Back Home for Now – Jennifer Boysko for VA Senate

Dear Friend,

The 2023 session of the General Assembly wrapped up, for now, on Saturday. There continue to be stark differences between the Republican-led House of Delegates and the Democratic-led Senate. As with many things, we were unable to agree between the House and Senate on budget funding priorities, and after the conferees find consensus we will return to vote on the full budget. The Senate has prioritized k-12 and higher education funding as well as funding for mental health services as opposed to corporate tax cuts favored by the Governor and the House. We were able to agree on a “skinny budget” taking care of the outstanding required fiscal obligations, including making the k-12 schools whole.

I also found that House leadership was unwilling to agree with Senate on issues that most would find uncontroversial. At the top of the list, I championed legislation that would protect children in the Commonwealth by requiring that gun owners lock up their guns at home when a minor or other person prohibited from having a gun was present (SB 1139) unfortunately it was killed in a subcommittee by six Republicans without even getting a hearing. I carried a long studied concept bill that would have put some simple guard rails on how candidates spend campaign funds. Shockingly, it was killed in the House. Loudoun County asked me to carry legislation that would give counties authority to include electric vehicle charging stations in their zoning (SB 1312) also killed in the House. None of these should be controversial, yet…

As you know I care deeply about some policies that have deep partisan divides. Senator (now Congresswoman-elect) McClellen and I carried a constitutional amendment that would enshrine reproductive freedom in the state’s constitution (SJ 255). No surprise, it was also killed in the House. For the first time ever my Paid Family and Medical Leave Program (SB 1101) bill passed through the entire Senate and died unceremoniously in the House. My equal pay bill to narrow the wage gap by prohibiting salary history from being part of an employer’s hiring questions also passed the Senate but died in the House.

This year, working with community advocates, I carried legislation to provide hazing prevention training in middle and high schools (SB 1102). Local law enforcement asked for changes to the state’s retirement system so they could better recruit, retain and compensate qualified individuals (SB 1445). And regional educators asked me to bring a proposal to the General Assembly to look at ways we can better attract people to work in some of the hardest positions to fill in our local schools (SJ246).

You can see below the entire slate of bills I carried and their outcome below. Elections have consequences and I will be working hard to pivot from the work in the General Assembly to the campaign trail.

Women of the Senate with Senator Saslaw

Many long time Senate members have decided to retire. Just today, our beloved and groundbreaking Senator Janet Howell announced that she will be retiring at the end of her term. She and I now share the same district and I am honored to be running to fill that seat in the 38th Senate district which will be comprised of Herndon, Reston, Great Falls, McLean and WolfTrap. I have been so grateful to have known Senator Howell and have had the opportunity to work with her over the past 20 years. She has been a true change-maker.

If you are able, please consider making a donation to my campaign today. I have taken on the role as Finance Chair for the Senate Democrats and will be working tirelessly to hold the Senate. With redistricting and the number of seats that will be changing we will have to work extra hard to hold the line and I need your help. Donate here.

