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. There is something special about Virginia, and in this moment where President Trump in many ways is targeting his policies and approaches to executing his decisions like a tyrant–and affecting thousands of Virginians while doing so, we have an obligation to stand up and stand firm, just as we always have. As so many of you tell me on a daily basis how concerned you are about the disastrous policies being mandated at the federal level, I hope you will remember the fabric that Virginia is made of–both good and bad–and how in this moment we can stand together against tyranny, those who seek to further divide us and destroy all that we’ve worked for.
As a legislator part of the strong democratic majority in the Senate of Virginia, I am proud of our bold action to prepare for what's to come. Despite President Trump's chaotic 100 days (marked on April 30), we’ve already laid a strong foundation through the budget and our legislation to protect and shield as best possible Virginians from federal action. To include:
The Senate and House established bi-partisan committees to assess the impact of federal workforce and funding deductions.
Both bodies adopted changes to the 2024 Special Session I rules to allow us to consider future legislative actions to address federal action on our budget and the services we offer.
And, the final budget sets aside $900 million from the state budget as a contingency to address any budget shortfalls, in addition to our constitutionally mandated reserve deposit.
I know keeping up with the rapid flow of changes coming from the federal government and how we are responding as a state is a lot. I invite you to join me at an upcoming town hall meeting to discuss this and much more together–in person. Register here to attend and let me know your questions in advance!
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
In addition to the above mentioned actions following the adjournment of the 2025 General Assembly Session we returned to the capitol for the Reconvened Session to consider the Governor’s actions. Those actions ranged from the amendments to bills, the budget, and bills that were vetoed. Following our actions during that session the Governor was given an additional 30-days to take any final action. On May 2, he did just that on the budget and the remaining bills before him.
I am proud to report that from our last update we can now say that we have fully passed 13 bills and received only one veto. While I was saddened to see the Governor veto our legislation requiring data collection on new private well permits, we will continue to prioritize well issues plaguing our communities in the future. In my next update I will break down each bill we’ve officially passed, and other notable legislative actions that will go into effect July 1.
EARLY VOTING
Every year Virginia has an election and this year the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and House of Delegates are on the ballot. Before the November election there will be a June Primary, and early voting is underway until June 14! To get registered to vote, find your polling places and see the candidates on your ballot, visit iwillvote.com or www.elections.virginia.gov.
FAREWELL & THANK YOU!
The work of the legislative session doesn’t happen without an incredible team and this session our office was staffed by dedicated hardworking young leaders. With all legislative action officially at an end, our fellows, interns and admin members of the team will wrap-up their positions/academic year at their respective colleges or transition to their next opportunity. If you contacted our office, emailed a position on legislation or visited the capitol, you likely had the benefit of interacting with them. Please join me in wishing Cameran, Wesley, Madison, Christopher, Jasmine, Brandy and Joseph all the best in their future!
Further, this session I had the opportunity to recommend a middle school student from district applicants to serve as a page. Hannah from Prince George was both an amazing representative of our community and was well respected among her peers. Her mock legislation SB14 regarding IEP (Individualized Education Program) violations passed successfully and she was elected floor leader! I thank Hannah for her service to the Virginia Senate for 45-days and wish her all the best with the remainder of her school year.
The best part about the end of the General Assembly Session is getting back into the district and visiting my communities. The spring has already allowed me to tour places like St. Joseph’s Villa to learn more about the incredible work they do, provide legislative updates at community meetings and attend my local churches for worship service.
In the interim months Jameson Babb and Dani Girardi remain available to support your request to our office. As always, please reach out to my office directly by phone at 804-452-7076, via email at senatoraird@senate.virginia.gov and of course for additional resources, you may also visit my website at www.lashrecseaird.com. As always it is my great honor to represent you!
