End of Summer + Session Recap Newsletter

All that has happened so far in 2024! [The Newsletter ] 2024 Virginia General Assembly What did we Deliver for Virginia? In May, the General Assembly reached an agreement on the state budget, completing the regular business of this year’s legislative session which began in January. This letter recaps the work we are doing in Richmond on your behalf. While we are generally working every day in Richmond during the months of January, February and March, we continue the work year-round serving our constituents and addressing the state’s problems. I welcome your feedback and thank you for the honor of representing you in the Senate. My Committees & Appointments Committees: In the Senate, I am honored to serve on the following committees: (1) Courts of Justice, (2) General Laws and Technology, (3) Privileges and Elections, and (4) Rehabilitation and Social Services.' Appointments: During the Special Session in May, I was nominated to serve on the following boards and commissions by the Senate Committee on Rules: - Interstate Compact for Juveniles, VA Council - Advisory Committee On Juvenile Justice - Board of Veterans Services - Task Force on Maternal Health Data And Quality Measures Our Office's Legislation: During the 2024 Legislative Session, I am proud to announce that we had a total of 11 bills pass the General Assembly and 7 of them were signed into law by the Governor of Virginia. Learn more about some of these bills below, and visit [my LIS page]( for information on all the legislation I sponsored this year. [Click Here for Legislation](   The Budget Virginia operates under a two-year (biennial) budget cycle, and this year’s budget negotiations covered the designation of the Commonwealth’s $87.5 billion of funding. Discussions continued after the conclusion of the Regular Session, and in May, the General Assembly passed a bipartisan budget with a strong focus on education, transportation, and economic development that Governor Youngkin then signed into law. The final compromise budget is one that makes crucial investments in areas that affect Virginia residents on a daily basis, particularly that of our public education system. One aspect of these negotiations revolves around the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Program (VMSDEP). VMSDEP is a program that provides education benefits to spouses and children of certain qualifying Veterans. In initial budget conversations, concerns were raised by representatives of Virginia’s higher education system regarding the long-term viability of the program. This July, the Chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, Senator Louise Lucas, and Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Delegate Luke Torian, reached a deal with Governor Youngkin to fully fund the program over the biennium. Key points of this agreement include: - Full Repeal of Recent Changes made to the VMSDEP program and related tuition waivers in prior iterations of the budget bills. - Increased Funding: An additional $90 million from the FY 2024 surplus will be allocated to the program, bringing the total to $65 million per year for the 2024-2026 biennium. - JLARC Study: To ensure the program's long-term sustainability, a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) study has been commissioned. “This collaborative effort ensures that the escalating costs of the program will not burden other students through increased tuition charges. Our priority remains making education accessible and affordable for all. The JLARC study and our dedicated workgroup on VMSDEP will provide the necessary insights to maintain and enhance this vital program for veterans and their families.” - Senator Louise Lucas, Chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee I fully support the mission of VMSDEP, and recognize the sacrifices of those who qualify for this program as a result of their service and sacrifice. I look forward to reviewing the results of the stakeholder-driven task force and JLARC study to better inform the development of evidence-based solutions aimed to minimize the impact on military and veteran families to the greatest extent possible, and ensure that the VMSDEP program is sound, solvent, and sustainable.   Summer Highlights Let's recap some of the places I've been this summer! May In May, I toured the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center to learn more about facility operations and how to address concerns raised by advocates and the Department of Juvenile Justice. June In June, I hosted a Virtual Town Hall with other elected officials to share legislative updates from this past session, and hear from members of the community about what matters to them. I also participated in a Town Hall hosted by Delegate Rozia Henson to discuss updates and concerns regarding Environmental Policy in the Commonwealth. July In July, we had a blast walking in the Dale City Parade with students from Potomac Senior High School! August In August, I toured the Micron Technology facility in Manassas City to learn more about the manufacturing of semiconductors in Virginia, and the crucial role they play in our day-to-day lives. September In September, I joined Supervisor Margaret Franklin for a luncheon with northern Virginia labor leaders to discuss the issues that matter most to workers across the Commonwealth.   Presentation of Commemorating Resolutions: As Senator, I have the honor of sponsoring resolutions to formally commend esteemed members of the community for their contributions to the 33rd District and beyond. Here are a few of those recognized: - PWC Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - PWC National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - PWC Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - M. Siddique Sheikh - Sergeant Major Nathaniel Frost, USA, Ret. Looking Ahead Ahead of the 2025 Session, I plan to meet with members of our community to hear more about what issues impact them the most. To do this, I plan on organizing or attending the following: - Roundtable with Women Veterans from around the Commonwealth - Roundtable with Fairfax County Public School educators - Presentation of a Commemorative Resolution to the Prince William County chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.   Join our Team! Internships are offered both remotely and in-person during the Regular Legislative Session. Remote Internships will be offered on a rolling basis without a set end date. Our office can accommodate a particular end date, if you have one in mind. This program is fully remote, and offers flexibility for those who may need it. Session Internships will be offered from the first week of January 2025, and run through the end of February 2025. This program is in-person, and offers a hands-on opportunity for those living and working in Richmond to be a part of the legislative process. [Learn More](   This is the hard work that you elected me to do, and together, hand in hand, we will see a better tomorrow for all Virginians. Serving as your Senator is a privilege and an honor. Thank you for this opportunity. I hope you stay connected with me on social media for all updates and please feel welcome to contact my office directly if you want to have a chat with me about how our office can serve your needs. With grace & gratitude, - Jennifer Carroll Foy   Stay Connected on Social Media! Email spam can be rough. That's why I post frequently to X/Twitter and Facebook with status updates from the General Assembly and 33rd District. [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Authorized by the Office of Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please [unsubscribe](. Jennifer Carroll Foy for State Senate PO Box 5002 Woodbridge, VA 22194 United States