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Dear Friends,
In the second week of the 46-day General Assembly session, we worked quickly to advance a legislative package to improve our schools. We have filed legislation that will elevate education standards, empower teachers to regain control of their own classrooms, and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed. Most importantly, the proposals incorporate input from both parents and teachers around the 33rd District and across Virginia. I've been introducing and presenting more legislation, and one of my bills has been making national news.
IN THE NEWS
Several articles were written this week about my bill called "Sage's Law;" you can read them at these links:
Empowering Teachers & Listening to Parents
Disruptive classrooms make it harder for teachers to do their jobs. A recent JLARC study underscores the severity of the issue: 56% of those surveyed in our schools said behavior is a “very serious issue,” while another 24% called it a “serious” problem. It is beyond time for teachers to regain control of their classrooms and reestablish the consistency needed to instruct students effectively and without distractions.
Fortunately, legislation (HB 1461, Wiley) has been introduced that will empower teachers with the support they need to allow them to better handle discipline in their classrooms. By reducing disruptions, classrooms can return to an environment where teachers can teach and students can learn.
Legislation has been introduced by myself and others to give parents more options in their children’s education, allowing them to have the best classroom experience that maximizes their potential. Here's a link to mine:
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Speaking in K-12 Education Subcommittee in favor of this year's ESA bill
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Addressing Learning Loss & Preparing Students for Success
Recent reports from the Department of Education related to student test scores show a clear and immediate need for more resources for our students to succeed. The General Assembly cannot be idle and hope that students recover from the learning loss brought on by the pandemic and virtual learning – parents and teachers deserve support now.
House Republicans are answering that call by advancing legislation (HB 2269, Greenhalgh) that earmarks specific unspent federal funds to invest in our students and combat learning loss. Moreover, we are promoting legislation (HB 1526, Coyner) that expands proven and effective reading support to more students across Virginia. This legislation received unanimous approval in a House subcommittee and awaits further consideration in the legislative process.
MORE LEGISLATION AND BUDGET AMENDMENTS FILED
Last week included multiple deadlines for filing bills and budget amendments. I made several additions to the legislation I highlighted last week, rounding out the full 15 bill slots I'm allowed.
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HB 2432 "Sage's Law"
Thursday morning, I filed HB 2432, because Virginia law needs to be absolutely clear that affirming a child’s biological sex does not justify taking a child away from their family.
Subjective determinations of whether a family’s beliefs are “abuse and neglect” are not acceptable.
Teachers, school counselors, social service workers and courts must respect the parents' fundamental rights
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in the parent-child relationship by involving parents immediately when a child is experiencing serious challenges. The horrific treatment of Sage has shown the need to provide protections for parents and children in Virginia. Thank you to Family Foundation of Virginia attorney Josh Hetzler from their Founding Freedoms Law Center and The Gavel Project for their ongoing work to save and protect Sage and ensure that those who harmed her come to justice.
One account of Sage's story is here; you can watch the press conference here.
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Helping Healthy Families
The other two bills I filed this week aim to help mothers and fathers:
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Purcellville midwife Kim Pekin & others visit
Budget Amendments:
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Fully funding Law Enforcement
Virginia law provides for the state to fund one Sheriff deputy for every 1,500 residents in a locality, but that commitment hasn't been met for many years. My budget amendments 72#6h and 79#1h would fully fund those positions, with Loudoun and Frederick Counties being two of the largest beneficiaries. Similarly, my amendment 408#8h will restore state funding for Regional Criminal Justice Academies that has been lagging for years, so less local subsidy for the training is needed.
With Clarke County Sheriff Roper & Chief Deputy Sumption last week.
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With Frederick & Loudoun County Sheriffs and Sec. of Public Safety Robert Mosier
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Life-Affirming Funding Priorities
My 292#1h would ensure that when we fund "Family Planning Services" those funds go to legitimate care providers, not abortion clinics. Likewise, my 4-5.04#2h would prohibit funding to state-run hospitals or medical centers that perform elective abortions.
I have worked through many sessions with Olivia Gans Turner, President of the Virginia Society for Human Life, always strategizing how to protect the unborn. This year there are several bills we’ll present with hopes they will make it past the Democrat-controlled Senate. I am honored to come alongside Del. Kathy Byron working to pass
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Exposing racist indoctrination in our education institutions.
From our universities down to our local elementary schools, too much time and resources goes to DEI and CRT while core subjects like reading and math are seeing disastrous shortcomings. My budget amendments 137#22h and 144#7h require DEI & Critical Race Theory expenditure reporting
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I was honored to speak at the Virginia Medical Freedom Alliance's rally on "Lobby Day" about our important work to stop vaccine mandates, and protect our liberties and parental rights.
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VISITING WITH FOLKS FROM BACK HOME:
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Delegate Bill Wiley and I took advantage of a break to show Winchester’s newest council member, Emily Windle, around the capitol and brainstorm on how we can work together more to support needs in our community.
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Celebrating Berryville’s 225th Anniversary last Sunday with Berryville Mayor Jay Arnold, Boyce Mayor Zack Hudson, Front Royal Councilman Josh Ingram and many other folks from the area.
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COMMITTEES
COMMISSIONS & OTHER APPOINTMENTS
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Get in touch and stay connected:
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DelDLaRock@house.virginia.gov
District Office: P.O. Box 29, Berryville, VA 22611 (540) 751-8364
Paid for and authorized by Dave LaRock for Delegate
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