Updates from the Capitol: 2025 Legislative Session
While the 2025 General Assembly Session officially began on January 8, winter weather and the subsequent water crisis prevented us from operating as usual. However, that didn’t last long. With our first full week now behind us we are fully organized, our committees are meeting and bills have already begun to be passed. With all odd numbered years, we are operating within the constraints of only 45-days to complete the work of the General Assembly. I am proud to enter my second year in the Virginia Senate and plan to spend the next few weeks providing you with as many legislative updates on the work I am doing on behalf of the families of the 13th District as I can.
MEET THE TEAM
Photographed from left to Right: (Front): Jameson Babb, Jasmine Slade, Senator Aird. (Back): Wesley Gerschick, Christopher Moore, Madison Traylor, Brandy Barnes and Dani Girardi. (Not pictured): Joseph Favale and Cameran Drew.
Aiding me in serving the families of our district is an amazing team of staff members, fellows and interns. Most known if you’ve ever called or emailed our office is my Chief of Staff, Jameson Babb and my District Director Dani Girardi. New to our office are the following:
Brandy Barnes, a graduate of Old Dominion University, serves as our Administrative Assistant, joins me for the second year and has been integral in keeping our office running smoothly.
Wesley Gerschick, a student at Randolph Macon College, serves as a legislative fellow and provides policy analysis and committees monitoring this session.
Jasmine Slade, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, serves as a legislative fellow and oversees justice involved requests and correspondence.
Madison Traylor, a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, serves as a legislative fellow and supports communications and policy analysis this session.
Joseph Favale, a student at William and Mary, serves as a legislative intern supporting constituent correspondence and policy analysis.
Cameran Drew, a student at Virginia Peninsula Community College, serves as a legislative fellow and supports a variety of legislative initiatives.
Christopher Moore, a senior at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, serves as a legislative intern supporting district events and constituent requests.
STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH & SENATE DEMOCRATIC REBUTTAL
Annually at the start of each legislative session the Governor of Virginia delivers the State of the Commonwealth Address. The Governor takes this opportunity to outline their achievements, reveal their priorities in the year ahead and specific policy proposals for the General Assembly to consider. This year Governor Youngking revealed tax relief proposals, budget proposals in the areas of infrastructure, education and disaster relief. While in many ways we agree there needs to be proposals to address the challenges we are experiencing in many of these areas, we disagree on how. Largely the Governor is committed to prioritizing the wealthy while leaving low and middle income families behind. In response to the Governor’s address, it was an honor to offer the official response on behalf of Senate Democrats. Watch my complete response here and how Senate Democrats plan to fight for families.
COMMITTEE UPDATE AND LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Elected Vice-Chair of the Tobacco Commission
Last year I reported on the number of legislative committees and interim commissions I've been appointed to in my capacity as Senator. The VirginiaTobacco Region Revitalization Commission is one of them and at their winter meeting I was proud to be elected Vice-Chair. For over 25 years the Commission has used its assets to support the challenges and growing needs of the Southern and Southwest communities and I look forward to doing my part to keep this work going.
Reproductive Rights, Restoration of Rights & Marriage Equality Const. Amendments
To amend the Virginia Constitution several steps are required by the General Assembly and voters over multiple years. This session the Senate has already moved this process forward with the initial passage of three Constitutional Amendments; SJ 247 protecting access to abortion and other reproductive rights, SJ 249 repealing and replacing language to protect the freedom to marry by all and SJ 248 repealing provisions regarding felons prohibition on voting and allowing for automatic restoration of voting rights. Both the Senate and House has to fully pass these amendments this year and next year before it can then appear on the ballot for a vote.
Our Legislation Acted On
Two of our bills have already received their first votes of their legislative journey. SB1228 allows children aged 16 years of age or older to serve in a licensed barbershop or cosmetology salon as apprentices and to be paid when appropriate. SB1232 provides for the Autism Advisory Council to be reconstituted as a permanent commission with dedicated staff to support comprehensive recommendations to the General Assembly. While both of these issues are important and I am pleased with their progress, they still await a final vote by the full Senate chamber.
LEGISLATIVE SURVEY
Countless conversations with advocacy groups, organizations and constituents from all across the district have given me indications of the issues most important around the district. However, hearing directly from you is most important. Please use this link to complete our legislative survey and share your thoughts!
CAPTURED MOMENTS
Virginia Sheriff’s Association Day (City of Hopewell, City of Petersburg and Charles City County Offices, represented)
This session presents a new opportunity for us to make decisions about real issues affecting our families and I need you alongside me to do this work. I renew my invitation for you to reach out to my office directly by phone at 804-698-7513, via email at senatoraird@senate.virginia.gov and of course in person at the capitol with your views and positions. For additional resources, you may also visit my website at www.lashrecseaird.com.
As always it is my great honor to represent you!
