January 29, 2022
Neighbors,
Tuesday is the Lunar New Year and the start of the Year of the Tiger. I wish a year of good health, prosperity, and wonderful times with loved ones to all who are celebrating!
Tuesday also marks the start of Black History Month. I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on Black history and honoring the contributions of Black Virginians to our Commonwealth and country. We have made strides toward addressing systemic racism and advancing racial and economic justice, and I am committed to continuing our progress.
I’ve included information about the following in this newsletter:
Upcoming Town Hall on 1/30
Constituent Meetings
Legislative Update
As always, let me know if you have questions or need assistance by calling my office at (804) 698-1042 or emailing me at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov.
Best, Kathy
Kathy KL Tran
Delegate, 42nd District
Upcoming Town Hall 1/30
I hope you will join us at our town hall on 1/30 to share your priorities for our community!
Sunday, January 30 at 1pm
Senator Scott Surovell and I will be hosting a virtual town hall on Sunday, January 30 at 1pm to discuss the legislative session. Register here!
Constituent Meetings
This week, my staff and I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the constituents and members of the Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Fairfax Education Association, CASA in Action, the Humane Society of Fairfax County, Concerned Veterans for America, and Fairfax Firefighters Local 2068. We discussed issues ranging from expanding health care to supporting our public schools to animal welfare.
Legislative Update
The House of Delegates kicked off our legislative work in earnest this week, with all House committees and subcommittees meeting to consider legislation. For more ways to follow our legislative work, see here.
Update on My Legislative Agenda
I presented six of my bills and some of my budget amendments in hearings and am sharing the outcomes below. You can see my full legislative agenda here.
Strengthening Public Education
HB 979 passed unanimously out of its subcommittee. The bill would allow eligible internationally-trained teachers to qualify for a provisional license, helping to address Virginia’s teacher shortage and enable immigrants and refugees to fulfill their career potential. Thanks to the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, Virginia PTA, Virginia Education Association, American Federation for Teachers, and Church World Service for their support. You can read more about this bill here.
Protecting Our Environment
HB 959 failed on a party-line vote in subcommittee. The bill would update the threshold by which the Department of Environmental Quality would have to notify Virginians if harmful substances are spilled into public waters. I worked with the Virginia Conservation Network, League of Conservation Voters, and James River Association on this issue.
Increasing Consumer Protections
HB 958 failed on a party-line vote in subcommittee. The bill would limit certain costs and improve transparency about fees associated with public safety towing. I appreciated working with my constituents Amy and Clark and having the support of the Virginia Poverty Law Center and Arlington County on this legislation.
HB 1027 passed unanimously out of its subcommittee. The bill commences regulation of companies offering merchant cash advances, providing new protections for small businesses against these predatory lending practices. Many thanks to the Virginia Poverty Law Center, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, and Richmond Black Restaurant Experience for their partnership.
Improving Workplace Safety
HB 1089 failed in subcommittee on a party-line vote. It would require employers to notify their farmworkers who are applying the pesticide paraquat about its public health risks. Thanks to my constituent Bob and the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and the Michael J Fox Foundation for working with me.
Building A More Welcoming And Inclusive Virginia
HB 1049 advanced out of subcommittee on a bipartisan basis. This bill would require state agencies to have a language access coordinator and plan to improve language access equity for Virginians who are limited English proficient or who have a disability affecting communication. My partners for this bill include the Virginia Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, Virginia Poverty Law Center, and Voices for Virginia’s Children. You can learn more about this issue here.
Budget Appropriations
I presented to the Virginia House Appropriations Committee some of my budget priorities. Specifically I discussed my proposals to help meet behavioral health and nursing workforce needs, and to help veterans transition to the civilian labor force. The Committee is not voting on individual budget requests at this time and will present an updated budget in a few weeks for consideration.