October Newsletter
As the weather is turning cooler and the leaves are beginning to change, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a lovely start to fall! While there is an increase in yard signs, commercials and all sorts of other political advertisements popping up around the district, the work of legislating still continues, and to that end, I wanted to provide you with a few updates on my work in Richmond and the district, and to share some great upcoming events happening in the area.
Budget
After long negotiations, the Virginia legislature finally passed a budget on September 6th. Democrats were proud of our hard work to ensure that the giant ongoing corporate tax cuts proposed by the Youngkin administration were not included, while still providing one-time tax relief for our constituents through direct repayments of $200 for individuals and $400 for joint filers. The budget also includes historic investments in mental health care and funding our school systems. Still, fairer tax policy that Democrats have been fighting for to ensure that Virginia prioritizes the working people over wealthy interests continues to be out of reach. That’s why we have to make sure to flip the House blue in November! Encourage your friends and family to vote!
The November 7th elections are just around the corner. Early voting in-person is underway through November 4th, so be sure to check out your in-person early voting locations and times! The offices on the ballot in Fairfax County are listed below.
State offices: Senator, House of Delegates member; commonwealth’s attorney.
County offices: Board of Supervisors chairman and members; clerk of the court; sheriff; School Board members; Soil and Water Conservation District members.
Community Events and Resources:
Spooky Halloween Events!
Check out this list of Halloween events in the Fairfax County area - there's fun for all ages, from families to teens!
Cornerstones Coat Drive
Do you have any old winter coats lying around? Come drop them off anytime between now and November 8th at Cornerstones, where they can serve someone in need! You can drop them off at 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210, Reston, any weekday between 9 and 5.
Fairfax County Webinar on Housing Choice Vouchers for Property Owners
At 12 PM on Wedensday November 8th, the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will hold a free webinar about the federal Housing Choice Voucher program and the benefits of implementing it in your property. The program allows for tenants to receive rent money subsidies from the federal government, and for landlords to receive tax benefits and other incentives - a win for everyone! You can register here.
Renewable Energy Credits
If you live in a multi-resident complex, but still want to go green for your energy, check out Fairfax County’spageall about offsetting credits!
Solarize NoVA
Going solar has never been easier or cheaper! Visithereto learn more about the tax credits, incentives, and methods you can use to make your home or business more sustainable.
Leaf Collection
Bagged yard waste and curbside leaves will be collected in the Town of Herndon every other weekend based on your location!
North of W&OD Trail: October 23-27, November 6-9, November 20-22, December 4-8
South of W&OD Trail: Oct 30 - Nov 3: November 13-17, Nov 27 - Dec 1, December 11-15
Volunteer Opportunities
Herndon Village Network - If you are looking to help out your community, volunteering to provide transportation for non-driving seniors in the Herndon area is a great way to do it! You can fill out this form to become a volunteer. If you or someone you know is in need of the Herndon Village Network’s services, visit their website to join as a member.
Volunteer Fairfax has a running list of many volunteer opportunities around NoVa, from clean-ups to volunteering at local festivals! Check out their full calendar to browse and sign up.
If you want to contribute to a clean, healthy environment, consider signing up for a shift with Fairfax’s Invasive Management Area program! They host cleanups and invasive species removals at parks all around the county. Here is their calendar and signup page.
What I’ve Been Up To:
Fall has been a busy time for all of us! I’ve had a great time canvassing with several Democratic colleagues in our community, including Jimmy Bierman for Dranesville Supervisor and Senator Jennifer Boysko.
We also opened our new campaign office just a few weeks ago. Stop by the Herndon Democratic HQ at 338 Elden Street to sign up for a canvassing shift or pick up a yard sign!
I thoroughly enjoyed the ARTS by George event at George Mason, where I got to see so many talented students and Renee Elise Goldsberry’s performance! The money raised by this event goes towards scholarships for Mason arts students, and I couldn’t think of a better way to support the arts while having a great time.
I also had a lovely time at the Dranesville Democrats meet and greet at Herndon Harbor House! It was heartwarming to see so many residents come out to support us and share their stories with us.
Delegate Ken Plum’s annual family picnic was so much fun! As he wraps up his time in the House of Delegates and heads into retirement, we celebrated his many achievements and steadfast leadership in our community. I will sorely miss my seatmate on the floor, who offered me so much guidance and support in my first term.
Lastly, I had the honor of visiting a local Gurdwara with candidates Saddam Salim, Karen Keys-Gamarra, Kannan Srinivasan, and Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj.
Do you have an event or resource you want featured in our newsletter?
Feel free to contact us, or fill out this form!
In closing, I want to thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your Delegate and please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if we can ever be of assistance either by email at DeliShin@house.virginia.gov or by phone at 703-677-8334.
