As session’s third week comes to a close, I wanted to provide another quick update on what’s happening in Richmond.
Legislation
Efforts to help our firefighters
When you’re at a fire, you see the timbers burning. You can feel the heat. You can see the flames. But you can’t see the carcinogens. Firefighters often encounter dangerous chemicals on the job which can later lead to cancer. These men and women risk their lives protecting us, and often face roadblocks proving their exposure led to their cancer. My HB1245 will add types of cancers to the list covered by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act.
Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force
In Fairfax, the ratio of gang members to police officers is 1:1 . Law enforcement officials needs to be properly funded to help fight back against the ever-growing threat of gangs like MS-13. My amendment to the budget will provide $1.5 million each year for the next two years for the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force. If you recall at a press conference during the campaign, I stated that this would be a priority of mine if reelected.
Expanding apprenticeships in Virginia
I am happy to report that my bill (HB1233), which makes it easier for Virginians to receive training in high-demand trades, passed out of committee and will head to the House floor. We must continue to change the workforce culture to highlight that there are multiple paths to success and we need to encourage the apprenticeship path.
What’s Happening in Richmond
Below are photos highlighting some of my visitors since my last email. If you are able to do so, I encourage you to take the time to visit Richmond while the General Assembly is in session. I would be more than happy to take you on a tour of the Capitol.
Students from George Mason University stopped by to discuss their legislative agenda.
I was thankful to be one of the 2018 Clean Energy Award winners from Conservatives for Clean Energy Virginia.
On Virginia Education Association (VEA) lobby day, educators from Prince William and Fairfax counties stopped by to discuss how we can improve public education in Northern Virginia.
In the News
Bill to widen workers’ comp for firefighters diagnosed with cancer advances
In Virginia, there has been a push to better protect these first responders who are diagnosed with certain types of cancer. Del. Tim Hugo (R-Centreville) introduced HB1245. “These are men and women who run into burning buildings to save us,” said Del. Tim Hugo.
Lawmakers get first shot at controversial Haymarket power line
State regulators are pushing off another hearing on Dominion Energy’s hotly debated power line proposal in western Prince William County, opting to see how state lawmakers might address the issue before reviewing the project once more.
Sen. Black, Del. LaRock introduce toll-relief legislation
Loudoun County state Sen. Dick Black (R-13th) and Del Dave LaRock (R-33rd) announced Thursday their legislation to bring what they are calling “desperately-needed toll relief” in Northern Virginia. Del. Tim Hugo (R-40th), vice chairman of the House Transportation Committee, added his support for the bill.