Please try to enjoy the impending winter wonderland, but more importantly stay safe. We are expecting significant snowfall across the Commonwealth. Check the Department of Emergency Management's website for helpful information to ensure you are prepared.

As always, if there is anything my office can do to assist you or any issue you would like on my radar, do not hesitate to reach out at any time. 

Legislative Highlight- HB 324 Rural Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

For my legislative highlight this week I am happy focus on a bill near and dear to my heart - HB 324, which supports electric vehicles (EVs) in rural parts of Virginia. 

The Rural EV Bill will close the charging network gaps across the rural and low-income areas of the Commonwealth.

I have carried this legislation for four sessions and last year got it to Governor Youngkin’s desk. Unfortunately, he vetoed it. I am hopeful that this is the session we will get it over the finish line.

What Is The Problem?

This hurts development in these areas and our tourism industry–we want to ensure that visitors who want to travel to our wonderful state parks and rural destinations can have confidence that they can charge their EVs.

It also serves as a barrier to those who live in rural parts of the commonwealth who may be interested in this more affordable option of transportation. 

HB 324 will spur development of EV charging stations in rural and economically-depressed parts of Virginia.

HB 324 would extend the affordability associated with going electric to individuals in Virginia's rural areas. 

I presented HB 324 to a Labor and Commerce subcommittee this week, where it passed. It  is now on its way to be considered by the entire House of Delegates.

My Comments in Labor and Commerce in Support of the increase in the Minimum Wage

Labor and Commerce

The Labor and Commerce Committee has four sub-committees, which all focus on legislation related to industries, workers, energy, insurance, and other important topics in Virginia. 

I serve as Vice Chair of the Labor and Commerce Committee, and chair its Subcommittee #3, which focuses on energy and utility-focused legislation. 

Courts of Justice

The Courts of Justice Committee handles legislation pertaining to Virginia's court system and our justice system more broadly.  

The Courts of Justice Committee is composed of four subcommittees: Civil, Criminal, Judicial, and Subcommittee 4.

Finance

The Finance Committee considers legislation primarily concerning taxation. It has three subcommittees. I serve on two of them.

Rules

The fourth committee I serve on is the Rules committee. It is a powerful committee that  oversees all procedures, structure, and administrative rules of the House of Delegates. It also considers all of the legislation proposing a study of any issue by our state government.

On Monday, Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered an inspiring State of the Commonwealth Address. I am excited and hopeful for the next four years.

Among the many important topics addressed during her speech, Governor Spanberger mentioned two priorities that I am honored to be carrying. Below are the two moments where she mentions specific topics my legislation covers — energy storage and red flag laws.

Energy Storage

The first topic the Governor raised when she addressed energy affordability was expanding Virginia's energy storage capability.

That is the goal of my HB 895, which is part of her legislative package.

Governor Spanberger speaking about energy storage

By storing energy at lower demand and cost periods, Virginians can access the same energy during demand surges at more affordable rates— which will lower energy costs in our region by up to 30%.

Red Flag Law

Governor Spanberger also emphasized the importance of reducing gun violence, including the need to increase the use of our Red Flag law in the Commonwealth.

Legislation that I am carrying this year, would both help increase use of red flag laws across the commonwealth and make it easier for certain individuals to intervene in a situation where someone poses a danger to themselves or others. 

I authored Virginia’s Red Flag law in 2020, and am carrying new legislation this session (HB 896 and HB 901) to increase use of the Red Flag law and make it more accessible for Virginians who are worried that a loved one may pose a danger to themselves or others.

Governor Spanberger speaking about Red Flag Law

Unfortunately I can confirm what many of us expected —  the Tyson's Casino legislation has been reintroduced by Sen. Scott Surovell as SB 756, and has cleared its first hurdle in the Senate.

Just to reiterate: I am strongly opposed to this Tysons Casino legislation.

• The legislation is a bad precedent for local authority over economic projects.
  
  
• The proposed casino does not fit with our well-developed  planning for the Tysons area
  
  
• And most importantly... the community overwhelmingly does not want it
  

Fairfax County and Board of Supervisors:

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has taken a strong stance on the casino, as stated by Supervisor Walter Alcorn: “Fairfax County’s legislative position on a casino is clear. We oppose any bill to bring a casino to Tysons without the Board of Supervisors requesting it, as explicitly stated in our adopted state legislative program.”

Chairman Jeff McKay clearly expressed his position in a letter to the House and Senate, making clear that no county officials have been involved in discussions about the potential development of a casino, and that he disagrees with the specific criteria in the proposed bill.

I will keep you updated about the bill status in future newsletters. In the meantime, please fill out the survey below so my team and I know where you stand on the issue.

Throughout the session I will be posting updates on Facebook, X, and now Instagram.

I encourage you to follow me across various social media platforms to stay up to date with everything coming out of Richmond and District 6! 

Having the opportunity to speak directly with various groups and organizations is one of the many joys of being your Delegate. If you ever find yourself in Richmond, feel free to visit our office in Room 908.

Winter Weather Coming This Weekend — Be Prepared

Virginia is expecting a major winter storm this evening and tomorrow. The high levels of snow and ice will have major impacts on the roads, our homes, and access to power.

If you haven't already, make sure you and your family are prepared for this storm. Take a look at the resources I shared yesterday if you want to be sure you have all of your bases covered. 

Fairfax County Resources

Please enjoy the snow, take precautions, stay safe!

Video Gallery

My team and I have put together clips of my work in the General Assembly this week. Watch the videos below to see the bills I presented this week. 

That is a wrap on our Week 2 Newsletter! My team and I will send you this newsletter weekly to keep you informed on 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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