Each General Assembly Session brings with it its own rewards and challenges. This year is no different. I feel very honored and privileged because my Democratic colleagues in the Senate have elected me the Caucus chair. With this title comes some particular responsibility. I need to work with and interact with all Caucus members and to help address any obstacles they may encounter. Moreover, this Session brings great challenges because, with an acting Republican majority, many of the issues that I believe are so important are irrelevant or even counter to the Republican agenda. But that does not make the needs of citizens any less critical just because some legislators don’t prioritize those concerns.

Virginia children still deserve a first class top-notch public school education whether they live in Fairfax in Northern Virginia, in Grundy in Southwest Virginia or here in Richmond in the capital region. They deserve the opportunity to pursue higher education at a reasonable cost or to be able to get vocational training. We must ensure that all our graduates are prepared as they can be for the difficult job market. For this to happen, they need committed and devoted teachers, access to cutting edge technology and facilities that enhance learning.

Virginians deserve shelter and adequate healthy food for themselves and their families. They should feel safe in their homes and not have to worry about violence and crime. Living in a crime ridden neighborhood makes it impossible for residents to enjoy or fully focus on any other part of life. Their energy, mental and physical, is concentrated on staying safe.