USDA Now Accepting Applications for Veterinary Services Grant Opportunities in Designated Areas of Virginia
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has nominated five veterinary services shortage areas in the Commonwealth that have a need for veterinarians practicing food supply veterinary medicine.
Win Some, Lose Some
12 out of 23 is not so bad.
Bills are on the move this fourth week of session here in Richmond! I have had several “losses” this week with my legislation, but they are outweighed by my “wins”.
Guilty Plea in Conspiring To Sexually Exploit Children
A Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) attorney pleaded guilty last month to conspiring to sexually exploit numerous children.
Donald Dinan
Alexandria Aces founder dies at 74.
“Don was a walking encyclopedia and a wealth of knowledge.” — Alexandria Aces owner Frank Fannon
Fill the Fridge for Carpenter’s Shelter
Carpenter’s Shelter needs help to Fill the Fridge from Feb. 20 to Feb. 24. Your help is needed to fill the refrigerators, freezers and pantries at the Hoffman Center and Alexandria Community Shelter (ACS).
County’s FY 2025 Budget Process Kicks Into Gear
Potential budgetary shortfall of $284.5 million complicates matters.
Budget
Commonwealth Is Failing Students
Students
Money Does Grow On Trees
Virginia Forestry pays for community tree plantings
Virginia Forestry pays for community tree plantings
Local Audubon Chapter Votes to Change Its Name
John James Audubon claimed ownership of enslaved people
Audobon
Casino Bill SB 675 Carries Over in 13 to 2 Vote
VA Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee ends consideration of a Tysons casino for this session; likely to be back in 2025
Casino bill
Casino Bill is Dead for 2024
Carried it over until 2025.
Sen. Marsden’s SB 675 Casino Bill Carried Over: Opponents react; Marsden touts benefits.
Herndon Seeks Business Owner to Serve on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
The Town of Herndon is seeking an energetic, results-oriented business owner to serve an unexpired term on the Herndon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (HDEIC)
Alternatives to Revenue Model for County Park Authority
FCPA’s recreation participation skews wealthier and whiter than the population of Fairfax County.
VA Legislators Aim for Assault Weapon Bans
Will new seats mean new votes?
Virginia came close to banning sales of assault weapons in 2020 when the House passed a bill banning them by a narrow 51-yes to 48-no vote. In the Senate Judiciary committee that year however, three Democrats: Senators Creigh Deeds, Chap Petersen, and Scott Surovell, surprised many by voting with Republican committee members to fail to move the bill forward in the Senate.
Police Continue Search for Hit & Run Driver
Victim Mary Wong dies more than a month after she was left injured on road.
The victim of the hit-and-run crash on Huntsman Boulevard has succumbed to injuries inflicted on Dec. 23 (see Connection, January 18-24, page 2).
New President, New Ideas Coming to FABB
Bicycling group continues to grow with biking efforts in Fairfax County.
Over at the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, 2024 will start out with a new president, as former president Bruce Wright steps down and newly elected Joy Faunce takes over.
Combating Animal Cruelty
During the summer and fall, I heard from constituents who believe that there should be stiffer penalties for those who hurt household pets. We have seen examples of this in our community. Last summer, someone left sausages with fish hooks on Duke Street in Alexandria outside for animals to eat.
Virginia's Great Outdoors Act
As we hurdle towards crossover day in just two short weeks here in Richmond, I’d like to bring you along on the journey of one of my bills this session. As I have mentioned in previous columns, one bill I introduced this session is the Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act, HB 1297.
Pathway Homes Receives $30K Grant to Support Upkeep on 500+ Homes
Homes and services are key to recovery and resident successPathway Homes received a $30,000 grant from Sentara, one of the nation’s top 20 largest not-for-profit integrated health systems, to help support ongoing maintenance for the over 500 properties that Pathway owns, leases and manages in Northern Virginia.