Three Big Bills

When the General Assembly adjourned sine die on Saturday, it marked the end of a long session and, for me, the culmination of several multi-year legislative efforts finally reaching the Governor’s desk. After years of work, debate, and refinement, I was able to pass three significant bills I expect the Governor to sign: legislation abolishing the antiquated common law crime of suicide, a bill banning untraceable “ghost guns” in Virginia, and a measure allowing Virginia’s state courts to hear class-action lawsuits. This last bill brings us into line with every other state in the nation and leaving Mississippi as the lone state without a state-level class action remedy. I also had some success with new ideas on their first try, including legislation that will protect consumers by making Virginia the first in the country to enact the Uniform Default Judgments Act. 

Much of the work of the General Assembly happens far from the spotlight of the House Floor. This year I had the privilege of chairing the House Public Safety Committee, the Housing and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, and the Civil Law Subcommittee, roles that put me in the middle of many of the most consequential debates of the session. In the session’s final days, I also served on 26 committees of conference, where House and Senate conferees hammer out the compromises needed to move legislation across the finish line. Those long negotiations are where many of the session’s final agreements are reached, and I was proud to help shape the final versions of bills that will soon become law across the Commonwealth. 

Long sessions always move quickly once they begin, but they are the product of months of preparation and years of ongoing work in our communities. When the gavel finally falls on the last day, there is always a mix of emotions: relief at completing the long session, pride in the work we accomplished together and a deep appreciation for the many Virginians who took the time to share their voices throughout the process. 

When the final tally is complete, we will have considered 2,366 bills, 1,089 of which passed the House and the Senate and are now with the Governor for her review. 

Hearing from Constituents 

One of the most important parts of serving in the General Assembly is hearing directly from the people I represent. Throughout the session, my office received a steady stream of emails, calls, and conversations from constituents sharing their perspectives. 

Many constituents wrote about the importance of protecting our democratic institutions, ensuring free and fair elections, and maintaining transparency in government. Others shared thoughtful concerns about emerging technologies and many weighed in on issues related to the state budget, taxation, and the long-term fiscal health of the Commonwealth. 

Public safety and community wellbeing were frequent topics as well, including discussions around criminal justice policy and the role of state and local law enforcement. And as technology and entertainment continue to evolve, some constituents reached out about proposals related to gambling policy, raising questions about both economic opportunity and consumer protections. 

What Happens Next 

The Governor has until midnight on April 13th to review the legislation passed by the General Assembly. During that time, she may choose to sign bills into law, recommend amendments, or veto them. 

On April 22nd, the General Assembly will return to Richmond for the Reconvene Session. At that time, we will review the Governor’s actions on each bill and will vote on whether to accept or reject any amendments she proposes. 

Budget Negotiations Continue 

As the session ended, the House and Senate budget conferees were still working through differences between their respective budget proposals. Because of the complexity of the negotiations and the limited time remaining in the session, the conferees could not complete their work before adjournment. 

Those discussions will continue in the coming weeks and, once a compromise is reached, the General Assembly will return for a special session for a final vote on the budget. 

April 21st Special Election on Redistricting 

Early voting has now begun for the upcoming redistricting referendum and will continue through April 18. Election Day is April 21st. 

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, which is exactly why I support giving Virginia voters the power to level the playing field and protect our democracy for our kids and grandkids. This amendment ensures that Virginia has a way to protect fair representation if other states continue stacking the deck. I hope you will vote yes on this referendum. 

2026 Sine Die

When the General Assembly adjourned sine die on Saturday, it marked the end of a long session and, for me, the culmination of several multi-year legislative efforts finally reaching the Governor’s desk. After years of work, debate, and refinement, I was able to pass three significant bills I expect the Governor to sign: legislation abolishing the antiquated common law crime of suicide, a bill banning untraceable “ghost guns” in Virginia, and a measure allowing Virginia’s state courts to hear class-action lawsuits. This last bill brings us into line with every other state in the nation and leaving Mississippi as the lone state without a state-level class action remedy. I also had some success with new ideas on their first try, including legislation that will protect consumers by making Virginia the first in the country to enact the Uniform Default Judgments Act.

Much of the work of the General Assembly happens far from the spotlight of the House Floor. This year I had the privilege of chairing the House Public Safety Committee, the Housing and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, and the Civil Law Subcommittee, roles that put me in the middle of many of the most consequential debates of the session. In the session’s final days, I also served on 26 committees of conference, where House and Senate conferees hammer out the compromises needed to move legislation across the finish line. Those long negotiations are where many of the session’s final agreements are reached, and I was proud to help shape the final versions of bills that will soon become law across the Commonwealth.

