Greetings from Richmond,
While many of you were snowed in at home or navigating winter weather on county back roads and crowded city streets, I was making my way across icy Richmond sidewalks to the General Assembly. Despite the hazardous conditions, work continued as scheduled. Taking time off would have interfered with Democrats’ tightly controlled redistricting timeline. So, in true Richmond fashion, we pressed on through frigid and slippery conditions.
Recent news out of Tazewell County’s district court brought a welcome development, though it is almost certain to face further scrutiny as the left continues to push the case higher through the courts. For now, the judge found that the redistricting process violated Virginia’s constitutional requirements by proceeding without an intervening election. The Governor has since signed the legislation approving the measure. This issue is far from settled, and I will continue to keep you informed as the legal process unfolds.
This week, the Public Safety and Firearms Committees advanced several pieces of legislation that should concern every law-abiding gun owner. The direction is clear: criminalize the citizen while emboldening the criminal. One bill, HB 863, reduces mandatory minimum sentences for crimes such as rape, manslaughter, and child pornography. It is difficult to comprehend how anyone could justify weakening penalties for such serious offenses—especially while simultaneously stripping responsible citizens of their ability to protect themselves through legal firearm ownership. Taken together, these proposals paint a troubling picture.
Finally, this week marked an important milestone in the budget process with hearings on budget amendments. I listened as delegates from across the Commonwealth presented proposals impacting their districts, and I offered amendments of my own. This year, I am advocating for additional funding to improve road safety around
Gainesboro Elementary School and working closely with the Virginia Fire Services Board to secure critical funding for personal protective equipment for firefighters. The budget process is long and challenging—especially in such a slim minority—but every day in Richmond, I am working to deliver real results for Frederick County and Winchester.
