After taking in a MONSTER JAM with my grandson last weekend, I hurried back to Richmond to get back to work ahead of the February 4 crossover deadline.
We had a very productive week as many of my bills continued through the legislative process.
As always, my team and I are here to support you. Do not hesitate to reach out to us by using the link below.
Tragedy On The Potomac This Week
I typically use this newsletter to report on what is happening in Richmond this session, however, I am moved address the tragic plane crash over the Potomac this week. We now know that multiple Virginians, and several from the Fairfax community, were among some of the victims.
No words can fully express the depth of my sorrow and sympathy for all those who lost loved ones. And many of us use DCA regularly, so it is hard not think of this in very personal ways. My son, his wife, and their two month old baby arrived at National just an hour before the tragedy. Chilling.
I am proud of the both state and local response to support the rescue/recovery from Virginia.
My friend and colleague Del. Adele McClure, whose district includes National Airport, shared remarks and adjourned the session on Thursday’s session in memory of all those who lost their lives at DCA.
Events like this remind us that life is fragile, and how important it is. Hug your friends and loved ones every day.
An Update on the Tysons Casino Proposal
My email, PO Box, and phone lines have been inundated with correspondence from constituents opposing SB 982, which is the the bill relating to the proposed casino- anchored “entertainment district” in Tysons.
I share many of the concerns you have raised with me, which is why I have consistently opposed the idea and will continue to oppose the bill.
Given the intense interest in this topic, moving forward I will provide an update in each newsletter about the status of SB 982.
What Exactly Does SB 982 Do?
Before any Virginia locality hosts a casino, it must get approval from the General Assembly to be on the list of localities able to do so. As of now, the five localities that have received that approval are Danville, Norfolk, Bristol, Portsmouth, and Petersburg.
SB 982 would add Fairfax to the list, and in addition is very prescriptive of where any casino would go. It would be required to be built in Tysons.
Were SB 982 to pass the General Assembly and be signed by the Governor, the Fairfax Board of Supervisors would be enabled to consider the idea. If the Board were to approve the project, the proposal would then have to go before the voters of Fairfax for a referendum.
What Is The Status SB 982?
The bill is being carried by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell and is making its way through the Senate. It passed out of the Senate General Laws Committee by a vote of 11 to 1. It passed the Senate Finance Committee 9 to 6, and it will be voted on by the Senate either Monday or Tuesday of next week. You can view the floor of the Senate on their website here.
The Fairfax Board of Supervisors Provided Its Thoughts
On Monday, the Fairfax Board of Supervisors sent a letter to the General Assembly sharing its views on SB 982.
The Supervisors:
– Clarified the reality of increasing real estate taxes that Fairfax is facing (often an argument in favor of the bill)
– Reiterated that they both have not asked for this proposal nor have been involved with the development of the policy
– Highlighted that the Tysons area is currently thriving and an economic engine for both the county and the Commonwealth
Read the full report here: https://app.indigov.com/pub/outreach/d100b5e3-0334-4f2d-b57d-28e903f99614