Long sessions always move quickly once they begin, but they are the product of months of preparation and years of ongoing work in our communities. When the gavel finally falls on the last day, there is always a mix of emotions: relief at completing the long session, pride in the work we accomplished together and a deep appreciation for the many Virginians who took the time to share their voices throughout the process.

When the final tally is complete, we will have considered 2,366 bills, 1,089 of which passed the House and the Senate and are now with the Governor for her review.

Hearing from Constituents

One of the most important parts of serving in the General Assembly is hearing directly from the people I represent. Throughout the session, my office received a steady stream of emails, calls, and conversations from constituents sharing their perspectives.

Many constituents wrote about the importance of protecting our democratic institutions, ensuring free and fair elections, and maintaining transparency in government. Others shared thoughtful concerns about emerging technologies and many weighed in on issues related to the state budget, taxation, and the long-term fiscal health of the Commonwealth.

Public safety and community wellbeing were frequent topics as well, including discussions around criminal justice policy and the role of state and local law enforcement. And as technology and entertainment continue to evolve, some constituents reached out about proposals related to gambling policy, raising questions about both economic opportunity and consumer protections.

What Happens Next

The Governor has until midnight on April 13th to review the legislation passed by the General Assembly. During that time, she may choose to sign bills into law, recommend amendments, or veto them.

On April 22nd, the General Assembly will return to Richmond for the Reconvene Session. At that time, we will review the Governor’s actions on each bill and will vote on whether to accept or reject any amendments she proposes.

Budget Negotiations Continue

As the session ended, the House and Senate budget conferees were still working through differences between their respective budget proposals. Because of the complexity of the negotiations and the limited time remaining in the session, the conferees could not complete their work before adjournment.

Those discussions will continue in the coming weeks and, once a compromise is reached, the General Assembly will return for a special session for a final vote on the budget.

April 21^st Special Election on Redistricting

Early voting has now begun for the upcoming redistricting referendum and will continue through April 18. Election Day is April 21st.

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, which is exactly why I support giving Virginia voters the power to level the playing field and protect our democracy for our kids and grandkids. This amendment ensures that Virginia has a way to protect fair representation if other states continue stacking the deck. I hope you will vote yes on this referendum.

The story of Virginia

The story of Virginia cannot be told without the voices, leadership, and resilience of Black Virginians. Their contributions have helped build our Commonwealth and move our nation forward. This is a time to celebrate that legacy, but also to acknowledge that meaningful progress requires honest reflection and continued action to expand opportunity and justice.

That same sense of responsibility—to honor the past while doing the work of the present—has been on full display at the Capitol. Last week marked the final stretch before crossover, the halfway point of the legislative session, when the pace quickens and the days grow longer. Extended House floor sessions and marathon committee meetings are part of this moment, ensuring that every bill receives the careful hearing, debate, and vote it deserves. As hundreds of proposals move forward, our focus remains steady: advancing legislation that delivers real, tangible results for families, workers, and communities across Virginia.

Transparency & Efficiency

Transparency and efficiency remain central to our work. Several bills this session are designed to protect consumers and make public and private systems work more clearly and fairly. HB 484 stops insurers from using automated tools to reduce medical claims unfairly, ensuring patients and providers receive the coverage they are owed. HB 618 improves how health plan information is collected and reported so it is easier for the public and regulators to access. HB 676 allows providers to submit information electronically while requiring insurers to offer payment options without extra fees. In housing, HB 616 and HB 1325 require landlords to provide clear, itemized statements, written leases, and a summary of tenant rights, including disclosures about fees and flood risk.

Affordability

Affordability continues to be a major priority. HB 519 treats air conditioning as an essential service in rental housing, protecting tenants during extreme heat. HB 625 caps out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, while HB 837 expands eviction diversion programs and ensures tenants know about available rental assistance. HB 1005 requires landlords to accept common payment methods and limits extra fees for maintenance. HB 1078 prevents large landlords from denying applicants based on old eviction records. HB 1093 limits excessive attorney fees when tenants pay overdue rent before court, HB 1214 lowers the monthly insulin cap to $35, and HB 1408 protects survivors of family abuse from eviction penalties. These measures make daily life more manageable for Virginians and ensure that fairness guides our laws.

Economic & Social Justice

The House has also advanced a slate of bills on public safety, civil rights, and economic fairness, now under consideration in the Senate. Economic and environmental justice legislation includes HB 1, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028; HB 4, allowing localities to preserve affordable housing; HB 397, preparing Virginia to re-enter RGGI to combat climate change; and HB 449, giving Virginians the tools to hold powerful companies accountable through class action lawsuits.

