FROM: Delegate Kathy Tran

SUBJECT: Newsletter 9/22/22 - Tax Rebates, Early Voting, and Other Legislative and Community Updates

September 22, 2022

Neighbors, 


This week, the Department of Taxation has begun issuing rebates for Virginia tax payers in the amounts of $250 for individual filers and $500 for joint filers. I’ve included more information below, such as how you can check the status of your rebate.  

Early in person voting begins tomorrow, Friday 9/23! We have important Congressional races this year and I hope you will make your voice heard by voting. Please see below for details on where you can vote early in Fairfax County.

In this newsletter, I’ve included information about the following:

  • Legislative Updates

    • Tax Rebates

    • Legislative Special Session

    • Senate and House Page Programs

  • Community Events

    • Celebrating Fairfax County Foster Parent of the Year

    • The Arc of Northern Virginia’s 60th Anniversary 

    • Afghan Day

    • KORUS Festival

    • Lorton Community Action Center

  • Early In Person Voting

  • Transportation Updates

  • WMATA Blue and Yellow Lines Closed and VRE Fare Free 

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

Legislative Updates

Tax Rebates

This week, the Department of Taxation began sending out tax rebates of $250 for individual filers and $500 for joint filers. As I have shared previously, this legislative session I supported these rebates to provide immediate relief for Virginians as we continue our recovery from the pandemic. 

If you haven’t filed your 2021 taxes yet, there is still time to qualify for the rebate! All Virginia taxpayers who file by November 1 will be eligible to receive the tax rebate.

Rebates will be issued in the order that taxpayers filed. If you received your state tax refund by direct deposit, then your rebate will also be deposited. All other filers will receive their refund by mail as a paper check.

To learn more about the rebates, click here. To check the status of your rebate, click here.

Legislative Special Session

On September 7, I went to Richmond for a special session primarily to elect a commissioner of the State Corporation Commission (SCC). 

The SCC is the state government entity that oversees many regulated businesses, including financial institutions, utility companies, insurance, and other businesses. The SCC is led by three commissioners who must be approved by the General Assembly. 

Unfortunately, the House and state Senate did not agree on a candidate to fill the SCC opening. However, we did elect several new circuit, general district, and juvenile and domestic relations district judges in other parts of Virginia with vacancies.

House and Senate Page Program

Applications are open for the House and Senate Page Program - If you live in our district, please reach out to me if you apply! 

The Page Programs, open to 13 and 14 year olds, provide an immersive educational opportunity to experience first hand how the Virginia General Assembly operates while we are in session.

Applications for the state Senate Page Program are due October 17 and more information is here. 

Applications for the House of Delegates Page Program are due October 31 and you can access this application here.

Community Events

I have enjoyed celebrating constituents, organizations serving our community, and our region’s diversity during the last few weeks.

Celebrating Fairfax County Foster Parent of the Year

I was delighted to join neighbors in honoring my constituent Sue with a commendation for being named the 2022 Fairfax County Foster Parent of the Year by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. In the last decade, Sue has been a foster parent to 23 babies and toddlers, providing them a safe and loving home. Thank you, Sue!

The Arc of Northern Virginia’s 60th Anniversary Celebration

The Arc provides critical support and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It was wonderful to join legislators, constituents, and community leaders in recognizing its many contributions over the last 60 years.

Afghan Day

My daughter and I joined community leaders at Virginia’s Afghanistan Day at Bull Run Park. Many constituents have volunteered over the last year to help welcome new Afghan refugees and I was so glad we were able to participate in this festival lifting up Virginia’s vibrant Afghan community.

KORUS Festival

I enjoyed attending the 17th KORUS Festival at Tyson’s Corner. Hosted by the Korean American Association of Greater Washington, this is an annual celebration of the Korean-American community in the Northern Virginia region and the longstanding friendship between the United States and the Republic of Korea. 

Lorton Community Action Center

I joined several constituents in meeting with the new executive director of the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), Rob Rutland-Brown. LCAC provides vital resources to low-income residents in the southern part of our community, and it was great to hear Rob’s vision for serving the community. I look forward to working with him to ensure all of our neighbors can thrive. 

Early Voting Begins on September 23

Early in person voting for the general election begins on September 23 - Please vote and make your voices heard and counted at the ballot box! 

For information about early in person voting in Fairfax County, including a full list of early voting locations, please see https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/early-voting. 

Note, in-person early voting will take place at the Fairfax County Government Center at the following times:

  • Weekdays, September 23 - November 5 from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

  • Saturdays, September 24, October 29, and November 5 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

  • Sunday, October 30th from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Transportation Updates

WMATA Blue and Yellow Lines Closed & VRE Fare Free 

As I’ve mentioned in my last newsletter, the six southernmost Blue and Yellow line stations are closed from September 10 through October 22 to allow WMATA to connect the new Potomac Yard Station with the existing rail system and to update the Yellow line tunnel and bridge. Those stations are Huntington, Eisenhower, Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn Street, King Street-Old Town, and Braddock Road.


During construction, the Virginia Railroad Express hopes to alleviate some of the transportation issues from the Yellow and Blue lines closing by offering FREE rides system wide in September and at some stations in the Virginia and DC area fare-free in October. Learn more here.