September 30th Newsletter

I have taken hundreds of votes on bills over the past three years. Some of those votes are more personal to me than others because of the legislation’s direct and significant impact on family, friends, and constituents. During the 2020 session I was proud to vote in favor of legislation that requires school districts to have policies protecting the rights and privacy of trans students. Those trans students needing those protections include family, friends, and constituents who have shared their challenges and struggles with me as they try to prosper in the school environment. 

Per the legislation, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) under Governor Northam in 2021 developed guidance to assist local school districts in developing their own policies. That guidance, for example, allowed students to request that teachers use the name and pronouns of their choosing. Such recognition is especially important to trans students as they are working to establish their identity while still dealing with the daily challenges of being in school.

Under Governor Youngkin, the VDOE recently revised those guidelines and is seeking public comment on the replacement policies. Most troubling about the Youngkin administration’s guidance is that it takes away rights and protections that had been granted to trans students. Those changes now require that only a trans student’s parents can request that teachers use the student’s preferred pronouns. And the new guidance even defines a transgender student as one whose parent has put that request in writing. 

The public comments on the guidance changes have been overwhelmingly opposed to the reversal of the policy and removal of protections for trans students. Students at nearly 100 Virginia schools have also staged walkouts in protest of the policy. I am particularly sympathetic to the concerns raised about the impact of the new guidance on the mental health of trans students already dealing with so many issues. 

Please share your thoughts on the guidance changes via the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website. The proposed changes certainly contradict our legislative intent in passing the 2020 law and we will need to address this conflict in the upcoming session.

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 my expert 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

Hurricane Preparation & Safety Measures

Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday in advance of Hurricane Ian, which is expected to impact portions of Virginia starting on Friday, September 30, 2022.

This State of Emergency allows the Commonwealth to mobilize resources and equipment needed for response and recovery efforts. Virginians should be prepared for the potential of severe rainfall, flooding, wind damage, tornadoes, and other storm-related impacts.

The Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating resources and information to prepare for this storm. The Virginia Emergency Operations Center (VEOC) will coordinate preparedness, response, and recovery efforts with local, state, and federal officials.

The full text of Executive Order 22 is available here.

Hurricane Ian’s storm track is still uncertain and subject to change course as we prepare for it to make landfall again sometime today. It’s important to be aware of all hurricane preparedness and safety measures throughout the hurricane season (lasting through November 30th), so please review and keep handy the following recommendations and share with family and friends.

Recommendations for Virginians:

• Make a plan. Plan in advance a route to a safe place, how you will stay in contact with family and friends, and what you will do in different situations. Additional planning resources are available at https://www.vaemergency.gov/prepare/make-a-plan/.

• Prepare an emergency kit. For a list of recommended emergency supplies to sustain your household before, during, and after the storm visit: VAemergency.gov/emergency-kit.

• Stay informed. Follow the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for preparedness updates, as well as:

  • Your local National Weather Service office for the latest weather forecast, advisories, watches or warnings.

  • Download the FEMA app on your smartphone to receive mobile alerts from the National Weather Service.

  • Power outages are always a concern during weather events—make sure you have a battery-operated radio available so you can still receive life-saving alerts.

For more information about preparing your business, your family, and your property against hurricane threats visit: VAemergency.gov/hurricanes and ready.gov/hurricanes.