May 13th Newsletter
The recent leak of the draft US Supreme Court opinion in the Dobb’s v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Mississippi abortion law case has caused as much reaction from my constituents as any issue that has arisen during my time in the House of Delegates. While the Court still could take more than an additional month to modify its draft decision, there is clearly a majority of justices who are ready to overturn the abortion protections and viability standard established by the Court in Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood.
I understand the divisiveness that this issue has created, however, the majority of people across Virginia and the country support protecting women’s access to reproductive health care. I have always stood with women on this issue and was very proud to vote for the passage of the Virginia Reproductive Health Protection Act in 2020. That law removed the onerous and, in some cases, insurmountable barriers that Virginia had created to limit women’s access to reproductive healthcare including abortions. Unfortunately, that law did not codify a right to an abortion and, thus, women in Virginia and reproductive healthcare providers are concerned about the pending Supreme Court decision and what that may mean for the state.
In just the past week, I have spoken about this issue with dozens of constituents ranging in age from 14 to 90. Regardless of their point of view, I appreciate their concerns about the pending court decision as well as the laws, both limiting and protecting abortion, that other states are passing in anticipation of the ruling. I encourage you to continue to reach out to me to share your thoughts - your feedback always is my most important source of information.
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
Henrico Board of Supervisors Approve Emergency Ordinance For Tax Break on Personal Property Taxes
This week, the Henrico County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an emergency ordinance that extends the due date for personal property taxes and vehicle license fees through August, while also setting a public hearing on June 14 on providing personal property tax relief for taxpayers.
Over the past year we have seen the value of vehicles increase as a result of strains on the global supply chain of new and used vehicles. During the 2022 Legislative Session, we passed HB267/SB12 allowing localities to return surplus personal property tax revenues to taxpayers. Previously, localities could only return surplus real property tax revenues. We knew that rising car values would result in Virginians paying more on their local car tax bill and wanted to provide localities an opportunity to give residents a break on their taxes.
Henrico’s ordinance extends the due date of personal property taxes from June 6th to August 5th without penalties or interest. Henrico typically bills its citizens twice annually for personal property taxes, with bills due each June and December. The measure pertains only to personal property taxes. Real estate taxes are still due on June 6th.
Henrico has extended the due date in order to consider another initiative that will reduce the tax rate from $3.50 per $100 of assessed value to $2.98 per $100 — a reduction of 52 cents. If approved, the credits would be applied in October when the bills are finalized and sent to residents. Those who have already paid their bills in full will receive a refund in October. The county estimates that the owner of a vehicle assessed at $12,000 can expect to receive a $62 credit on their property tax bill.
There is a public hearing scheduled to receive feedback on the ordinance on June 14th. You can register to speak and see more information on the next meeting online here. See more information on the proposed tax policy online here.
Governor Youngkin Announces Launch of New Children’s Ombudsman
Last week Governor Youngkin announced the official launch of the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman. The Office of the Children’s Ombudsman (OCO) was created through legislation signed by Governor Northam in 2020 and is tasked with investigating and reviewing the actions of departments of social services, monitoring and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and policies related to the supervision and treatment and care of children in foster care and adoptive homes. The OCO is also charged with educating the public and effecting changes in policy to improve the treatment of children.
The creation of the office was a recommendation of the 2018 report “Improving Virginia’s Foster Care System” issued by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. The office is housed within the Office of the Governor but is not within any secretariat in order to maintain its independence.
Eric J. Reynolds, Esq. was appointed for a four-year term in June 2021 as the OCO’s first Director. Since then, Reynolds has been assembling a team, establishing office procedures, and assisting families with their concerns regarding the child welfare system. During the 2022 session of the General Assembly, he supported bipartisan legislation promoting the welfare of children in foster care recently signed into law by the Governor. Reynolds is also a member of the Governor’s Safe and Sound Task Force and helped identify some of the root causes that have led to children in foster care becoming displaced and having to sleep in emergency rooms, hotels, and social services offices while they await appropriate mental health treatment and placement arrangements.
In addition to advocating for systemic changes in Virginia’s child welfare system, the Office of the Children's Ombudsman is authorized to receive complaints from the public regarding the actions or decisions of departments of social services in cases involving children alleged to have been abused or neglected and children who are in foster care.
See more information on the OCO online at www.oco.virginia.gov. Complaints can be submitted by email to complaints@oco.virginia.gov or by phone at (804) 225-4801. For general information about the OCO, inquiries can be emailed to info@oco.virginia.gov.
