June Newsletter
It’s hard to believe it’s already June! It’s been a busy first half of the year, and I wanted to reach out to share some updates and resources with you.
State of the Budget
Budget amendments from the 2023 session remain in political limbo. The biggest point of contention remains: Governor Youngkin’s flawed tax scheme to give tax cuts to corporations.
Senate Democrats have been very clear that they won’t allow a corporate tax cut, and I support the Senate budget that includes historic funding for our public schools, including more than $64 million for Fairfax County students.
The increase in funding for mental and behavioral health, supported by Governor Youngkin and Republicans as well as Democrats, is a hopeful note of bipartisanship. The only step left is to decide exactly how much to spend, as the Senate budget allocates $100 million more to this issue than the House budget.
Negotiations are still ongoing between the House of Delegates, the State Senate, and the governor as they attempt to find a compromise on the state’s finalized budget. As it stands, it seems that the state government will continue to operate on the previously approved budget for the remainder of the year.
Pride Month
This June, we come together to celebrate Pride Month across the United States. This commemoration holds immense significance as it reminds us of how far we have come in securing equality for everyone.
It is disheartening to observe the introduction of harmful legislation that specifically targets the LGBTQ+ – especially youth – community. In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of legislative proposals to undermine the protections we’ve established for the LGBTQ+ community, like the Virginia Values Act.
Now more than ever, it is crucial that we continue to stand in solidarity with the community and push back against these regressive policies. As a Commonwealth, we must continue to advocate for inclusive and fair laws that protect the rights and dignity of everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Is Virginia a Border State?
It was recently announced that Governor Youngkin will deploy 100 Virginia National Guard troops and 21 support personnel to the Southern Border as part of a broader operation being conducted by the state of Texas. The deployment is expected to cost Virginia taxpayers approximately $3.1 million.
This announcement to send troops to the border is just part of Governor Youngkin’s delusional attempt to bolster his presidential ambitions. Our Commonwealth’s resources, especially our National Guard troops, should not be deployed just to be used as a talking point during a failed primary run for the Republican nomination.
In the District
Last week, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion at an event organized by the Asian American Bar Association of Virginia, as part of the celebrations for Asian American Heritage Month. We engaged in a discussion centered around the topic of Asian American representation and what we can be doing to increase access to justice in the court system.
I had a truly outstanding time celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia. The remarkable dedication and tireless efforts of DAAV over the past decade have left a positive impact on the representation of the Asian American community within Democratic politics. It was an honor to celebrate this momentous occasion with them.
Last month, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol came to the United States to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the US-South Korean alliance. I was fortunate enough to be seated at the table with the President and the First Lady, along with a fellow Virginian, our Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Jason Pak.
Senator Mark Warner hosted a roundtable with the Korean American Association of Greater Washington Metropolitan Area. The goal was to discuss their policy initiatives and build stronger relationships to better serve our communities. It was an excellent event and testament to Senator Warner’s commitment to engaging with every community in the Commonwealth.
Community Information and Events
Town of Herndon Farmers’ Market
Every Thursday until November 9th, from 8:00 am - 12:30 pm, come down to Lynn Street, (in front of the library) to support our local businesses and grab some fresh produce and flowers from the farmer’s market!
June 20 Democratic Primary Early Voting
Early voting began May 5th for the June 20th Democratic primary election. Primary candidates for these offices and districts will be on the ballot:
Board of Supervisors: Chairman, Dranesville District, Mason District, Mount Vernon District and Springfield District
Commonwealth’s Attorney
Sheriff
Virginia House of Delegates Districts: 7th, 15th and 19th districts
Virginia Senate Districts: 33rd, 35th, 36th and 37th districts
Any registered Fairfax County voter can vote early, and can cast their ballot at any early voting site. The deadline for registering to vote in the June 20th primary was May 30th. The last day to vote early is Saturday, June 17th, at 5 pm. Curbside voting is available for those who are eligible.
For more information, click here.