Public Safety

Gun violence prevention remains a top priority. HB 21 creates civil accountability for firearm manufacturers. My HB 40 to ban ghost guns once again passed the House. HB 93 prevents illegal firearms from reaching domestic abusers. HB 217 prohibits assault weapons, HB 229 bars firearms in hospitals that provide mental health services, and HB 871 requires safe firearm storage in homes with minors or prohibited individuals. Together, these measures make our communities safer while respecting lawful gun ownership.

Redistricting

With the Governor’s signature on the enabling legislation, the approval of funding in the budget, and the election calendar now finalized, the mid-decade redistricting process is officially underway. The legal framework and resources are now in place to implement the updated congressional district maps, and the timelines for the April 21st election have been set so voters can plan accordingly. Our focus now shifts to executing this process smoothly and transparently to ensure voters have clear information and confidence in the updated congressional districts and upcoming election schedule.

Championing the issues that matter the most to my constituents means showing up, standing up, and lifting up the voices of all our neighbors. It means advancing policies that improve lives, build trust, and create opportunities. Together, we can make Virginia a Commonwealth that works for everyone. And the legislation that is advancing this session is designed to do just that.

Thank You

What a November we are having here in Falls Church. We started the month out with Virginia’s U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine headlining a rally for then candidate, now Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger at our very own State Theater.

Days later we celebrated an exceptional election night, with unprecedented results, results that made international headlines as many of us predicted they would. Now, as we head into Thanksgiving, I can’t help but reflect on just how much we have to be grateful for here in the Commonwealth.

Virginia voters delivered a pretty clear verdict. They want stable leadership and a state government that does its job without a lot of unnecessary drama. That may sound simple, but it’s no small thing in the current political climate.

The results at the top of the ticket were historic. Abigail Spanberger will become the first woman ever elected Governor of Virginia. Ghazala Hashmi will serve as Lieutenant Governor, making her both the first Indian-American and the first Muslim person elected statewide here. And Jay Jones will be the first Black Attorney General in our history. However you look at it, Virginia voters were ready to break a few barriers.

The House of Delegates saw its own shake-up. Not only did Democrats hold the majority - we grew it, picking up 13 seats for a 64–36 margin. In a chamber where every vote counts, that’s a significant shift. It also means Democrats will hold a 15–7 edge on every standing committee, which is where a lot of real governing actually happens. When people ask whether election results matter, this is one of the clearest examples. Committee control determines which bills get heard, which ideas advance, and which problems get the attention they deserve. It’s the kind of majority that allows us to take meaningful action on the issues voters just told us matter most: strengthening public education, lowering costs for families, protecting reproductive freedom, improving housing affordability, and keeping our communities safe.

As we gather with friends and family later this month, that’s something worth giving thanks for: Virginians showing up, speaking out, and choosing a path of competence, decency, and progress.

None of this happened by accident. It happened because people believed their voices mattered and because they refused to sit on the sidelines. As I look toward Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful for the thousands of Virginians who knocked doors in the cold, made calls after long workdays, contributed what they could, voted early, and encouraged neighbors and friends to do the same. Democracy isn’t something we inherit fully formed, but rather something we build together, season after season, election after election.

But even in a season of gratitude, we can’t overlook the challenges ahead. One of the most significant is redistricting. During last month’s special session, the General Assembly advanced a constitutional amendment to allow Virginia to redraw congressional lines mid-cycle, a step designed to ensure that as other states aggressively manipulate their maps for partisan advantage, Virginia doesn’t get left behind.

Some critics have called this political. I call it fair. Other states are actively redrawing the balance of power. We can’t simply stand still while the ground shifts beneath our feet. This amendment - which must pass again next session before going to the voters - will help ensure our maps remain representative, legal, and equitable.

With the results of this election, we now have the strength, stability, and clarity of purpose to move that effort forward, alongside the rest of the people’s agenda. And as we gather around Thanksgiving tables across the Commonwealth, I hope we take a quiet moment to appreciate that and to reflect on the simple but powerful truth that democracy still works when we show up for it.

This season reminds us that gratitude isn’t passive either. It’s a commitment to care for one another, to invest in our shared future, and to keep building a Commonwealth that reflects our highest values. So today, and throughout this season, I want to say thank you — sincerely. Thank you for believing in this work. Thank you for your faith in our process. Thank you for your commitment to keeping Virginia a model of progress, integrity, and good governance. Thank you for showing that when we stand together, we can overcome cynicism, division, and doubt.

Happy almost-Thanksgiving. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you do to keep Virginia moving forward. We enter this next chapter 64 strong and just getting started.

