Newsletter: General Assembly 2020 Session
The Capitol has been buzzing with visitors, and legislators are working hard to complete the business of the people. Last week, I was proud to cast my vote in favor of HJ1, the Equal Rights Amendment, which states ‘Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex’. This legislation was especially important for women because without it, there is no explicit protection on the basis of sex.
Last Wednesday I presented my first bill in subcommittee. Delegate Carrie Coyner and I collaborated and incorporated our bills together and presented legislation that would help our active duty, National Guard, and veteran spouses. This bill expedites occupational and professional licenses for these spouses so that they can start work quickly after being transferred to a new duty station or completing their service in the military. It is an honor to carry this bill with Del Coyner and support the work of the Virginia Secretary of Veteran and Defence Affairs, Secretary Carlos Hopkins. I am happy to report that this bill passed subcommittee last week, and full committee earlier today.
This week the full appropriations committee will be hearing the budget amendments members are carrying. I am carrying several and they are listed at this link.
Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Majority Leader Delegate Charniele Herring shared a powerful message during Session to honor the day. Historically this has been a day where citizens of the Commonwealth who have the day off come to the General Assembly to lobby for legislation that is important to them. Unfortunately, many groups had to cancel their lobby day plans due to the rally taking place in support of 2nd amendment rights. I am grateful that the rally was non-violent, and I thank Capitol Police and Virginia State Police for their work they did to ensure the event was safe for everyone. I regret missing the opportunity to meet with constituents who might have otherwise visited me on Monday and I do hope that you will be able to visit during Session or contact me through the channels listed below if you have concerns to discuss.
By the Numbers:
To date, my office has received over 500 emails, phone calls, and mail from 73rd district residents. I have taken more than 40 constituent group meetings. My office also has a bowl of candy sitting in the hallway and so far we have given out 660 pieces of candy, and counting!
In the news:
Henrico Citizen has published the 2020 General Assembly Q&A with the Henrico Delegation’s legislative priorities. You can read the article here.
Community News:
The VCU Minority Political Leadership Institute is now accepting applications for 2020. From the Dean and Director of the Institute, “For the past 15 years, the MPLI has been a hallmark leadership program designed to bring together participants from all parts of Virginia to learn about racial equity, leadership, presence, capacity building, and impactful collaboration.” You can learn more about the program and apply here.
There are nearly 300 state boards and commissions with members appointed by the Governor. Constituents who are interested in serving are encouraged to review the vacancy list and apply here.
Follow Along and Contact Info:
You can view all bills that have been introduced and view my additional bills by visiting Virginia's bill tracking system, lis.virginia.gov.
I enjoy hearing from my constituents and have a number of channels through which you can reach me:
Email: delrwillett@house.virginia.gov
Phone: 804-698-1073
Office: Pocahontas Building,900 East Main Street, Office E313, Richmond, VA 23218
Stay up to date throughout the session by signing up for this newsletter or following me on Facebook. Please forward this email to neighbors or friends in the 73rd, and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter as well.
You can watch the livestream of session at: https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/chamber/chamberstream.php
It is an honor to represent you in the Virginia House of Delegates and I look forward to hearing from you throughout Session.
Sincerely,
Rodney Willett
