I hope that you and your family safely got through the recent storm. Across the district there is still ice on the ground and some roads are still not cleared, so please travel with caution.

My family and I had the chance to see Billy pitch for the Astros against the Pirates from front row seats right behind home plate at PNC Park. Simply sublime.

As always, my team and I are here to support you. Do not hesitate to reach out to us by using the link below.

Though many trips to Richmond were cancelled this week, we still had a few intrepid constituents from the 6th District come by the office. I hope you are able to come by sometime during the General Assembly session!

Joe Jacobs with the Northern VA Building Industry Association

Maria Borst, a Mclean High School Student, and her family

What's The Problem?

One of the legislature's top responsibilities is ensuring that Virginia has a well-functioning government and supporting state agencies that provide services to Virginians. Our Virginia state government workforce is facing challenges that HB 54 works to address. 

Approximately 11,000 state employees (just over 8%) are two years away from retirement eligibility.

The average age of a Virginia state employee is significantly higher than the private sector. 

And all of this as the Virginia state government faces a 22% vacancy rate spells trouble. Virginia must find creative ways to attract and retain talent to serve in our state agencies before services suffer.

How Will HB 54 Help?

Virginia’s state government needs to recruit and retain young talent. One of the best ways it can do that is by growing internship opportunities with the government.

Internships are a great return on investment for any employer. Virginia Economic Development Partnership reports internships both help reduce recruitment costs and increase retention rates. 

HB 54 is a simple bill that can have a major impact on the Virginia state government workforce. The legislation:

    ⚫  Creates a "State Government Internship Coordinator" position at the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) to help build and grow internships throughout state government

    ⚫  Codifies the great work that DHRM is doing through their COVA Internship Connection program, which currently is in a pilot phase

Be sure to watch the video below which highlights the great work that the COVA Internship Connection program does. 

I am excited that HB 54 reported unanimously from the General Laws Committee this week and will soon be considered by the House Appropriations committee.

Watch my presentation of HB 54 to hear directly from me why this bill will help strengthen Virginia's state government. 

Image Source: Fairfax County

With the intense interest about in the Tyson's Casino legislation working its way through the General Assembly (SB 756), we will include a weekly update of where the legislation stands in the legislative process. 

What's The Status Of The Tyson's Casino Legislation?

SB 756 Passing Senate General Laws and Technology

Unfortunately the Tyson's Casino took another step in the legislative process this week. After passing a Senate General Laws Subcommittee last week, SB 756  passed the General Laws and Technology Committee 11-4.

It is now on its way to be considered in the Senate Finance and Appropriations committee likely during this coming week. 

Though nothing is certain, my best guess is that since this legislation passed the Senate Finance and Appropriations committee last year, it is likely to pass again this year.

My Position On The Proposed Tyson's Casino Legislation

As I have stated clearly and am glad to reiterate, I am firmly opposed to the Tyson's Casino proposal.

I opposed it last year when it was introduced and defeated. And if it passes the Senate, I will work actively to defeat this legislation.

Thank you for everyone in last week's newsletter who responded to our poll on the  casino. The poll results reaffirm to me that our community is widely opposed to this proposal. 

Imaage Source: The Commonwealth Institute

Though specific pieces of legislation often get the most attention in the news, budget amendments proposed by legislators during session can be just as — if not more — impactful. 

Working from Governor Youngkin's outgoing budget, each General Assembly member has the opportunity to submit "amendments" to the budget to increase or decrease funding or alter existing language in the budget.

They are an impactful way to move policy priorities forward that have a fiscal impact.  

My Proposed Budget Amendments This Year

I am proud of the many budget amendments that I have introduced this General Assembly session. I have 14 in total, many of would fund the legislation I have introduced.

 A couple I want to ensure are on your radar are:

I had the opportunity to present a few of my budget amendments to the House Appropriations Committee this week. That committee reviews all the budget amendments and decides which are included in the House of Delegate's total budget amendment package.

Watch the video below to hear me advocate for the importance of some of my budget amendments. 

Video Gallery

This week was very busy as I presented ten bills. My team has clipped my presentations of many of those bills for your convenience.

That's all for our Week Three Newsletter! Check in next week, as my team and I will send you weekly newsletters to keep you informed of everything going on in Richmond.

As always, please let me know if there is anything my office or I can do to support you. Please feel free to email us or stop by our office in Richmond!

I’ll see you around the neighborhood.

Best,

Rip Sullivan

Office of Delegate Rip Sullivan
PO Box 994
McLean, VA 22101
United States

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