Dear John, November has been an exciting month! I hope everyone was as pleased with the electoral results as I was, and that you all had a meaningful Veterans Day, a happy Native American Heritage Month, and a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and break!
Congrats to Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi, and to our new Attorney General Jay Jones as well as to all of the returning and new Delegates, especially to May Nivar (HD-57) and her team--our newest addition to the Henrico delegation! I look forward to working with all of the above to make Virginians lives better and to help the constituents of the 16th district in western Henrico. Speaking of which, my staff and I have been hard at work developing our legislative portfolio for the 2026 legislative session which will focus on housing, recovery homes, energy, and education.
|
|
|
During November, members of my staff and I attended two community meetings about data center development proposals in Goochland and Hanover which are adjacent to western Henrico. We have been following these proposed developments closely to assess what can be done to help alleviate our constituents' concerns and mitigate the potential negative impacts of these data centers, should they be approved. During the coming legislative session, robust discussions regarding data centers, energy use, and impacts on local communities will take place, and I hope that the General Assembly passes some reforms that would put Virginia in a better place.
|
|
|
On November 7th, I enjoyed hosting a discussion with HOME of Virginia, fellow legislators, and representatives from the Commonwealth Housing Coalition to talk to the media about housing supply priorities as we head into 2026. The Commonwealth Housing Coalition spans from left to right, business to labor, religious to secular, and more, and that’s because everyone understands that Virginia cannot move forward without solving the housing crisis. Housing is key to all other cost of living issues!
|
|
|
The following weekend, I had a blast at the Asian Street Food Festival at The Answer Brewpub and at the Jewish Food Festival! It was great to enjoy some good food and to see the events be so successful with so many people out on a beautiful weekend. |
|
|
The next week, I enjoyed being a guest at the Innsbrook Rotary Club. I heard about all of the good work they're doing in the community and spoke with them about my legislative priorities for the coming session.
On, November 14th, my Chief of Staff attended the 12th Annual Executive Briefing: “The Economics of Early Childhood” and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation. They do great work! The need for more affordable, high-quality childcare options for Virginians is a rare topic that stakeholders across the board can agree on. |
|
|
On November 15th, I was pleased to be a part of the Henrico Harvest Community Food Drive at the Deep Run Recreation Center location. Big shout out to my Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling for all of the hard work she and her office put into organizing the event. I was happy to make a donation to Feedmore. With so many in need right now, please consider making your own donation.
I also spoke that week with boy and cub scout troops based in the 16th District, the troop based at the West End Islamic Center and Cub Scout Pack 744. We talked about how the Virginia legislature works, the importance of civic engagement, and voting. Finally, it was great to break ground on another high-quality childcare option in the 16th District, this one at Willow Lawn. Vakul Goel and his team with Celebree really know their stuff! |
|
|
Last but definitely not least, I was fortunate enough to round out the month with a trip to the Commonwealth Cup. As a Spider and a Ram, I assure you I take no sides and simply enjoy watching everyone else go crazy with their die-hard fandom! |
|
|
I'll be back at the end of December with another update. In the meantime, if you would like to reach out and discuss any of my legislative priorities, share an opinion, or if your organization or community group would like to invite me to an event or to speak, please don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected].
For campaign or political inquiries, reach out to [email protected]. Thanks so much for your support! Yours in service, Schuyler VanValkenburg, 16th District |
|
|
Paid for by VanValkenburg for Virginia VanValkenburg for Virginia PO Box 28782 Richmond, VA 23228 United States |
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe. |
|
|
|