Reconvene & Restoration of Rights

I have some major news to share with you this month. Last week, my colleague, Kaye Kory, announced her retirement after many years of dedicated service to the people of the Commonwealth. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to Kaye for her service and leadership. Kaye has been a tireless advocate for her constituents and a fierce defender of progressive values in Richmond. Her leadership and contributions to the Virginia House of Delegates will be greatly missed.

As you may know, both of our homes were drawn into the new 13th District by the Redistricting Commission and we would have had to face each other in a primary on June 20th. However, with Kaye’s decision to retire, I am now the official Democratic nominee for the district. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve the people of the 13th District and to build on the progress we've made together. 

Reconvene Session

In other big news, the Virginia General Assembly Session and Reconvened Session have both wrapped up, with more than 800 new bills becoming law this year. We reviewed 78 recommendations and 3 vetoes from the Governor during Reconvene – while we upheld his vetoes, we did not accept all of his recommendations, sending 16 bills back to him to reconsider. He now has until May 12th to either sign or veto those remaining bills. You can view all the legislation from that day online at lis.virginia.gov.

One issue that drew a lot of attention during the Reconvene Session was the Governor's attempt to amend legislation to prohibit Virginians from exercising their first amendment rights by making it a crime to picket near the homes of Supreme Court Justices. Thankfully, this measure failed, and Virginians can continue to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully.

However, there is still some unfinished business in the Commonwealth. Despite a revenue surplus of $3.6 billion, we still don't have a supplemental budget bill to allocate this money to support public education and unmet needs for mental health services. Unfortunately, the Governor insists on using the surplus to cut taxes for giant, wealthy corporations, while Democrats are advocating for investing in the well-being of our citizens. It's crucial to prioritize the needs of our community, and I'm hopeful that we can reach a bipartisan agreement to use this surplus in a way that benefits all Virginians. 

Restoration of Rights

Finally, I want to draw your attention to an important issue that affects the rights of thousands of Virginians - the restoration of voting rights for former felons who have completed their terms of incarceration. The day before Reconvene Session, I participated in a news conference at the Bell Tower in Richmond, calling on the Governor to resume his predecessor's practice of automatically restoring these rights. We had a big crowd, including Senators Dick Saslaw and Maime Locke, House Democratic Leader Don Scott, himself a former felon whose rights were restored by Governor Bob McDonnell, and dozens of advocates and other legislators.

It was heartening to see the strong turnout and support for this cause, especially from those who, like Delegate Scott, have experienced the challenges and barriers that come with having a criminal record and have worked so hard to overcome them.

The Governor recently changed the policy to individually review each case, with no clear process for applying for restoration of rights. This new policy creates significant obstacles for many individuals who are trying to move forward with their lives and once again engage in their communities, exercising their right to vote as citizens of the Commonwealth.

I am deeply troubled by this change in policy and the lack of transparency and fairness in the current process. It's time for the Governor to live up to his values of forgiveness, mercy, and second chances and restore the rights of these individuals who have completed their sentences and are ready to fully participate in our democracy.

I urge the Governor to return to the automatic restoration of voting rights, as it's a crucial step in promoting a more inclusive and just society. As always, I am committed to representing the interests of the people of the 13th District and to working hard to create a better future for all Virginians.

Redistricting, Retirements, and the 2023 Election

When the Virginia General Assembly meets next January, it will be a much different body than the one that adjourned last month. In addition to the retirement of giants like Senator Dick Saslaw and Delegate Ken Plum, dozens of other members are not seeking reelection, are running for a different office, or are paired with another incumbent in a seat that only one of them can represent next year.

It’s mathematically certain that at least 30 or close to a full third of the 100 member House of Delegates will be brand new members when they take the oath in January of 2024.

Why such a major shift? Some of it is just timing. Saslaw and Plum are both in their 80s, plus Senate Finance Chair Janet Howell had always planned for this to be her final term. A much larger portion of the turnover is a result of the redistricting fiasco brought on by the ill-considered Constitutional Amendment which left the task to a bi-partisan, bi-cameral hybrid legislative/citizen commission.

Despite my every effort to offer a palatable compromise to the GOP members, the Commission deadlocked, meaning the Supreme Court of Virginia and their two special masters took over. The Special Masters looked at the General Assembly’s legal criteria establishing guidelines for drafting their new map and did not find any authority to consider incumbent addresses or to avoid incumbent pairs when creating new districts.

As a result, nearly half the House and Senate members initially found themselves paired with another incumbent. Some of those pairings resolved themselves when one incumbent moved to an adjacent district. Others involved members of the House running for Senate, either to avoid an incumbent pairing or because the newly created Senate Districts appear more favorable than their new House Districts. In some cases, a paired incumbent elected not to run at all.

