2025 General Assembly Session: The Crossover Report
February 4, marked the official halfway point of the 2025 General Assembly Session, often referred to as crossover. While we began this session with more than 2500 introduced bills and resolutions, crossover marks the deadline in which each chamber must act on all its originating bills and those not acted upon are effectively dead. Additionally, each crossover week marks the period where the Senate and House reveal its amendments to the Governor’s Introduced Budget. This week’s newsletter will give you information on both, as well as some additional updates from this session.
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.
Updates from the Capitol: 2025 Legislative Session
While the 2025 General Assembly Session officially began on January 8, winter weather and the subsequent water crisis prevented us from operating as usual. However, that didn’t last long. With our first full week now behind us we are fully organized, our committees are meeting and bills have already begun to be passed. With all odd numbered years, we are operating within the constraints of only 45-days to complete the work of the General Assembly. I am proud to enter my second year in the Virginia Senate and plan to spend the next few weeks providing you with as many legislative updates on the work I am doing on behalf of the families of the 13th District as I can.
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 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.
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:
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.”