DMV Mileage Choice Program Begins July 1 - Option for Highway Use Fee
Starting July 1, 2022, customers with eligible vehicles will be able to enroll in Virginia’s Mileage Choice Program as a way to pay their highway use fee on a per-mile basis in lieu of an annual highway use fee at the time of registration. The highway use fee was created in 2020 as a part of an overhaul of our gas tax system to ensure that drivers of electric vehicles and fuel-efficient cars were paying their fair share of our gas tax which supports the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. Currently, drivers of fuel-efficient vehicles are charged a fee based on the number of miles driven by the average Virginian driver each year — 11,600.
This is a great alternative for Virginians who drive less than 11,600 miles per year, however, if you end up driving more than you anticipated, you will not be charged more than your typical highway use fee. The DMV has partnered with Emovis to operate the program. Customers must enroll in the program online before renewing their vehicle registration.
To sign up, create an account with Emovis, and they will send you a device to install in your vehicle to activate your account. You will also need to download a smartphone app to record an initial odometer reading. Your miles will be recorded by the device, up to the amount of the highway use fee. See more information on the program online at dmvNOW.com/VAMileageChoice.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture Grand Re-Opening
This weekend is opening weekend for the grand re-opening of the reimagined state history museum. The museum has undergone a dramatic $30 million renovation. Two-thirds of the 250,000-square-foot building has been completely renovated with a new two-story entrance atrium, a new theater, more research space, and 50 percent more room for exhibitions. The re-opening includes a new exhibit named “Our Commonwealth” that is organized by Virginia’s geographic regions featuring immersive stories, sounds, and visuals.
The museum will be hosting a grand reopening celebration free to the public on Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15 featuring live music, food, and museum programming. See more information online here.
Henrico to Offer $10 Rabies Vaccinations for Pets May 21
The Henrico County Animal Protection Police are offering $10 rabies vaccinations for pets on Saturday, May 21, from 9:00am - 12:00pm at the Henrico Western Government Center (4301 E. Parham Road).
Registration and payment are done first inside the Administration Building at the Cashiers office. Then you proceed to the veterinarian on the first level of the parking deck adjacent to the Administration Building. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken before the public is allowed in the cashiers office.
Henrico County dog licenses also will be available. The lifetime license fee is $10. The license is good for the life of the dog and is valid as long as the dog’s owner resides in the County and the dog’s rabies vaccination is kept current. The license is void if the dog does not receive a rabies vaccination within 30 days of the expiration of the dog’s current rabies vaccination.
See more information online here. Please contact the Animal Shelter 804-727-8801 with any questions.
Community Events
Commending Glen Allen Boys Cross-Country and Volleyball State Champions
In the 2022 Legislative Session, I carried resolutions honoring the Glen Allen Boys Volleyball and Cross Country teams for winning state championship titles in the fall 2021 season. Last week I was able to present the resolutions to the teams in person at a pep rally where players received their championship rings. Go Jaguars!
At Glen Allen HS presenting HJ116 and HJ169 Commending the Glen Allen Boys Volleyball and Cross Country teams for their state championship wins.
2022 Session Update - Cedarfield Retirement Community
This week, I met with residents of the Cedarfield retirement community to provide an update from the 2022 Legislative Session. The residents at Cedarfield are some of my favorite constituents to catch-up with, and they always keep me on my toes with their insightful questions.
Providing an update on the 2022 Legislative Session to the residents of Cedarfield.
Richmond Ismaili Community Official Opening of Glen Allen Jamatkhana
I was honored to join Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas and other elected officials from Henrico County for the official opening of the Glen Allen Jamatkhana — a community and prayer space for members of the Richmond Ismaili community. Ismaili is an interpretation of Shia Islam, and there are over 1,000 members of the Richmond Ismaili organization.
With Henrico County leaders Senator Dunnavant, Delegate VanValkenburg, HCPS Superintendent Dr. Amy Cashwell and members of the Richmond Ismaili community.
Virginia Trail Foundation Cap2Cap Capital Trail Ride
Last Saturday, I participated in the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation’s annual Cap2Cap ride on the Capital Trail. I completed the 50 mile round trip ride from Dorey Park, then met up with my colleagues in the General Assembly and event organizers to celebrate another successful event.
With Senator Hashmi, Delegate Carr, Cat Anthony (Executive Director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation) and Brantley Tyndall (Director of Outreach Bike Walk RVA).
Islamic Center of Virginia Eid Festival
On Sunday morning I joined Senator Ghazala Hashmi and Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg for an Eid Festival at the Islamic Center of Virginia celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
With Senator Ghazala Hashmi, Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg and friends at the Islamic Center of Virginia for the Eid Festival.
