January 7th Newsletter

Yesterday was the one-year anniversary of the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The horrendous events of that day were by some measures the culmination of a hyper-partisan divide in this country and the devolution of political discourse into violence. We cannot undo the tragic consequences of that day, but we can learn from what happened, and work to build a more resilient and united nation.

A key lesson to me is that despite having what may appear to be irreconcilable differences of opinion on the issues of the day, we need to be able to discuss and debate those issues and do so in a civil way. That lesson is particularly poignant to me now not just as we reflect on January 6, 2021, but because the General Assembly convenes next week. Although I will be serving in the House of Delegates under different leadership and no longer in the majority, I am committed as I have ever been to engaging with all of my colleagues on the legislation before us and finding ways to strengthen our Commonwealth.

Speaking of the importance of civil public debate, I also want to share a recent op-ed piece from the Richmond Times-Dispatch written by Longwood University President W. Taylor Reveley, IV, which you can read online here. He makes an excellent case for why such debate and engagement with those with whom we may disagree is an essential element of our democratic society and that universities like Longwood play a critical role in providing the opportunity for those discussions. Reveley focuses on Virginia’s excellent public higher education system serving in that role (he notes that we have excellent private colleges and universities as well) and the unique opportunity these institutions provide students who may not otherwise be exposed to people who look and/or think differently from themselves.

I particularly appreciate Reveley’s focus on the geographic political divide in Virginia that is as pronounced here as much as any state in the country. Recent election results reflect the sharpness of those boundaries between red rural areas and blue urban localities. Like the academic forum that universities provide, the upcoming General Assembly session provides a similar opportunity for us as lawmakers to engage with those with whom we may see as different or just differ in our opinions on the legislation of the day. The challenge before us is to be willing to hear out the other side, regardless of our preconceptions based on party labels.  And perhaps we can learn from the words of someone much younger than our members but so insightful - Longwood senior and political science major Anne Patterson who spoke with Reveley for op-ed:  

When you all agree with each other, you’re not really learning ... Everyone can grow from gaining perspectives. Even if you don’t agree with someone else’s opinions, all of these classes have taught me and others how to engage in those conversations, and how to still learn even if you don’t change your opinion — You get to know how someone else thinks.

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

2022 Legislative Session — Wednesday, January 12th

The 2022 Legislative Session will begin next Wednesday, January 12th, at 12:00 pm. I am honored to be starting my second term as the Delegate for the 73rd House District and looking forward to working hard on your behalf to deliver results for our community.

One of my core priorities as your representative is communication with constituents.  I will be sending my newsletters every week throughout our entire legislative session to keep you informed of the latest news from the General Assembly.

I also encourage you to reach out to my office at delrwillett@house.virginia.gov or phone at 804-698-1073 to share your legislative priorities. My staff keeps track of every message we receive about proposed legislation, and I carefully consider feedback from constituents before casting each vote.

Follow along with our meetings and floor sessions online here, and see introduced legislation online here. We will be meeting in person at the Capitol, but as always you can stream all of House meetings online here and Senate meetings online here. If you have a question about navigating any of our websites, feel free to reach out to my staff for assistance.

Lastly, if you are a resident of the 73rd district please consider filling out my 2022 Session Survey so that I can learn more about your legislative priorities and interests. Complete the survey online at bit.ly/willettsurvey. To confirm that I am your representative, check online at https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/.

Governor Northam Announces $5 Million for New Community Testing Centers Across Virginia

Governor Northam announced yesterday that the Virginia Department of Health will open nine new Community Testing Centers (CTCs) to increase testing availability across the Commonwealth. New testing centers will offer Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests—the most reliable form of testing for COVID-19—and will supplement numerous locally-coordinated Community Testing Events. The testing locations will be near or on the same facility as existing VDH Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) in Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Prince William, Richmond, and Roanoke that have been operating since October. 

These new testing centers are expected to administer more than 50,000 tests in the month of January. Each of the nine sites will operate between 4-6 days per week and will be open from 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., depending on the location. The first CTC will open on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Richmond International Raceway (Gate 7, 4690 Caroline Ave.) with eight additional sites opening in the coming weeks. 

CTC test results will be automatically sent via text or email message to individuals being tested, based on the information provided in the appointment system.

VDH urges people to get tested if they have symptoms, or if they have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. VDH recommends testing on day 5 after exposure, although testing on days 3-5 is also acceptable. As this is a time of high demand on testing and on the health system, if you do not have symptoms or known exposure, VDH encourages people to postpone any non-essential travel or events that would prompt them to need testing beforehand.

To learn more about COVID-19 testing, visit the VDH COVID-19 Testing webpage.

Governor Launches New Virginia Mortgage Relief Program

Last week, Governor Northam announced the launch of a statewide Mortgage Relief Program to help people stay in their homes and help ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures due to the pandemic. ​​The Mortgage Relief Program is similar to the highly successful Virginia Rent Relief Program which has received national recognition for its success. Virginia was one of the first states in the nation to create a statewide rent and mortgage relief program with federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds.