Some people may not be bothered by the massive loss of experience and institutional knowledge this round of redistricting has wrought. I can understand those who might argue that turnover and fresh faces are a feature rather than a bug of redistricting reform.

However, we’re often told that the real goal of redistricting reform is to reduce the political polarization plaguing state houses caused by gerrymandering — the practice of drawing odd shaped and seemingly illogical districts crossing various city and county lines, dividing communities of interest in order to gain political advantage for the party in charge. If you banned the practice, we were promised, the districts would naturally be less partisan and politicians running in them would once again be incentivized to tailor a message to appeal to centrist voters.

Only that’s not what happened.

Even if you think the large amount of turnover is a good thing, the new faces will almost all be coming from even more politically polarized districts than the ones these experienced legislators are vacating.

By packing us all into nice, geometrically pretty districts, we’ve created 46 or 47 safely Democratic districts where you can win without a single Republican or independent vote, and about 42 or 43 on the Republican side. This leaves maybe 10 -12 competitive seats up for grabs in November.

Senator Howell said in an interview with the Richmond Times Dispatch that she “does not look back on her 32-year legislative career with many regrets, but one of them was her vote on the 2021 redistricting.” She goes on to say she “didn’t see the long-term implications” and that she “never bought the idea that incumbency doesn’t mean anything.”

One thing is clear. Those of us that return will have a much heavier load than usual to carry. In addition to having to work with the political neophyte who currently occupies the Governor’s mansion, we’ll have 30+ brand new Delegates with differing levels of experience and knowledge of the legislative process.

We will need our delegates and senators to not be afraid to be a bit partisan, to fight for our shared progressive values that got us the majority in 2019 and hopefully again later this year. That’s what won those elections and enabled us to pass legislation that made the Commonwealth more inclusive, our communities safer, voting more accessible, and criminal justice more attainable. We best represent our districts when we speak out against injustices and lift up policies that truly make a difference in our constituents’ lives.

2023 State Budget

As the 2023 short session winds down, the most significant legislation we have left to work on are the two budget bills amending the two-year state budget plan we adopted last year.

As the saying goes, a budget is a reflection of one's priorities, and the House and Senate budgets released last week underscore the stark contrast in priorities between the two chambers and the two parties. With a staggering $1 billion difference between them, the Democrats and Republicans in Richmond clearly have very different visions for Virginia's future. 

The GOP's House Budget 

Unfortunately, the House budget, crafted by Republicans, falls short in meeting the needs of hardworking Virginians. At the heart of the budget are over $350 million in corporate tax breaks, which disproportionately benefit big businesses rather than the average Virginian. This, in turn, puts critical services like our schools, roads, and healthcare in jeopardy. It is evident that the Republican party is more concerned with appeasing their corporate donors and extremist base than ensuring that middle-class Virginians have the resources they need to succeed.

At a time when inflation is causing significant strain for many households, it is simply unacceptable that the House budget proposes middle-class Virginians pay a higher tax rate than our wealthiest corporations. As we delve deeper into the budget negotiations, we will be keeping a watchful eye on this discrepancy and advocating for the needs of all Virginians.

The House budget is a cause for concern on multiple fronts. Notably, it includes a provision for $50 million to be directed towards lab schools, which diverts much-needed attention and funding away from our public school system. Additionally, the House budget eliminates language that allows for state-funded abortions in certain fetal abnormality diagnoses - a critical access point that is currently allowed in state law. This, coupled with a $13.4 million reduction in the VA Cannabis Control Authority budget, presents a worrying picture of the House GOP's priorities.

The House budget also fails to allocate funds for important programs, such as the Firearm Violence & Prevention Center, the Safer Communities Program, and the Cover All Kids healthcare initiative. These are just a few of the more prominent disparities between the House and Senate budgets. 

Working to Fix the Budget

As Deputy Floor Leader, I worked with Leader Don Scott to improve the House version of the budget. Together, we had amendments drafted and introduced that would have addressed real issues facing our communities - issues that Virginians care deeply about, such as school funding, abortion access, gun violence prevention, and protecting our democracy. It was our hope that these amendments would help bridge the gap between the House and Senate budgets, ultimately leading to a more equitable and just budget that serves all Virginians.

Specifically, our amendments would have kept the corporate tax rate at its current level and allocated the revenue to fully fund our school systems in Virginia. They also would have kept the top tax bracket the same as it is today and used the additional revenue to raise teacher pay to the national average - an 11% increase over what teachers in Virginia are paid today.

None of these amendments were adopted, but it gave us an opportunity to showcase our priorities while forcing a vote on these important issues. Although I voted against this version of the budget, the process is far from over. There is still time to make changes as the House and Senate budget conferees will have to come together to close the budget gap, giving both Chambers another opportunity to vote on a better budget (we hope!). Either way, the General Assembly is constitutionally bound to create a balanced budget, which always makes the last few weeks of session interesting. 

