Senator Lashrecse Aird Secures Over $300m in Senate Budget Investments
RICHMOND, VA- Yesterday the Virginia Senate passed SB30, their revisions to the Commonwealth’s biennial budget, including more than $300m in total investments secured through legislation and budget amendments advanced by Senator Lashrecse Aird. In addition, public school systems within the 13th Senate District are also set to receive more than $35m in additional state resources under the Senate proposal. All of these new investments are accomplished without any increases in taxes on Virginians.
Senator Aird’s Statement on Passage of SB3 establishing the Employee Child Care Assistance Program
RICHMOND, VA- Today, the Virginia General Assembly gave final passage to SB3, patroned by Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Henrico), sending the legislation to the Governor’s desk for signature. The bill establishes the Employee Child Care Assistance Program to help working families afford child care by creating a state match for employer contributions.
Senator Aird’s Statement on Tragic Shooting in Shockoe Bottom
RICHMOND, VA - Today Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Henrico) released the following statement following the tragic shooting in Shockoe Bottom, resulting in the loss of life of individuals from Petersburg and Henrico:
“The details don’t matter and the circumstances don’t matter. What matters is today families in my communities are carrying the unbearable pain of knowing they will never see their loved ones again. I am heartbroken by the devastating act of gun violence that occurred this weekend in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom. My deepest condolences are with the families of Genesis Jones of Petersburg and Dominic Jackson of Henrico – as well as every person and family affected,” said Senator Lashrecse Aird.
Senator Aird Statement on Appointment as Chair of the Committee on Local Government and as a Member of Finance and Appropriations
RICHMOND, VA- Today Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Henrico) was named as the new Chair for the Committee on Local Government and was additionally appointed to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.
2026 Legislative Survey + Town Halls
As we are set to gavel in the 2026 General Assembly Session on Wednesday, January 14th, I wanted to ensure you had an opportunity to participate in our 2026 Legislative Survey. Additionally, I will be participating in three Town Hall Events next week — click here for additional details!
2025 Spring Newsletter + Upcoming Town HAll
In a recent op-ed U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, writes, “…the most striking feature of the Virginia flag is our motto: sic semper tyrannis. While most states have positive or affirming mottos – in fact, all 49 other than Virginia do – the Commonwealth of Virginia stands alone in departure from that trend. Our motto is a rebuke: Thus be it ever to tyrants.” While Senator Kaine shared these sentiments as part of the commemoration of Virginia’s role in the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, and Independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia, they come at a critical time for all of us regardless.
Senator Lashrecse Aird Delivers Senate Democratic Response to State of the Commonwealth
Watch Senator Lashrecse Aird provide the Senate Democratic Rebuttal to the State of the Commonwealth address.
Senator Aird Announces Senate District 13 Youth Advisory Council
Today, Senator Lashrecse Aird announced the formation of the Senate District 13 Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a program open to 8-11th grade students that will consist of students from each locality throughout Senate District 13. Members of the YAC will advise Virginia’s leaders about ways to engage other young people, serve as ambassadors for their communities, and organize civic engagement activities for their peers. A scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to a member of the YAC who demonstrates leadership above and beyond to their community while on the council. Applications open October 1 and close October 31, 2024 and may be submitted here: https://www.lashrecseaird.com/yacapplication.
NEW LAWS, SPECIAL SESSION & AROUND THE DISTRICT
Annually on July 1, new laws go into effect from the preceding legislative session. These new Virginia laws range from every possible topic and issue imaginable. To easily review these laws, the Division of Legislative Services provides an updated version of their publication In Due Course with each new law categorized in one place.
We’re pleased that several of our bills have been signed and have gone into effect as well. Specifically, SB483 which ensures indoor vertical farm operations are treated the same as equipment used in traditional farm operations. Emerging industries like Plenty in Chesterfield and Beanstalk Farms in Manassas now benefit from this legislation and allow for a significant expansion of their investment in this cutting-edge industry. A few others we were pleased to see pass include:
Senator Aird Announces Priorities Funded Within Final Budget
Today, the Virginia General Assembly convened in Richmond for a Special Session to pass the FY25-FY26 budget. This budget contains historic funding for education, prioritizes mental health and crucial investments in our Commonwealth’s infrastructure.
Following passage of the budget Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg), speaking to her amendments included within the completed budget said, “I am grateful to have secured over $22 million dollars in priorities that will provide critical supports for the citizens of the 13th senatorial district. My funded priorities included key investments in education, violence prevention, poverty reduction efforts, healthcare, good governance and community resilience to continue to move our Commonwealth forward. I am confident that this budget will have direct and significant positive impacts on the residents in my district and I was proud to vote in support of the final budget this afternoon.”