I have some highlights I am excited to share with you. The Joint Commission on Health Care meeting was held, bringing together Delegates and Senators to tackle some of the most serious work we do: keeping Virginians healthy. On a lighter note, I had the pleasure of attending the DAAV Annual AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration and Awards Dinner, where I joined colleagues in celebrating outstanding community members dedicated to making the Commonwealth a better place. Please let me know if there is an event you would like me to attend by sending us an email: [email protected].
Throughout the rest of June, I will be traveling to Richmond for the Special Session to pass a budget, attending commission meetings where we dig into issues that may shape future legislation, developing our 2027 legislative agenda, and attending both subject matter and legislative conferences. As we move into this phase of the calendar, the newsletter will shift to a less frequent schedule, so look for our next update after the Special Session concludes. You can read more about the Special Session below.
In Richmond
Special Session
On June 18, 2026, the House of Delegates will vote on the state budget. The Senate will also meet to vote on the budget, on Monday, June 22, 2026. Budget negotiations are rarely simple, and with several significant vetoes issued in recent weeks affecting revenue projections and key priorities, there is a great deal on the table. I will be there, as always, advocating for the needs of our community and working to ensure that the final budget reflects the values and priorities of my constituents.
After both chambers pass a budget, it goes to Governor Spanberger, who may sign it, propose amendments, or veto it. If she sends it back with amendments, the General Assembly must reconvene to consider them, which could mean yet another special session. Stay tuned for updates as the Special Session unfolds!
Joint Commission on Health Care Meeting
The Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) meeting included two reports by the JCHC policy team on the public health impact of e-cigarettes and the financial conditions of Virginia’s rural hospitals. The presentation on e-cigarettes covered the health risks, retailer growth and framework, and what recent legislation has been enacted or introduced to confront this public health risk. The presentation on Virginia’s rural hospitals helped demonstrate the condition of some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable institutions. Rural hospitals have unique risks and strains that hospitals in metropolitan areas do not have, and potential closures have significant implications for Virginians’ health and economic opportunity.
JCHC also presented their proposed work plan for the summer and fall of 2026, which outlines how JCHC staff recommend we prioritize our work given current capacity. Three items stand out in particular. The first is an evaluation of how HR 1 is affecting Virginia’s medical systems and rural hospitals. Some estimates project that Virginia hospitals will lose $26 billion over 14 years under the Medicaid changes in HR 1. More than one-third of Virginia’s rural hospitals are already operating in the red, and the cuts put many facilities serving Southwest Virginia and Southside at particular risk. Several Virginia hospitals have been identified as facing potential closure or service reductions, and the consequences for communities that depend on these facilities as their only nearby source of care would be severe. Understanding the full scope of this impact on Virginia is critical to our work ahead.
The second is a study of the impact of federal policy changes on Virginia’s Medicaid program more broadly. As Washington continues to reshape federal health policy, it is essential that Virginia have a clear picture of what those changes mean for the hundreds of thousands of Virginians who depend on Medicaid for their health coverage.
The third is a deeper study of the public health impacts of e-cigarette use and e-cigarette retailers in Virginia. Vaping remains a serious and growing public health concern, particularly for young people, and I am glad to see JCHC dedicating resources to better understanding how Virginia can strengthen its response.
I am grateful to the JCHC team for such thorough and informative presentations, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to address these challenges.
Appointment to Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board
At the start of June, I was officially appointed to the GO Virginia State Board. GO Virginia, formally known as Growth and Opportunity Virginia, is a statewide economic development initiative that drives private sector growth and creates higher-paying jobs by encouraging collaboration between local businesses, higher education institutions, and local governments across nine regional councils throughout the Commonwealth. Expanding economic opportunity for all Virginians is at the heart of why I serve, and this appointment places me in a position to have a direct impact on the investments and decisions that drive our regional economies. Just last year, over fourteen million dollars in grants were distributed across the Commonwealth, supporting small businesses, technology, AI, and sciences. I look forward to bringing the perspective and priorities of Loudoun County to this important work.
Around the District
AANHPI DAAV Dinner & Award
What a joy to gather at the Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia dinner to celebrate our shared cultural heritage and recognize those who have worked in service to our communities. Evenings like this one are a reminder of just how much strength and talent exist within our community, and how much there is to celebrate. I am deeply honored to be a part of the AAPI caucus. Keynote speaker Roger Lau (the Executive Director of the Democratic National Committee) and Emcee Bimah Ahmed (the first South Asian Miss DC and award-winning TEDx speaker) commanded the floor with equal parts humor and substance, holding space for both celebration and the weight of the consequential moment we find ourselves in, here in the Commonwealth and across our nation.
Award Winners:
Joe Montano Community Engagement Award (for individuals who make a difference in their community): Shekar Narasimhan and Praveen Meyyan
Fearless Leader Award (for elected officials who are not afraid to fight on behalf of their constituents): Delegate May Nivar (HD-57)
Unsung Hero Award (for those who are dedicated to community activism): Reggie Meneses
These awards highlight Virginians from across the Commonwealth who make true changes in our communities. Congratulations to the winners!
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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