SESSION HAS BEGUN!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I’m very excited to be back in Richmond for the 2016 Virginia General Assembly Session! I look forward to continuing my work on the Militia, Police & Public Safety Committee, Agriculture, Chesapeake & Natural Resources and the Science and Technology Committee.

While this is my first Session serving as the  House Democratic Whip, I've hit the ground running in my new role. Over the next eight weeks, I'll be working with House Democratic Leader David Toscano and House Democratic Chair Charniele Herring to effectively share our vision for moving Virginia forward.

On Wednesday, I filed my legislation for the 2016 Session. My legislative agenda includes bills to support small businesses, help Virginia workers, increase access to affordable housing, incentivize renewable energy, protect our environment, prevent gun violence, strengthen the social safety-net, and expand voter access. You can see my full legislative agenda on my website at http://www.alfonsolopez.org/about/2016-legislative-agenda

In addition to my legislation, this year the General Assembly will adopt the State Budget for the next two years. Governor McAuliffe laid out a clear vision of his values and priorities when he introduced his budget back in December. He is focused on investing in core government services such as K-12 and higher education, taking care of our veterans, expanding Medicaid, and building a new Virginia economy to improve the quality of life for all Virginians. I look forward to working with him as Session moves forward to find common ground and pass a budget that moves Virginia forward.

It's time to get to work!

Sincerely,

Alfonso H. Lopez
Member, 49th District
Virginia House of Delegates

STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH

On Wednesday evening, Governor McAuliffe eloquently laid out his vision for the future of the Commonwealth. He was laser focused on creating jobs and growing a new Virginia economy. 

If we invest in K-12 and higher education, take care of our veterans, and expand Medicaid, Virginians will continue to see our economy grow and thrive. These are all achievable goals, but only if we put politics aside and get to work. 

Over the next two months, I look forward to working with Governor McAuliffe to find common ground, build a new Virginia economy, and improve the quality of life for all Virginians.

PROGRESSIVE VOICE: KEY PRIORITIES FOR A BUSY SESSION

This week I discussed what you can expect from the 2016 General Assembly Session in the Progressive Voice Column on ARLnow. 

This year is sure to be a challenging and fast-paced legislative session. In just two short months, we will make judicial appointments, consider approximately 2,000 bills, and adopt the State Budget for the next two years. 

To read more about the key issues you can expect to see this session from the Virginia House Democratic Caucus, please follow this link to my article in ARLnow.

CONSTITUENT SURVEY