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.”
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.”
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.
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