonwealth and more than half of all adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. All Virginians age 16 and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Commonwealth will continue to mandate mask-wearing and social distancing, even as commercial restrictions are further eased. Key changes in the Sixth Amended Executive Order Seventy-Two that will go into effect on May 15th include:
Social gatherings: The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase to 100 people for indoor settings and 250 people for outdoor settings. Social gatherings are currently limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
Entertainment venues: Indoor entertainment and public amusement venues will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity or 1,000 people, up from 30 percent capacity or 500 people. Outdoor venues will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity—up from 30 percent—with no specific cap on the number of attendees.
Recreational sporting events: The number of spectators allowed at indoor recreational sporting events will increase from 100 to 250 spectators or 50 percent capacity, whichever is less. Outdoor recreational sporting events will increase from 500 to 1,000 people or 50 percent capacity, whichever is less.
Alcohol sales: Restaurants may return to selling alcohol after midnight, and dining room closures will no longer be required between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
Visit virginia.gov/coronavirus/forwardvirginia for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Easing of Restrictions for Bar Seating, Outdoor Races, and Theatre
On Wednesday, Governor Northam announced that he has amended Executive Order 72 to allow patrons to be seated at a bar counter for service, provided there is six feet of space between parties to allow for social distancing. Patrons will still be restricted from congregating at bars, except for through traffic. This is an easing of restrictions put in place at the beginning of the pandemic, which mandated the closure of bar areas and other congregating areas. These changes went into effect on Wednesday night. You can read the amended Executive Order 72 online here.
The amended Executive Order also changes restrictions for outdoor running races, such as cross country races or marathons where physical distancing of runners can be maintained. These events may include no more than 100 runners per grouping, according to the amended order.
Theater productions can now have 100 people indoors and 500 outdoors, or 30% capacity, whichever is lower. School theater and musical performances can also now be held among students, teachers, administrators, and other school staff. Those events must follow the state’s COVID-19 restrictions for performances, which include social distancing, masks, cleaning protocols, and more.
USDA Extends Universal Free Lunch Through 2021-2022 School Year
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Tuesday that the agency will extend universal free lunch through the 2021-2022 school year, in an effort to reach more of the estimated 12 million youths experiencing food insecurity. Several meal service waivers have been extended to June 30, 2022 to allow school districts continued flexibility to provide safe, healthy meals free of charge to children as the pandemic continues.
Schools nationwide will be allowed to serve meals through USDA’s National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO), which is typically only available during the summer months. Schools that choose this option will receive higher-than-normal meal reimbursements for every meal they serve, which will support them in serving the most nutritious meals possible while managing increased costs associated with pandemic-related operational and supply chain challenges. This option also affords schools the financial flexibility to further customize their meal service design to fit their local needs.
When the pandemic first hit in March 2020, these waivers provided critical flexibility to our school systems, allowing the creation of pick-up and meal distribution centers, and providing breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of income eligibility. I am thrilled that the USDA has extended these waivers, and provided ample time for our school districts to prepare to serve our students.
Virginia Employment Commission Job Search Rules Reinstated June 5
The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) will be reinstating the weekly search for work requirements for applicants in the near future. In 2020, Governor Ralph Northam suspended those requirements as hundreds of thousands of Virginians sought unemployment benefits due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning the week ending June 5, claimants must search and report two job searches per week. The VEC Commissioner, Ellen Marie Hess, said earlier this month that the requirement is coming back as demand for workers rises and as vaccines become more widely available.
The VEC holds regular job fairs and connects workers with potential employers through the Virginia Workforce Connection. See more information on employment opportunities online here, and see all upcoming job fairs online here.
Amazon Building Robotics Fulfillment Center at Richmond Raceway
On Wednesday, Amazon and Governor Northam announced plans for a 650,000 square-foot facility with innovative robotics technology, adding over 1,000 new jobs to Amazon’s existing workforce of more than 27,000 full- and part-time employees in the Commonwealth. The facility will be the first of its kind in Central Virginia and is anticipated to launch in 2022. In a statement on the new robotics center, Governor Northam said
“This new robotics fulfillment center in Henrico County is the latest milestone in the growing partnership between Amazon and Virginia, and reinforces our standing as both a technology hub and a leader in supply chain management. As we work to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic, we are grateful for Amazon’s commitment to supporting our communities and providing jobs to thousands of Virginians.”
I am excited to see so many job producing developments come to Henrico County, particularly in the Fairfield District. Our Henrico workforce is diverse, skilled, and will be a tremendous asset to Amazon, and help continue the tremendous growth that we have had in Henrico over the past several years. See more information on the announcement online here.
