From the 92nd House District--April 2018

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Earlier this month, we returned to Richmond for a special session to restart the process of passing the biennial budget. The House and Senate acted to allow the process to continue. I’m excited that we may finally agree on a budget that will give health care for up to 400,000 Virginians who need it.

The House budget will allow us to accomplish much needed improvements to our schools and give pay raises to our teachers and to those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. This week, I will return to Richmond to continue our fight for a budget that will benefit all Virginia.

On Wednesday April 18th, the General Assembly Returned for Reconvened Session where we upheld every single one of the Governor’s vetoes and voted on amendments.

We wished Ms. Shawneequa James a fond farewell and thanked her for her six years of service to the Commonwealth.

Ms. James has worked as my legislative assistant in both Richmond and in our local district office. She greeted every visitor with a warm smile. On her last day, many of her colleagues, and those with whom she has worked, joined her for a farewell luncheon at Olive Garden. Ms. James will continue her career in social work. Best wishes Ms. James. You will be missed.

Searching For...

With the departure of Ms. James, I will begin the search for a new legislative assistant. I am looking for someone who is pleasant and always professional in communicating with the public. A basic understanding of the political system and a willingness to learn are extremely important. Writing skills are highly valued and required. A more detailed job description will be discussed. If interested, please send your resume by May 15 to: Trevor@VAHouseDems.org

Apply

MS Walk

Not even the cold or rain could stop these committed forWARD Walkers from participating in this year’s MS Walk. I continue to walk each year, because I know that when we participate, the funds we raise will go towards cutting-edge research that will one day lead to a world free from MS. Why not join me next year.

April 4, 2018 marked the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hampton Branch NAACP hosted a vigil in recognition of his life at Bethel A.M.E. The entire program was organized and led by young adults from middle schools, high schools, and even colleges. Chief Sult, Hampton Police Department, spoke passionately about the importance of keeping an open line of communication between law enforcement and the community. Each person explained how the life and death of Dr. King had affected their lives. The event was well attended by members of the community.

Class of 2021 Commitment to Graduate

The freshmen class of Hampton City Schools entered the Hampton Coliseum to the Pomp and Circumstance, usually reserved for graduates, however, this was their Commitment to Graduate in 2021 ceremony. This was Hampton City Schools' first commitment to graduate ceremony. The class of approximately1500 students will be the first class to go through the Academies of Hampton, which will prepare our children for specific career paths. This class will be the first to spend their entire four years in academies. Wishing only the best for the class of 2021.

Crime Victims Rights Week

I attended the memorial service for Quincey Jamar Davis. The young man seemed to have vanished after 2004 until 2015 when his remains were found in a duct taped trash bag in the trunk of his mother’s car.

Because the week of April 8 – 14 is Crime Victim’s Rights Week, it was an appropriate time for the Hampton Victim Services Unit to not only draw attention to victims of crime, but to also honor the life of Quincey Davis and provide him with a proper burial. The State Police, Commonwealth Attorney’s office, and everyday members of the community all joined at O.H. Smith Funeral to celebrate the life of this promising young man, whose life was cut short. His uncle and teachers provided a glimpse of a smart, energetic, happy young boy who seemed to be thriving. Hampton Victim Services Unit has requested donations to cover the cost for Quincy’s burial. Donations can be sent to the funeral home or to the Hampton Victim’s Services Unit office.

Still signing...

As stated in my previous newsletter, there were over 8,000 honor roll letters and certificates printed for the students in the 92nd House District. I have completed signatures and personally delivered to most schools. I only have a few schools remaining to sign the letters and certificates and deliver them. Not only is each letter and certificate individualized based on the students' grades, but they are all personally signed by me.

Reminder: If your student lives in the 92HD, has earned honor roll, but did not receive a letter or certificate, it is probably because the school is located in a different house district. There is no way to determine if a student lives in a particular district, so we base it on the location of the school. However, if you live in the 92HD and your child earned honor roll, please let me know and I will gladly send a letter of acknowledgement.

All the best,

Delegate Jeion (ja-WAN) Ward

Authorized by J Ward for Delegate