Weekend Update

Last weekend while I was back in the district for a few days, I hosted office hours at Northside Social and greeted dozens of constituents who stopped by to say hello, lobby me for budget and legislative priorities, or simply thank me for serving. I look forward to scheduling a number of in-person post-session events to update you all and get your feedback on how session went.

Finally, I wanted to take a moment to thank the Dranesville District Democratic Committee for hosting an amazing brunch and straw poll, which I was pleased to attend!

I’m proud to announce that I received more overall votes than any other candidate in any race in the mostly-just-for-fun straw poll and outpaced my likely primary opponent with over 98% of the vote.

Running for Re-Election in 2023

I am thrilled to announce that I am running for re-election and will be seeking the Democratic nomination in the newly drawn 13^th House District in 2023.

Over the last decade, I have worked hard to be the best possible representative for the values and shared interests of our Falls Church community. I’ve been fortunate to be able to make a real and meaningful difference on some of the most pressing issues facing our Commonwealth, particularly in our two years in the majority with a Democratic Governor.

Education

As a member of leadership in the House Democratic Caucus (Deputy Floor Leader), I recently participated in a panel for the Virginia Press Association on the issue of Education and parental rights. I had the opportunity to highlight the real issue behind recent headlines - a desire to undermine public education.

I am committed to protecting public education in our Commonwealth. I believe that every student should have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. I have supported legislation to increase funding for public schools, reduce class sizes, and improve teacher pay and working conditions. I have also advocated for policies that expand access to early childhood education, support students with special needs, and provide opportunities for students to learn technical and vocational skills. I will continue to prioritize public education and ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed.

Gun Violence Prevention

I am proud of my strong record on gun violence prevention.

I will continue working to stop the tragic mass shootings that have devastated communities across our country. I have supported legislation to strengthen background checks, restore Virginia’s one handgun a month limit, give localities the ability to restrict firearms in public places, and budget items that invest in programs to prevent gun violence. I will continue to be a vocal advocate for common-sense gun laws that keep our community safe.

Abortion Access

I have also been a steadfast supporter of protecting abortion access in Virginia, making us a sanctuary state in the south. I believe that every individual has the right to make their own reproductive choices, and I will never stop fighting to defend this fundamental right. I will continue to support legislation that ensures access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including contraception and abortion.

Climate Change

I am committed to addressing the climate crisis and protecting our environment. I recognize that the health of our planet is at risk, and I have supported legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect our natural resources. I will continue to prioritize the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations.

Equality

As Chairman of the Housing Subcommittee in 2020, I helped to pass the Virginia Values Act. I believe that every individual has the right to live their lives without fear of discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Virginia Values Act bans discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. I will continue to fight for the rights of LGBTQ individuals and for a society that is free from discrimination and prejudice.

Criminal Justice Reform

As a member of the Public Safety & Courts of Justice Committees, I have been committed to advocating for criminal justice reform. I believe that our justice system should be fair, equitable, and focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. I have supported legislation to reduce the prison population, improve conditions in correctional facilities, and provide support for individuals returning to their communities after serving their sentences. I have also advocated for better mental health resources for individuals involved in the justice system, as well as for programs to help them find employment and housing upon release. I will continue to work towards a criminal justice system that prioritizes justice and rehabilitation over punishment.

A Living Wage

Lastly, I am proud of my efforts to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. This is a critical step to ensure that all workers in our community can earn a fair and livable wage. I have supported legislation to gradually increase the minimum wage, and I will continue to push for policies that support working families and reduce income inequality.

As I seek re-election, I am committed to continuing this work and addressing the challenges facing our community. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I hope to earn your support and trust for another term.

Please note that the new districts don't take effect until after the November 2023 election. Until then, I'll be representing the current 53rd House District.

Redistristing, Campaign Finance, & Public Input

When I was sworn into the Virginia House of Delegates in January of 2014, I was one of 33 House Democrats – a super-minority incapable of even sustaining a veto by the recently elected Democratic Governor, Terry McAuliffe. 

Although I was a real estate attorney, small business owner, with a long background in local government, I was assigned to only two committees that produced the fewest bills and generated the least work in the General Assembly. When session ended, I was free to resume my full-time work schedule, with little risk of being asked to serve in any capacity that might cause me to need to drive back to Richmond during the “off-season” between sessions. 

I knew that these off-session commission, boards, work groups and task-forces were where most of the real work of legislating happened, but also knew for a freshman Democrat from liberal Northern Virginia, my contributions and point of view weren’t really sought after.

