A nod to Black History Month, COVID vaccine distribution issues and getting kids back into schools

Senator Yvonne Miller

During the month of February, we celebrate Black History Month. So many African-Americans have made significant contributions in public policy and many other fields. I want to recall some giants like Congressman John Lewis, President Obama, and several Virginians that I have served with in legislature. I’ve been fortunate to know leaders like Congressman Bobby Scott, State Senator Yvonne Miller as well as the first Black President Pro Temp of the VA Senate, Louise Lucas. I am grateful for their service and the strides they made on a challenging field.

Senator Louise Lucas

Many constituents continue to reach out with questions and comments about the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines. January saw record numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Virginia. As of this writing, we are seeing these trends go down. The virus is mutating and we are now noting the appearance of these variants within the Commonwealth. Most of us are “battle weary” and it will be easy to let down our guard. That will only prolong this pandemic. All of us should be committed to stemming the spread, getting vaccinated, and getting back to work and life.

Slugging through the eleventh month of the pandemic, frustration over the distribution of the vaccine is the shared undertone I hear from constituents. Without a doubt the supply of doses far outpaces the eligible demand in Phases 1a and 1b. Every state wants more vaccine from the federal government and Virginia is no exception. More vaccines are in the pipeline but still are not available. In addition to patience, adjusting the distribution plan (adjusted inventory management plans, shifted doses from hospitals, and providing clear direction to health districts) has been necessary and keeps the situation fluid. The VDH vaccine dashboard reveals the most up to date information.

This week, CVS will start its “shot in the arm” program with 36 locations. The best news is their inventory will be in addition to what Virginia is already receiving. Negotiations are taking place with more pharmacy chains such as Walgreens, Giant, and Walmart. This is a positive step forward in reaching our vaccine program goals.

It has been nearly a year since students have experienced a usual and customary school day. Governor Northam has made it a priority to get kids back into school beginning March 15. Plans for the school year must be predicated on the safety of children and teachers. In many localities, in-person learning has been occurring for special education and some ESOL learners. Many are also utilizing hybrid learning. Evidence shows schools are able to reopen safely and in-person learning does not pose a risk of being a super spreader threat. I supported SB 1303, which directs school districts to be ready to get our children back into the best learning environment.

In some of the larger localities, operational challenges will be present, but the Governor is prepared to assist with federal funding to help meet them head on. In an effort to bridge the achievement gap we see for many students, it will be necessary to plan for summer school options. Students that need this the most will be prioritized. Local school boards and superintendents are diligently working to calibrate the best way forward in this new learning environment. From the lessons of the past year, there are positive takeaways we can build upon going forward.

The General Assembly has been operating at supersonic speed. Last week, each chamber completed work on its originating bills. Even with bill limitations, this has been no small task.  Hundreds of bills have been vetted in committees and debated at length in respective floor sessions. Most days begin at sunrise in a subcommittee and often go late into the night.  Crossover was February 5. The Senate went into its floor session at 10 am and concluded in the eleventh hour. Governor Northam has called for a Special Session to conclude the business of the Legislature.

Historic legislation has passed both the Senate and the House of Delegates which abolishes the death penalty and legalizes the use of recreational marijuana. The merits of capital punishment have been debated at length as legislators seek a more equitable and fairer criminal justice system. In the Senate, despite nearly two hours of floor speeches, SB 1165 passed along party lines. That vote was mirrored in the House. The Governor has signaled his support for this landmark legislation and will likely sign it into law.

The Senate and House passed bills authorizing adult recreational use of marijuana. SB 1406 came out along party lines with just two Republican senators joining Democrats in this initiative. You may recall in 2020 the penalty for simple possession became a civil fine not to exceed $25. There are differences with the House that will likely need to be hammered out before the measure is signed into law by Governor Northam, who has indicated his support. Retail commerce is likely to begin in 2024.

The G3 bill, Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back, has also passed both the House and Senate and will be a quick procedural vote to get over to the Governor for his signature. The concept behind SB 1405 is something that I have worked on for several years. It is also adequately funded in the proposed budget plans to launch the pathway for retooling careers.

Steps have been taken (SJ 270) to repeal (a now moot) amendment to the Constitution banning same sex marriage. Additionally, the Senate has passed a resolution (SJ 310) calling for a constitutional amendment which will lengthen the General Assembly to 46 days in the odd years. It was necessary to file this bill because of the time required to make adjustments to the budget as well as get through the tsunami of proposed legislation from 140 members serving over 8 million constituents.

By the end of this month, hundreds of bills will make their way to the Governor’s desk. The proceedings of the Virginia Senate are online for your review at Granicus link here. Also, logging into LIS.Virginia.gov will bring you to the page where you are able to research all introduced bills by number, member, or committee assignments.

(Press Release and art from office of State Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw)