Pre-Session Newsletter
In just under one week we will begin a new era of leadership in our Commonwealth as the General Assembly Session officially convenes on January 10, 2024. I could not be prouder to be part of this historical period in Virginia—being part of the largest incoming class in decades as the representative for Senate District 13. With 18 new Senators and 34 new members of the House of Delegates, we not only have representation that reflects the rich diversity of our Commonwealth but an opportunity to bring forward meaningful change long desired by our communities.
With the official work of the General Assembly soon getting underway, there are several updates we will provide you weekly to keep you as informed as possible. Continue to keep up with the 2024 session via our email updates and be sure to provide us your feedback on the updates you’re interested in receiving along the way by emailing us at senatoraird@senate.virginia.gov.In the News
Youngkin to halt ‘critical’ academic recovery program amid school year (Richmond Times Dispatch, December 26, 2023)"Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg, a former state delegate who in November was elected to the state Senate, said she plans to introduce a budget amendment in an effort to continue funding for the program. The incoming senator said the Engage Virginia program has done “incredible” work to help students who are facing significant barriers or showing significant levels of absenteeism — particularly in high-need school divisions like Petersburg."Virginia could lose 50% of its community health workers by July 1 (VPM News, December 22, 2023)“If the health department were to lose some funding for CHWs, you have the ability to reimburse Medicaid for CHW work,” she said. “So there's at least something sustainable that's out there. Virginia does not have that.” But what Haines and others would most like to see is a budget amendment that allocates ongoing funding for CHW positions at local health districts. And this is a possibility. State Sen.–elect Lashrecse Aird is a Democrat representing Senate District 13 in Central Virginia. In a statement, she told VPM News/WMRA that working alongside the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, she 'will prioritize funding CHW positions during the 2024 session.'”
Around the District
During the past few months, we’ve explored the needs of our major employers, our schools and so much more. With support for our students being a top priority, in November for “Take Your Legislator to School Month” we spoke to students at Petersburg High School and Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Hopewell and in December visited to new Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage High School. We also toured TriCities Hospital in Hopewell and Bon Secours Southside Regional Medical Center where we discussed the growing needs of our hospitals and mental health resources. In addition, visits to International Paper in Petersburg and the Port of Virginia’s Richmond Marine Terminal gave us a fresh perspective on the economic impact their companies have on our district and in the lives of workers throughout the district.
Upcoming Events
Virtual Town Hall
On January 18, 2024, at 6:30 PM we will host our first town hall—virtually. During this virtual meeting, we will review our legislative agenda, provide an overview of what to expect during this session, and hear from policy experts with The Commonwealth Institute. Plan to attend and register here.Additionally, save the date for our joint Henrico town hall that will occur in person on January 27, 2024. More information will be made available soon.RSVPSwearing In Ceremony
On January 16, 2016, I was sworn into the House of Delegates as the youngest woman ever elected to that body. On January 10, 2024, all 140 members of the General Assembly will be sworn in.
You’ve allowed me to continue to serve you and I invite you to observe the live stream of this special moment of getting sworn into the Virginia Senate at noon next Wednesday.
Take Action!
2024 Legislative Survey
Countless conversations while campaigning have given me indications of what you care about and the policies you want to prioritize this session, but I hope you’ll take a moment to complete our survey so we can have an up-to-date snapshot of the issues you care about. Request a Recognition
My office is happy to provide special recognitions or congratulations to citizens in the 13th Senate District — whether that is for a birthday, an Eagle Scout completion, a pastoral anniversary, the opening of a new business or any other major milestone! We can provide letters, certificates, resolutions, and even commemorative flags flown over the Virginia Capitol. Please fill out the new form on our website and my team will be in touch to coordinate the details!