We’ve just completed the first week of the 2022 General Assembly Session, and I wanted to provide a quick update on what’s been happening in Richmond.

My colleagues and I in the House of Delegates are working hard on behalf of the people of Virginia. On Saturday, I was honored to be part of the inauguration of our new Governor, Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Governor, Winsome Sears, and Attorney General, Jason Miyares. For the first time in 8 years, we will have a Republican in each of the three statewide executive offices.

House Republicans have hit the ground running, with legislation that will ensure our schools remain high quality, teach children how to think not what to think, provide opportunities for innovation, and continue to have high academic standards. Other legislation we’re working on will repeal the grocery tax, send $300 per filer rebates back to taxpayers, and double the standard deduction.

We’re also working on legislation to bolster our law enforcement community to keep our communities safe. We will be addressing the unfortunately historic spike in the murder rate we’re seeing in Virginia. Public safety will be a priority of House Republicans.

This session, I am serving on the Health, Welfare, & Institutions Committee as Chairman and the committees of Agriculture, Conservation & Natural Resources – Finance – and Rules.  My service on these very diverse committees will enable me to be more directly involved in many issues that will affect our daily lives.

I have introduced a total of 16 bills, mostly at the request of constituents.  A brief overview of these measures is:

–          HB 231 & 233: these two bills are intended to provide support for our dedicated members of the Va. National Guard

–          HB 232: will help to discover and reduce Medicaid Fraud

–          HB 234 & 235: will address issues in patient care in Rehabilitation and Long-term Care Facilities

–      HB 237, 912 & 923: all of these bills are designed to increase the ability to access or retain health care insurance

–      HB 910, 917 & 921: all of these bills will work in different areas to facilitate access to necessary health care services and to ensure that our State medical assistance is prioritized to those with the greatest financial need

–     HB 911: will enable local governments to develop programs that would work to encourage volunteer activities that serve the public good

–    HB915: will require that any new regulations changing the current school vaccination standards cannot take effect until after there has been a legislative session.  This will ensure that no new vaccinations can be required without the legislature having the opportunity to consider them

–     HB 919: delays the implementation of certain needed water quality improvements because of unexpected delays.  This will not change the necessary improvement mandate, it will simply allow the department to continue with the changes as soon as possible and not be in violation of the law

–     HB 238:  will require the Department of Taxation to develop a land-use revalidation form for use across the state, just as they have done for the initial qualification process.  At present, farmers are dealing with different standards for revalidation from one county to another even when the land is all part of the same farm parcel, just sitting in both counties

If I sponsor more legislation, I’ll keep you advised.  To track these bills or any legislation, go to virginiageneralassembly.gov.  This site will also let you view committee and floor sessions, either live or archived.

As the delegate representing the 54^th District,  I hold your concerns as my highest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at Delborrock@house.virginia.gov. or call me in Richmond at (804)698-1054.