Fall has arrived, Happy October! We are keeping busy as we move into cooler weather, Pumpkin Spice season, and Halloween. This newsletter contains a recap of September, other updates, and news from across the Commonwealth and the 93rd district.
Standing with Transgender Students
I stand in opposition of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposed model policies for the treatment of transgender students. Youngkin’s decision to enact these cruel policies is affecting students across the Commonwealth, and we must add our voices to theirs in opposing the proposed policies.
The public comment period for these proposed policies is now open and runs through October 26th. You can make a difference today by submitting a comment asking the Governor and the Virginia Department of Education to rescind the proposed policy here. If you want to receive training on the public comment process, you can RSVP for a session with Equality Virginia here.
Every parent wants Virginia’s laws to ensure children’s safety, freedom, and to encourage a vibrant and engaging learning experience. But the Virginia Department of Education is rejecting those shared values by advancing policies that will target LGBTQ kids for harassment and mistreatment simply because of who they are.
Tax Rebates and Additional Savings
Thanks to the work we’ve done passing the budget deal back in June, many Virginians will receive a tax rebate! It will be up to $250 for individuals and up to $500 for joint filers. If you are eligible and filed by July 1st, your rebate will be sent between September 19th and October 17th, which means you should receive the rebate by no later than October 31st. Some taxpayers will receive the rebate by direct deposit and some will receive a paper check. You must file your taxes by November 1st to receive the rebate.
The Virginia Department of Taxation has a lookup tool available now so you can check if you are eligible for the rebate. Go to this link to see if you are eligible, or watch this helpful video from the Department of Taxation.
Early Voting Has Started in Virginia!
Though state elections are not this year, many local elected officials and all members of the U.S. House of Representatives are on the ballot in this important election in November. Recent legislation in Virginia has moved local elections, normally in May, to November.
Whether in person or by mail, all Virginia voters are able to submit their ballots early. Make sure you are registered to vote, either by visiting this link or by visiting your local registrar’s office.
If you would like to vote by mail, you can visit the Virginia Department of Elections website which will guide you through the simple process to vote by mail.
Voting in person is also an option individuals have. You can check the websites of your local registrar’s office (James City County, Newport News, Williamsburg, York) to find more information on where to go for in-person voting.
Register to Become a Chesapeake Bay Steward
The Chesapeake Bay Fountain (CBF) invites residents ages 18 and older to register for the upcoming VoiCeS (Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards) adult education course. The CBF’s adult education program is designed to reach local volunteers and their communities and create a deeper understanding of the Bay and the efforts to restore it.
During the five-week program, participants will become more knowledgeable advocates for the Bay and explore topics including:
- Urban agriculture
- Wetlands
- Local restoration
- Urban and rural solutions to pollution
- Wildlife and fisheries
There will also be at least one field trip through the program. At the conclusion of the program, students will be inspired to complete a 20-hour service project of their own choosing and timeline, which will earn them the CBF Chesapeake Bay Steward certification.
Classes begin on Oct. 6 at The Newsome House located at 2803 Oak Ave in Newport News. Registration is free, but there is a suggested donation of $25 per individual and $40 per couple.Visit the Chesapeake Bay Fountain website to view program details and to register.For questions about the program contact Lisa Renée Jennings at ljennings@cbf.org or call 757-644-4116.
September Highlights in the Community
In the News:
Daily Press: New crossing should ease Route 60 traffic woes by year’s end
Virginia Mercury: What Virginians need to know about this year’s one-time tax rebate
Virginian-Pilot: Potential new train route between Blacksburg and Hampton Roads could slash travel time by rail across the state
WY Daily: Many Older Virginia Residents Struggle, Even as Government Benefits Go Unused
Virginian Gazette: Jamestown and Williamsburg Had Special Ties to Queen Elizabeth II
Washington Post: Youngkin to boost Maine’s LePage despite racially incendiary rhetoric
New York Times: Virginia Reserves School Protections for Transgender Students
WY Daily: Anheuser-Busch Announces $20 Million Investment into Williamsburg Facility
As always, thank you for reading! Keep connected with our office by calling (757) 525-9526, emailing DelMMullin@house.virginia.gov, or @mikemullin4va on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Be well,
-Mike