The Commonwealth has implemented rent and mortgage relief programs through designated state and federal resources. Combined, these programs have provided more than $519.5 million in 106,621 rent relief payments for more than 76,500 households across Virginia. Families with children represent the majority of households assisted by the program.

Applications for the new program opened on January 3rd. Eligible homeowners must have experienced a reduction of income or increase in living expenses after January 21, 2020 and must currently own and occupy the property as their primary residence. In addition, there are maximum income limits and other eligibility requirements. More information on eligibility requirements from the U.S. Department of the Treasury can be found here.

Funds from the Virginia Mortgage Relief Program will be distributed directly to mortgage lenders and servicers, contracts for deed holders, county treasurers or local taxing authorities, property insurance companies, and homeowner and condominium associations. Utility assistance is not an eligible expense under the Virginia Mortgage Relief Program but is available under other state, local, or private sector programs. For other housing related resources visit www.211Virginia.org.

Governor Northam Declares State of Emergency in Advance of Second Winter Storm This Week

On Wednesday Governor Northam declared a state of emergency in advance of a winter storm that is predicted to bring snow and other winter weather to many parts of Virginia. This storm, expected to arrive Thursday evening into Friday morning, comes on the heels of a storm Monday that left more than a foot of snow in some parts of the Commonwealth. Many areas still have snow and ice from that storm, and some homes remain without power because of fallen trees. This will exacerbate the impacts of the coming storm. 

“Having two bouts of snow and icy weather back to back makes it more likely communities will need additional help as they continue to recover from the first round of tree-snapping wet snow and ice that we saw Monday,” Governor Northam said. “While we typically have ample resources for snowstorms, these back-to-back events will generate landmark winter weather that requires extra flexibility. I am grateful to the hundreds of first responders and emergency personnel who continue to work around the clock to keep Virginians safe. 

The National Weather Service predicts that starting Thursday, the storm has potential for significant impacts across the Commonwealth, including greater impacts in areas most affected by the earlier storm. This weather system is likely to include additional downed trees, more electrical outages, and significant impacts on travel conditions. Because the second storm is expected to continue to exacerbate damage from the first one, the emergency order will cover expenses for the combined storm events.

Virginians are urged to follow local news for up-to-date forecasts and to avoid traveling in dangerous weather.

Virginia Supreme Court Approves New Legislative Maps

Last week, the Supreme Court of Virginia unanimously approved maps establishing congressional and state legislative districts under our new redistricting process. A bipartisan commission of citizens and legislators worked throughout the year to develop drafts, however, they were unable to reach a consensus on final maps, and the redistricting authority shifted to the Supreme Court of Virginia. Special masters hired by the Court worked from draft maps and public comment to develop our new legislative boundaries. See below for links to those maps.

The Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) has interactive versions of the plans online, as well as a tool to see if your districts may have shifted under the new lines which you can find online here.  

January 15th Town Hall with Schuyler VanValkenburg at Libbie Mill Library

Please join me on January 15th for a Town Hall with Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg (HD-72) on Saturday, January 15th from 4:00 - 5:00 pm at Libbie Mill Library. We are looking forward to seeing you and speaking with you about our legislative priorities for the 2022 session. We will also take time to hear about the issues that matter most to you and answer any questions that you may have.

This is an in-person event and there will be no virtual component. Please join us in the Libbie Mill Meeting Room located on the first floor between the Circulation Desk and the lake-facing side of the library. The event is free and open to the public, but we ask that all participants register in advance at bit.ly/11522townhall

Thermometers and questions are provided for health self-screenings at the entrance of Libbie Mill Library. Face coverings are required for all patrons five and older per Henrico County’s and HCPL's policy that all individuals are required to wear a face-covering inside Henrico County buildings and facilities. This requirement is for visitors as well as employees, regardless of their vaccination status.

Henrico CASA seeks volunteers to serve as child advocates

Henrico County Court Appointed Special Advocates will hold virtual information sessions at noon Wednesday, January 12th and at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 13th, for people who would like to learn about volunteering to work in the court system on behalf of abused or neglected children. Registration links and details about the information sessions are available on the CASA website. Anyone with questions about the program can contact Trish Stewart at (804) 501-1672 or ste118@henrico.us.

A training program is scheduled to begin in February; prospective volunteers should apply by Friday, January 21st. Volunteers are screened and will learn how to advocate for a child or sibling group.

More than 100 Henrico CASA volunteers served 385 children in 2021. The organization is experiencing a 40% increase in the number of children referred for court advocacy.

Henrico CASA is a private, nonprofit organization that has worked closely with the county’s court system for more than a quarter-century. For details, visit henricocasa.org.