November 11th Newsletter

Winners and losers. It is easy to fall into the election night (now the election week!) trap of just counting up who won and who lost to assess the results. While I agree that all of the results are important, I prefer to focus on those areas where most if not all of us have reached consensus, dare I say bipartisan agreement:

• Today, November 11th, is Veterans Day. Please join me in thanking and honoring our veterans as we recognize the incredible sacrifices that they have made for our country. I have been fortunate to carry several bills to help Virginia veterans and their families. All of those bills had Republican co-sponsors and passed unanimously.

• I am thrilled that Henrico County passed the four bond measures with record support. Thanks to the passage of the referendum, more than $511 million in funding has been approved to meet the county’s critical infrastructure needs including schools, stormwater drainage, firehouses, and parks. This is a win for everyone in Henrico!

• The official results are still pending but Henrico voters appear to have cast their ballots this year in record numbers for an “off year” Congressional race. Turning out to vote is the most democratic thing that we can do, and voters of all political persuasions exercised that right. I was able to visit a number of precincts in my district on election day and there is no better treat than to hear poll workers shout out in unison “let’s hear it for this first time voter” as a new voter cast her first vote.

The area of my district in Western Henrico was redrawn into Virginia’s First Congressional District, which incumbent U.S. Representative Rob Wittman won overall. I wish Rob the best of luck in his next term as he now will represent much of this area. I also am deciding whether to tell him that a voter who met me at one of the Henrico precincts was convinced that he was talking to Rob Wittman.

Finally, I was proud to support my friend and Democratic challenger Herb Jones in this election, and although he was not triumphant, I am grateful for the campaign he led and the support he received in Henrico County. Congratulations to the entire Virginia congressional delegation!

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 

Community Memorial and Traffic Safety Ceremony + Ride/Run/Yoga

Event remembering and honoring Jonah and Natalie on Sunday, November 13th

Join triathletes, runners, cyclists, yogis, and supporters of traffic safety for everyone at an event to remember Jonah Holland, a Henrico resident who was tragically killed by a drunk driver while riding her bike in August. There will be a morning of activities followed by a shared catered reception and speaking program to learn about traffic safety improvements in the Richmond region and what we can do to save the next life. A limited number of event tickets are still available – RSVP in advance.

Housing and Eviction Assistance Resources

The Richmond Times Dispatch recently reported on the growing number of eviction filings in Richmond and the concerns expressed by housing experts. In Virginia, the number of filings statewide jumped 86% between the second and the third quarters this year, according to the RVA Eviction Lab, which tracks data statewide.

The housing burden is being felt everywhere to some extent, as the temporary protections and pandemic relief of the last few years comes to an end yet housing remains scarce and in high demand in many areas. A U.S. Census Bureau survey also found that almost 60% of Virginia renters have had lease amounts increase over the past 12 months. Black tenants were by far most likely to face major increases, the survey found. The housing market has since slowed amid significantly higher mortgage rates and chronically high inflation.

The General Assembly had approved measures including rental pay periods, eviction hearing limitations and tenant payment plans. The Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP) similarly offered financial help and housing stability during a time of financial instability. These were designed to be temporary during the pandemic. Since then the state's eviction moratorium expired at the end of June 2022 and landlords were no longer required to apply for rent relief after July. All available funding for rental assistance through RRP had been exhausted as of October 14th.

The current lack of affordable housing demonstrates more action by state lawmakers may be necessary to prevent a similar crisis, which deserves to be prioritized during the 2023 session.

Central Virginia Legal Aid Society provides free legal assistance to residents with low incomes. Click here for more information on how to apply for these services. Additional resources for local residents in Henrico and Metro Richmond:

• Eviction Legal Helpline: 1-833-NoEvict

• Homeless Connection Line: 804-972-0813

• Greater Richmond Housing Resource Line: 804-422-5061

• 211 Virginia, which can also be accessed by dialing 2-1-1 on your telephone

Bagged Leaves Collection - Henrico County

Henrico County is offering its annual collection program for bagged leaves. The free pickups began the first week of November and will continue until February 11th in five zones. Residents who live outside of these areas can call (804) 727-8779 to schedule a free pick-up time. Participants are asked to have their debris and trash-free bags of leaves on the curb or road’s edge by 7 am on the Monday of their collection week.

Henrico is also offering vacuum leaf collection starting November 7th through December 2nd and then starting up again on February 27th through March 31st. Residents can order the service for a $30 fee by calling (804) 727-8779. Leaves should be placed at the curb or road’s edge and be free of debris, trash, and sticks.

Free College Advising through the GRASP Speakers Bureau

GRASP is a college access nonprofit organization with advisors working in more than 100 Virginia high schools, assisting students with navigating the college financial aid process and also exploring with them the newest workforce/career certificate opportunities in Virginia.

GRASP has launched a new Speakers Bureau, which is available to schools and community groups. This program involves a cohort of GRASP advisors with years of experience and specialized training. These advisors are available as guest speakers, free of charge. GRASP's program includes seven different topical presentations:

• On Track for College - for middle school students

• On Track for College - for parents of middle school students

• Admissions in a Test Optional World

• FAFSA Walkthrough

• Award Letters

• What Happens After May 1st?

• CSS Profile Deep Dive

Contact GRASP at advising@grasp4va.org or (804) 923-0059 to request a Speakers Bureau presentation or learn more about this program, and view the flier for more information on topics.

Smoke Alarm Testing + Fire Safety

The American Red Cross is encouraging people to test their smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed, according to the Henrico Citizen. This is a good habit that can be paired with other annual tasks, like changing the clocks forward or back for Daylight Savings Time. 

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. You should replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older because components including sensors can become less reliable over time.

It is also advised by Red Cross officials that families create a two-minute home fire escape plan and practice getting every member of the household out within two minutes. Visit redcross.org/fire for more details.

If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Henrico Division of Fire will provide and install one for you free of charge. Click here to request one.

Community Events

Jewish Community Federation’s Grand Event

What a fun and inspiring evening as I attended the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s Grand Event at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. It was wonderful to see so many friends and community members gathered to celebrate the successes of JCFR and the resilience of the Jewish community.

I'm pictured here with my good friend and JCFR President Amy Nisenson

General Election

Over the course of this election cycle, I have had the privilege of supporting Herb Jones in his campaign for Congress. From backyard gatherings to knocking doors and greeting voters at the polls, I have enjoyed getting to know Herb. Thank you for stepping up for our district!

Greeting voters at the Three Chopt precinct with Herb Jones on Tuesday.