Kindest regards,
Jennifer

Photos from Richmond

2023 Legislative Slate Updates

SB 1100 Alcoholic beverage control; mixed beverage carrier license, airport passenger lounge. Passed in both chambers and sent to the Governor.
SB 1101 Paid family and medical leave program; Virginia Employment Commission required to establish. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House:Tabled by House Committee on Commerce and Energy.
SB 1102 Public schools; hazing prevention training program for students. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House: Tabled by House Committee on Rules.
SB 1104 Medical assistance services; provision for violence prevention services benefit in state plan. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House; Tabled by House Appropriations Committee
SB 1105 Nurse practitioners and licensed certified midwives; licensed by the Board of Nursing only. Passed by with a letter for study by the Board of Health Professions.
SB 1136 Wage or salary history inquiries prohibited; civil penalty. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House: Tabled by House Committee on Commerce and Energy.
SB 1139 Firearms; storage in residence where minor present, penalty. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House: Tabled by the House Committee on Public Safety, Subcommittee #1.
SB 1146 Epinephrine; policies for possession & administration at early childhood care, etc. Passed in both chambers and sent to the Governor.
SB 1147 Human trafficking; practitioners regulated by Dept. of Health Professions, etc., required training. Passed in both chambers and sent to the Governor.
SB 1156 Strangulation by blocking or obstructing the airway of another; penalty. Passed in both chambers and sent to the Governor.
SB 1159 Fines, costs, etc.; time period to commence collection activity. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House: Passed by Indefinitely by House Committee on Courts of Justice.
SB 1271 Animal testing; whistleblower protections created. Passed in both chambers with differences resolved in a conference committee.
SB 1272 Assault and battery; persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House: Tabled by House Committee for Courts of Justice.
SB 1273 Health insurance; coverage for doula care services. Passed by with a letter for study by Healthcare Insurance Reform Commission which is required to review any mandated added benefit.
SB 1274 Electronic communication systems within state correctional facilities; free telephone calls. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House: Tabled by House Appropriations Committee.
SB 1278 Local rent stabilization authority; civil penalty. Passed by indefinitely with a letter for study by The Housing Commission.
SB 1279 Over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids; licensure not required by certain corporations, etc. Passed in both chambers and sent to the Governor.
SB 1282 Community service work in lieu of payment of fines and costs; work performed while incarcerated. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House: Passed by Indefinitely by House Committee for Courts of Justice.
SB 1303 Expungement and sealing of offenses resulting in a deferred and dismissed disposition or conviction. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House: Tabled by House Committee for Courts of Justice.
SB 1312 Requirement for electric vehicle charging stations for certain developments. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House: Tabled by House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns.
SB 1328 Removal of officers; elected officers and officers appointed to elected office; recall election. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House:Tabled by the House Committee on Privileges and Elections.
SB 1445 Virginia Retirement System; certain law-enforcement officers; part time. Passed by indefinitely with a letter for study by JLARC.
SB 1471 Campaign finance; prohibited personal use of campaign funds; complaints, hearings, civil penalty. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House:Tabled by House Committee on Privileges and Elections.
SJ 246 Study; Department of Education; feasibility of expanding waiver of teacher licensure requirements. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House:Tabled by House Committee on Rules.
SJ 255 Constitutional amendment (first reference); fundamental right to reproductive freedom. Passed the Senate. Killed in the House: Tabled by House Committee for Courts of Justice.
SJ 274 Acknowledging with profound regret the unethical use of Black bodies by medical institutions. Passed in the Senate. Killed in the House:Tabled by the House Committee on Rules.

Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Support and Resources

Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Support and Resources

As a member of the Substance Abuse Services Council, which is in the process of changing its name to Addiction Recovery Services, we work together to ensure that people have the resources they need to identify and get help for addiction recovery support. The new hotline for suicide prevention, 9-8-8, is available nationwide. You can also find support for yourself and family members by reaching out to NAMI or Mental Health America.

Addiction is a life-threatening problem for too many Virginians. Please reach out if you need help for yourself or a loved one.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

National Drug Helpline: 1-844-289-0879

National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center: 1-866-615-6464

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: 1-855-378-4373

Both Fairfax and Loudoun Counties offer mental health first aid courses so you will be equipped better to help others and yourself.

Constituent Services

Unemployment Assistance and Resources for Job Searchers

For those eligible for benefits, VEC requires that people receiving unemployment benefits show proof of job searches each week. I encourage you to seek support for finding a job from Virginia Career Works or the Loudoun Workforce Resource Center. They help identify training programs, job opportunities, and help with resumes, emails, and interviewing skills. My constituents report good results working with VCW and the Loudoun Workforce Resource Center.

My staff continues to work with constituents who are waiting for benefits although we have seen many cases resolved. Please reach out if you need help with a VEC claim.

Help Paying Bills

If you are struggling to pay bills, please visit Virginia’s CommonHelp websiteto figure out if you qualify for assistance. You can also reach out to your county – your local government will review your financial situation and connect you with resources. In Fairfax County, contact Coordinated Services. In Loudoun County, contact Information and Referral.

Here are additional resources for food. If you have lost your health insurance, please visit coverva.gov to figure out if you are eligible for medicaid or for help with Affordable Care Act insurance.

Opportunities

Speak Out for History and Social Studies Education

The Virginia Board of Education will hold public hearings on the proposed revised History and Social Science Standards of Learning. The Standards of Learning identify the essential content, processes, and skills for grade levels and subject courses. The public hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. Registration of speakers will begin at 6:30 p.m. Speakers will have three minutes to speak and should bring copies of their comments for the Board of Education. The closest public hearing to northern Virginia will be held on March 14 at Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA.

