Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and father figures who show up each day for the people who depend on them. I hope you got to spend the day with the ones who matter most.
This past week brought a meaningful mix of reflection and action, from honoring history and the ongoing fight for freedom at the 10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, to preparing for next week’s Special Session on the budget in Richmond. Here is what has been happening.
In Richmond
The Budget
Next week, the House and the Senate return to Richmond for a Special Session on the budget. This budget takes meaningful steps forward, from making data centers pay their fair share to investing in our schools, healthcare, and working families. The proposed bill creates a data center impact fee, projected to generate over $600 million annually. Additionally, this budget authorizes the Department of Environmental Quality to procure and enforce noise regulations for data centers, further lessening the impact on our communities. That being said, there is still work to be done in mitigating the environmental impact of data centers in the Commonwealth.
Holding data centers accountable is just one part of a budget that puts Virginians first. This budget invests to protect Virginians from SNAP and federal Medicaid cuts caused by HR1, as well as a contingency fund to protect our federal workers. We are providing a salary increase for teachers and investing in updating our schools and lowering school meal costs. Childcare also sees record investment, including matching funds to incentivize employers to contribute to their employees’ childcare costs, and mental health services continue to grow around the Commonwealth. These investments reflect what Virginia’s families need most, and I am proud to submit a budget that provides for the people that take care of us.
I look forward to reporting back to you after the General Assembly acts, and the Governor takes her actions!
Around the District
Juneteenth Celebration
The Loudoun Freedom Center, in partnership with the Loudoun County Branch of the NAACP, hosted the 10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and March for Freedom. This year’s theme, “Freedom Still Demands Action,” was a powerful reminder that Juneteenth is not simply a moment in history, but a responsibility we carry forward each day. The celebration began with opening remarks at the Charles Hamilton Houston Courthouse, followed by the March for Freedom and a ceremony at Raflo Park that brought together residents, leaders, advocates, and families from across Loudoun County. It was a morning filled with cultural performances, historical reflections, youth presentations, and community recognition, all in honor of the resilience and courage of those who came before us. Ten years of this celebration has been a testament to the enduring commitment of this community to the ongoing pursuit of equity, freedom, and justice for all, and it was a privilege to be a part of it again.
How My Office Can Help
Navigating state agencies can be confusing and difficult at times. As the delegate for House District 27, I can help you communicate with state agencies such as the Virginia Employment Commission, Departments of Taxation, Social Services, Transportation, and more! I can also submit inquiries with those agencies on your behalf. There are limits to what I can do, however. For example, I am unable to expedite cases or force state agencies to favor your inquiry, provide legal advice or recommend a specific attorney, intervene with judicial issues, overturn decisions, or be involved with matters between private businesses.
Whether you require my office’s assistance, want to bring an issue to my attention or invite me to a community event, please reach out here: https://atoosareaser.com/help/.
Alongside constituent services, I can submit drafts for commending and memorial resolutions. Commending resolutions are formal legislative documents that recognize individuals or organizations for their outstanding achievements or service to the community, while memorial resolutions pay tribute to those who have passed away. If you know of someone or a group in the district that deserves special recognition, please submit a request here: resolution request form.
Yours in Service,
Atoosa Reaser (she/her)
Virginia House of Delegates
District 27 (Eastern Loudoun)
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