What a difference a couple of elections can make. Since taking over the Majority in 2020, I’ve been appointed to four committees, one of which I chair, and five subcommittees, one of which I chair. In addition, I serve on the Housing Commission, the FOIA Council (Vice Chair), the Code Commission (Vice Chair), the Legislative Support Commission, the Joint Reapportionment Committee, the Board of Veterans Services, the Virginia Redistricting Commission, and the Joint Subcommittee to Study Campaign Finance Reform (Chair).

Since the public health State of Emergency ended and in-person meetings resumed, I’ve gotten to know well every pothole between Falls Church and Richmond.

With all the important work happening between sessions, I want to focus on two of these commissions that are doing work which you can greatly influence through public participation and activism in the next few weeks.

This week, the Virginia Redistricting Commission provided criteria to two sets of professional map drawers with instructions for them to create maps for the House and Senate districts for the entire Commonwealth by next week. Over the next month, the Commission will be taking a deep dive into these maps, reviewing the lines, listening to public comments, and making adjustments as needed.

In addition to public comment at the end of each regular Commission meeting, there will be two virtual public hearings each day from October 4^th through October 7^th with each hearing focusing on a specific region in the Commonwealth. The Commission will take a final vote on the House and Senate maps on October 11^th.

After this, we will start to review the Virginia congressional map over a series of meetings with a virtual public hearing on October 22^nd and a final Commission vote on October 25^th. Assuming that the Commission passes these maps, then they will go to the General Assembly for an up or down vote.

Public input is a major component of this process, which can be shared via written comments or during public hearings. Bottom line - we need to hear from you.

Are you concerned about the criteria the master mapmakers are using to draw the maps? Do you live in a split precinct or a community divided among a few representatives? Are you concerned about incumbents being drawn into the same district? Is there a specific community of interest that you think should be kept together?

Specific to Falls Church, do you think the City should be a community of interest with Arlington or with Fairfax County?

The Redistricting Commission website, VirginiaRedistricting.org, has all you need to participate – sign up to speak at a public hearing, submit written comments, or make specific comments directly on the preliminary maps. You can even submit your own maps to be reviewed!

Another opportunity you have to share feedback is with the Joint Subcommittee to Study Campaign Finance Reform. The Subcommittee’s second meeting is September 17^th, which will be livestreamed via the Virginia General Assembly website.

Tasked with examining the costs of campaigning in the Commonwealth, the effectiveness of our current disclosure laws and their enforcement, and options available to regulate campaign finances, the Subcommittee's primary submit a report with recommendations by November 1, 2021.

As chair of this Subcommittee, I’d love to hear from the public about what needs to be done in Virginia to promote the integrity of and confidence in our campaign finance system. You can sign up to speak or submit comments through hodspeak.house.virginia.gov.

Vote No on Amendment #1

With voting in the 2020 election beginning as early as this Friday, September 18, 2020, I need to use this week’s column to redouble my efforts to encourage everyone to VOTE NO on Amendment #1 to the Virginia Constitution that appears on the ballot.

I have and continue to be a dedicated advocate for improving the way we draw legislative districts in Virginia. Unlike the proponents of the Amendment, I have never wavered from my commitment to the axiom that for democracy to work as intended, voters need to choose their representatives, not the other way around.

Unfortunately, that’s not what Amendment #1 on the 2020 ballot does. In fact, it does just the opposite, enshrining the role of legislative leaders while shutting out the voices of the Virginia electorate from the process, with no guarantee that communities of color will have any meaningful input in a process that for generations has been used as one of the most effective tools to limit their ability to have meaningful and proportional representation in the legislature.

Among the Amendment’s most glaring flaws:

• It creates a bipartisan commission, rather than a nonpartisan one, while giving legislators immense power in the process - even if 14 of the 16 members of the Commission agree to the maps, just 2 legislators can veto that vote.
• It’s not a citizen commission in any meaningful way. The non-legislative members of the Commission are chosen from a list of nominees provided by the political leadership of both houses. And a panel of retired judges selected primarily by, you guessed it, the political leaders of both houses of the General Assembly.
• It misses a crucial opportunity to enshrine real and lasting protections for communities of color in the redistricting process going forward.
• It does not guarantee transparency or public input in the Constitution or the redistricting process.
• It creates an untenable timeline that risks the integrity of our entire election process.

Let’s talk more about the very partisan nature of the Commission. Any independents or 3rd party adherents reading this, you will have no voice in this process. As noted above, all the members of the Commission with be loyalists from one of the two largest parties. That’s by design.

