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.”
Statement on the Two Year Anniversary of Dobbs Decision
Today, on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s reversal of the Dobbs decision, Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg) released the following statement:
“Two years ago today, Trump's Supreme Court stripped away the constitutionally protected reproductive rights of hundreds of millions of Americans with their decision to reverse the Dobbs decision. Since then we have seen politicians hostile to reproductive rights continue their attacks to rob people of their power to control their bodies and personal health care decisions with restrictive bans across the country. Here in Virginia, Governor Youngkin and Republicans in the legislature utilized this decision as an opportunity to propose a 15-week ban in 2023 -- a decision which was met with immense pushback and first defeated at the legislative level, and then once again at the ballot box with my election and Democrats regaining majorities in the General Assembly.”
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.”
Senator Lashrecse Aird Statement on the Passage of Petersburg Casino Bill
Today the Virginia General Assembly accepted the Governor’s amendment to remove the re-enactment clause from Senator Lashrecse Aird’s SB628 which adds the City of Petersburg to the list of eligible host cities in the Commonwealth. By removing the re-enactment today, the General Assembly has opened the path for a potential local referendum as soon as this November on bringing casino gaming to the City of Petersburg.
2024 Session Wrap Up & Looking Ahead to Reconvened
March 9th marked the official end of the 60-day 2024 General Assembly Session. As I reflect on this date—marking “sine die” (pronounced sigh-knee dye), and March generally when I formally launched my campaign for Senate a year ago—I was struck with sincere gratitude for the opportunity to once again fight for policies that will uplift the communities I represent.
Senator Lashrecse Aird to Host Town Hall With Prospective Casino Operators
Senator Lashrecse Aird will host a public town hall with each company that has submitted a proposal to develop a resort destination casino in the City of Petersburg. The meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 14, from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Petersburg Public Library at 201 West Washington Street. Each prospective company will provide a presentation on their proposal and take questions from the public in attendance.
Senator Lashrecse Aird Nominated for EMILYs List’s Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award
This week EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, announced that Virginia state Sen. Lashrecse Aird is a nominee for the 2024 Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award. Named in honor of the dedicated and courageous Gabrielle Giffords, the Rising Star Award celebrates an extraordinary woman serving in state or local office. The award honors a woman who demonstrates the sort of commitment to community, dedication to women and families, and determination and civility that have been the highlights of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ career, in and out of office