Henrico County 2021 Summer Camps and Library Events
This summer Henrico County is partnering with several community organizations to provide summer camp opportunities for the families of Henrico. In addition to these camps, Recreation & Parks will be offering community events and activities in the parks throughout the summer. See below for more information on summer camps and library events, and check online at henrico.us/rec/summer-camps/ and henricolibrary.org for updated events and activities.
Henrico Police Athletic League (PAL) & Camp Henrico
The long-standing youth enrichment camp offered by Henrico Police Athletic League (PAL) is now a collaboration between PAL and Henrico County Recreation and Parks! Based on this partnership, the camp’s name is now “Camp Henrico” and will include a high-standard variety of educational activities, recreational activities, and athletics to include golf lessons and swimming lessons. Field trips will also include Kings Dominion Season Passes for all campers! Due to COVID-19, space is limited, and program activities will be modified to comply with Virginia State and CDC guidelines.
Camp Dates: June 21-August 12, 2021
Days & Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:45 am to 5:30 pm each day
Age Group: Henrico Residents age 6-13
Online registration for the 2021 Summer Camp (Camp Henrico) opened on Friday, March 19, applications are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Create an account and register online here.
First Tee Golf Camp
Henrico County is excited to announce the June 2021 opening of First Tee of Greater Richmond at Belmont Golf Course! In addition to opening a new facility, First Tee will be offering a golf camp for players of all skill levels, from age 7 to 17. Participants will play games designed to improve putting, chipping, bunker play, and full swing. In addition to technique, participants will be introduced to course management strategies, conflict resolution, and confidence-building opportunities. No equipment is required as First Tee will provide appropriate golf equipment. Space is limited to follow current COVID-19 Guidelines set forth by First Tee.
Camp Season: June 28-August 13, 2021
Days & Hours: Monday-Friday, Hours vary
Location: First Tee at Belmont Golf Course
See all camp details and register online here.
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen: Creative Arts Theater, & Studio Camp
Henrico Recreation & Parks is also working with The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen to provide summer camps for ages 7-15. Registration begins March 24.
Creative Arts Theater Camp: Animate and engage your voice, body, and imagination with improvisation, character work, stage presence, theater games, music, dance, and set creations – all part of this one week creative Theater Arts experience.
Session I: June 28-July 2, Ages 7-10, 9am-4 pm, $150
Session II: July 6-9, Ages 8-12, 9am-4pm, $120
Session III: July 19-23, Ages 8-12, 9am-4pm, $150
Session IV: August 2-6, Ages 11-15, 9am-4pm, $150
Creative Arts Studio Camp: A week-long adventure into a dozen different art forms – printmaking, paint-pouring, jewelry making, charcoal and pastel drawing, painting, collage, weaving, and more! For new artists or those who have loved art forever, this is your opportunity to try new things and experiment all week.
Session I: June 21-25, Ages 7-10, 9am-12pm, $75
Session II: June 28-July 2, Ages 7-10, 9am-4pm, $150
Session III: July 12-16, Ages 8-12, 9am-4pm, $150
Session IV: July 19-23, Ages 8-12, 9am-4pm, $150
Session V: July 26-30, Ages 11-15, 9am-4pm, $150
Campaign Kickoff with Speaker Filler-Corn, Schuyler VanValkeburg, and Debra Rodman
It has been the honor of my life to serve our community in the House of Delegates over the past two years. I am running for re-election to build upon the progress that we have made and help build a stronger and more equitable Commonwealth for all Virginians. I am pleased to announce that we are officially kicking off my 2021 re-election campaign next Tuesday with a virtual campaign event.
Join me and members of the community to learn about the great successes that we have been able to achieve together, and the success that lays ahead. You will also get the chance to hear from Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg, and the Honorable Debra Rodman. We hope that you can join us!
Delegate Willett Virtual Campaign Kick-off
With Special Guests: Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg, and the Honorable Debra Rodman
Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 pm
Hosted via Zoom, RSVP HERE
Statewide Sundays with Candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General
For the past several weeks, Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg and I have hosted weekly conversations on Sunday night with different candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. There are multiple Democratic candidates in all three races, so our teams have worked to make sure that our constituents have the opportunity to meet different candidates directly so you that can make an informed choice in the primary on June 8th.
We had wonderful conversations with Delegate Mark Levine and Delegate Hala Ayala on their campaigns for Lieutenant Governor. This week we will be speaking with Delegate Sam Rasoul, another candidate for Lieutenant Governor. I hope that you can join us this weekend and stay tuned for our upcoming conversations with Senator Jennifer McClellan, Sean Perryman, Councilwoman Andria McClellan, and Delegate Jay Jones!
Statewide Sunday with Sam Rasoul
Sunday, April 25th, 7:00 pm
RSVP: bit.ly/3cKEJqD
