To say I feel disappointed, angry and shocked at the outcome of the General Assembly’s special legislative session in Richmond would be an understatement. Though the catalyst for the session was the tragedy in Virginia Beach, many of us came to Richmond to try, once again, to pass meaningful gun violence prevention legislation. The fact […]
Author: Julie Baher
An early Happy July 4th! I hope you will be able to celebrate the 4th of July with friends and family and the traditional barbecues, baseball, and fireworks, while not forgetting what we’re really celebrating–the independence of this truly great nation. All those years ago, we united as a people to declare our independence from […]
Exciting news out of Washington yesterday and a true victory for Virginia voters, especially in the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions. Yesterday morning, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the House Republicans did not have the standing to challenge a lower court’s decision that struck down racially gerrymandered Virginia House Districts. This […]
Like all Virginians, I was stunned, devastated and heartbroken to hear the news out of Virginia Beach on Friday. Twelve innocent people lost their lives and others were injured at the hands of a coworker. In just thirty-five minutes of terror, Virginia Beach was changed. As of right now, Friday’s tragedy is considered the deadliest […]
Since the last issue of my enews, we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. I think when we are in school, we often take for granted just how much teachers impact our lives. Just as our family, friends and community shape us, so do our teachers. It is why I am proud this year to have supported […]
Just a few days ago, people around the world commemorated Yom HaShoah. We remembered the 6 million Jews and more than a million other persecuted individuals who perished in the Holocaust. In Northern Virginia this past Sunday, I joined many people in our community in a Memorial service that honored survivors, victims & heroes of […]
I hope those of you who celebrated the beginning of Passover or Easter this past weekend had a lovely celebration with those who mean the most to you. At the same time, I was also stunned and saddened by the tragic news from Sri Lanka—where eight coordinated bomb attacks happened at churches and hotels across […]
Last week, I was in Richmond for the reconvened/veto session. We have much to be proud of coming out of the reconvened session this year on behalf of all Virginians, including upholding the Governor’s vetoes on potentially harmful legislation. Interestingly enough, very few of the bills vetoed (click here to view them all) were actually […]
Preparing for the Reconvene Session The last two weeks have been filled with many events around the community as well as preparation for the reconvene (“veto”) session back in Richmond. After the General Assembly adjourned sine die on February 23rd, the Governor has until tomorrow night to sign, amend or veto all legislation passed by […]
March has come in roaring like a lion, but like you, I am looking forward to warmer temperatures soon. For those looking forward to Cherry Blossom season, we are only a few weeks away. The National Park Service announced last week that peak bloom will take place between April 3rd and 6th this year. Additionally, […]