The proposed History and Social Science Standards of Learning can be accessed on the VDOE History and Social Science webpage. Public comment regarding the proposed revised Standards of Learning may be offered at public hearings or in writing through the Virginia Department of Education website.

On February 2, 2023, the Virginia Board of Education accepted the proposed 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning on first review. Additional information regarding the HSS Review and Revision process, timeline, and upcoming Public Hearings scheduled for March 2023 throughout the Commonwealth may be found on the VDOE History and Social Science webpage.

This version of the History and Social Science Standards of Learning has a difficult and lengthy history. In 2020, I passed legislation to create the Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Education Practices Advisory Committee for the purpose of providing (i) standards recommendations to the Department of Education that shall be considered by the Board of Education during the 2021-2022 review of the history and social science Standards of Learning and (ii) recommendations on meaningful professional development with school personnel related to culturally relevant and inclusive education practices. I co-chaired the committee which included a diverse group of educators with years of experience. Our report included specific recommendations which we do not believe have been incorporated into this version. I am also a member of the Commission on Civics Education which encourages attendance at the public meetings and submission of public comments.

I have worked with the following organizations for many years and trust their analysis.

VEA Calls for Adopting Collaborative History and Social Science Standards

Hamkae Center History SOLs Public Comment Training – Virtual Session 3/2/23 at 7 pm

Figure out Your New State Legislative Districts

The Who’s My Legislator website has been updated. You can now look up your address and figure out your new, post-redistricting (post-2020 Census) legislative districts.

Enter NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge

Students can create a podcast about any topic they wish to explore for NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge. Past stories have covered everything from social media, tattoos to questions on race and identity and how young people do, or don’t, fit in. Your podcast can also be in many different formats: an interview, narrative story or even investigative reporting. You can do it by yourself or with your entire class. One important rule to keep in mind is that the maximum length of your podcast is eight minutes, and longer entries will be disqualified. Entries must be submitted by an educator or a student leader who’s 18 years old or older. The contest closes on April 28. The judges will choose winners in two categories: grades five through eight and grades nine through 12.

Up to $30 discount on Broadband Bill for Eligible Households

Please share information regarding The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – we know that many families who qualify for these benefits have not yet signed up.

Give Back

The non-profit Northern Virginia Community College Educational Foundation was established in 1979 to support NOVA and help provide students with a high-quality, life-changing education through private donations. The NOVA Foundation each year funds more than 350 scholarships, emergency aid grants, and a wide range of academic programs and student services across NOVA’s six campuses and NOVA Online.

NOVA Foundation recently launched the NOVA Student Success Fund. This endowed fund will provide emergency grants and scholarships for students who need timely financial support to continue their education at NOVA.

NOVA serves students from all walks of life and surveys have shown that over half of NOVA students struggle with financial instability, with many of them attending classes while also supporting their families and working full time. To help prevent them from dropping out of school, the Student Success Fund will provide financial support beginning in the Fall 2023 semester for tuition and fees, books and supplies, food and housing assistance, and medical, childcare, and transportation expenses, as well as unforeseen financial emergencies.

Donate here.

News

Events

Saturdays, year round, 8 am- noon (May – Oct), 9 am – noon (Nov – April)/Leesburg Farmer’s Market, located at the Virginia Village Shopping Center, 30 Catoctin Circle, SE, in Leesburg.
Friday, March 31 at noon – 1 pm/Loudoun County Revive! opioid overdose reversal training. Loudoun County continues its series of opioid overdose reversal training, which is now available virtually. Participants who complete the training are eligible to receive free naloxone nasal spray. They may choose to receive naloxone by mail or arrange pickup. You must pre-register.

We welcome notices about events that are free or very low cost.

Keep in Touch

With University of Richmond Intern Ben Spiegel on the Senate Floor

I am back home after session. My district team includes my Chief of Staff Karen Harrison and Constituent Services Director Kathy Shupe. Our district office is co-located with Delegate Irene Shin and Supervisor John Foust in Herndon adjacent to the Herndon Police Department. For constituent services, to discuss legislative matters, or to make an appointment, please call our district office at (703) 437-0086 or email district33@senate.virginia.gov. Friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.