The Amendment only aims to make partisan gerrymandering impractical. It does so through a convoluted selection process that ensures no party is able to have an upper hand in negotiations. All the safeguards in the Amendment itself are designed to guarantee an equal voice to the largest political minority, as opposed to any voice for racial, ethnic, or language minorities.

While the Amendment does have language with some racial criteria, it only says “where practicable, opportunities for racial and ethnic communities to elect candidates of their choice” should be provided. That is a suggestion, not a requirement. Black Virginians and other minorities should not have to rely on the generosity of white people, it should be in the Amendment.

The Amendment first passed the General Assembly in 2019 under a Republican-led legislature after it became clear that Democrats were on the cusp of taking control of the legislature. Prior to 2019, they’d steadfastly opposed every effort to bring fairness, transparency, and citizen participation into the redistricting process.

Lest you think this is just an effort led by Democrats enjoying their newfound majority status and who’d like to do back to the Republicans what they’d always done in the past, please note that there are several grassroots organizations working to defeat this Amendment. Organizations like Progress Virginia, Virginians for Independent Redistricting, and New Virginia Majority are just a few of these organizations.

During the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly passed into law HB 1255, which outlaws racial and political gerrymandering. This bill passed on a 100% party line vote, with all Democrats voting in favor, and all Republicans opposed. Amendment #1 would void that law, and once again bring gerrymandering back to Virginia.

This is not a situation where the perfect is the enemy of the good. We shouldn’t settle for a so-called anti-gerrymandering redistricting amendment that doesn’t actually end gerrymandering. Amending our state constitution is not an easy process, nor should it be. For this reason and for the reasons I outlined above, we should be highly discerning in what we add to our State Constitution and VOTE NO on Amendment #1.

Government you can trust

Free thinkin', hoodwinkin', unblinkin' man 
Start trouble, burst bubbles, join my caravan 
Someone's got to talk about accountability 
Someone's got to raise some hell, I guess it could be me

~Jimmy Buffett, "Cultural Infidel"

One of the foremost issues of our time is the rapid erosion of faith and trust in our fundamental American institutions. We are hearing from more and more Virginians that the system is rigged for the benefit of wealthy and powerful interests, and that there is no meaningful opportunity for an individual to be a change agent with the hope of improving their own lot in life.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers to solving this problem, but I do know that in Virginia, the General Assembly is a good place to start. Here in the Commonwealth we have lots of room for improvement.

In Virginia it’s too easy to feel like your vote for Delegate doesn’t count, because a district was drawn so safely that the incumbent only has to answer to a few members of the local party committee to stay “safe” in the seat.

It’s easy to feel like your letters, phone calls, and postcards don’t matter nearly as much as the tens of thousands of dollars pouring into the campaign accounts of incumbent legislators in a state where we don’t have limits on campaign contributions. Anyone, any corporation, company, or legal entity can contribute any amount of money and recipients are free to spend the money on themselves and their families.

It’s easy to feel like the whole system is corrupt when you read about elected officials driving around in Ferrari’s wearing, Rolex watches, and flying on private planes to Augusta for the Master’s – all on someone else's dime- someone who wants to curry favor for their client or their company.

I ran for office to continue the good works of my predecessor, Jim Scott, and to also have the opportunity to work to improve people’s lives. This can be done most effectively when we trust the government to do its job. One way to ensure that trust is to have free and fair elections by unrigging the political system that depends on gerrymandering and campaign finance rules that give out-sized influence to map-makers and mega-contributors.

Campaign Finance Reform

For my part, I pride myself on earning more support from small individual donors than from corporations or PACs.

Since 2014, I've introduced legislation every year to address the most obvious (and, in my view, embarrassing) issue - candidates legally converting campaign contributions to personal use. And every year there is a new justification for not passing it - the language is too broad, the language is too narrow, or do we really need this?

I’ve also introduced legislation to prohibit all corporations from contributing to state political campaigns.

Election Reform

More recently we’ve come to learn that foreign powers are working hard to erode our confidence in the integrity not just of the electoral process, but the process of counting our cast ballots as well.

That’s only the latest assault, though, on our election system. For years certain communities have had their vote systematically suppressed through unnecessary laws requiring unexpired government issued photo ID at the polls with no discretion for election chiefs to simply say – I know that person, they are my neighbor.

We have limited the ability to vote early in Virginia, and have artificial and arbitrary deadlines to register to vote. I am an advocate for no excuse absentee voting, vote by mail pilot programs, increasing the time frame for absentee voting, automatic voter registration, and same day registration.

Your continued support means a lot to me. It’s imperative that we have faith in the institutions of a Government that is of the people, by the people and for the people. Should I win my reelection on November 7^th, you can trust that I will continue to work for you and your families, our community - for all of us.