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.
Senator Lashrecse Aird to Host Legislative Discussion and Q&A Opportunity for Attendees
On Saturday, February 8th at 1:00pm, Senator Lashrecse Aird will provide a legislative update for her constituents about the work that has been done in the Senate thus far. This town hall will be an opportunity for constituents of Senate District 13 to learn more about legislation that has successfully passed the Senate Chamber and is headed to the House of Delegates, as well as upcoming legislation we can expect to see. Q&A opportunities will be present for those who wish to participate. This event will take place at the Petersburg Public Library located at 201 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, Virginia 23803.
Senator Aird to Deliver the Senate Democratic Rebuttal to Governor Youngkin’s State of the Commonwealth Address
On Monday morning, Senator Lashrecse D. Aird will deliver the Senate Democratic Rebuttal to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s annual State of the Commonwealth address.
“It is truly an honor to be able to provide the response to Governor Youngkin’s State of the Commonwealth Address on behalf of Senate Democrats. While once again the Governor is proposing the same ineffective playbook – prioritizing tax cuts for the most wealthy while the majority of Virginians are left footing the bill in the form of reduced services, higher costs and worsening outcomes. Senate Democrats are focused on real, tangible solutions to the problems everyday families are facing: unaffordable housing prices, rising food costs and communities that feel less safe,” said Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Henrico). “I look forward to outlining the Senate Democratic vision to uplift all Virginians, not just for those in the highest tax bracket.”
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.
Statement on Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Announcement of Closure of Hiram W. Davis Medical Center
Today, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) announced the closure of the Hiram W. Davis Medical Center (HDMC) by 2027. Senator Lashrecse Aird (D- Petersburg) released the following statement:
“For 50 years Hiram W. Davis Medical Center has offered acute medical, skilled nursing, and long-term care to Virginians, but after decades of unmet infrastructure improvements, there is an increasing risk that the quality of care may be compromised and this facility may be an inadequate environment for the workforce serving them,” said Senator Aird.
Statement on VDOT’s Decision to Maintain Normal Service of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced it will no longer reduce the service schedule of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, which services Surry County, and its normal operating schedule will continue. Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg) released the following statement:
“VDOT’s decision to forgo its reduction in service of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is a welcomed relief for the communities I represent. The responsiveness of VDOT and the entire ferry operations team, to all of the concerns shared is truly commendable. I look forward to continuing to support the efforts required to ensure we can prevent this disruption in service from occurring in the future.”
Statement on VDOT’s Decision to Reduce Service of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Today, after a late Friday announcement by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to reduce the service schedule of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry which services Surry County, Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg) released the following statement:
“It came as a shock to learn about VDOT’s announcement to reduce the service schedule of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry—without public input and or alerting the state representatives of this community.”