The third week of the 2023 General Assembly session is officially wrapped! I am proud to lead our caucus as we fight to improve our Commonwealth.
General Assembly Session 2023
50-Year Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
This week commemorates what would have been Roe v. Wade’s 50th anniversary. In honor of that anniversary, we were hard at work at the Capitol calling attention to Republicans’ proposed abortion bans. On Tuesday, I delivered remarks on the House floor highlighting two introduced abortion bans and defending the right to choose. I challenged my Republican colleagues to be honest with the people of Virginia about their party’s anti-woman agenda by assigning the bills to a committee. As of the end of this week, the bills are still not on the docket.
Happenings in Richmond & Portsmouth
Announcing Constitutional Amendments for Reproductive Freedom
I was honored to join Senator Jennifer McClellan and Delegate Charniele Herring at a ReproRising press conference this week to announce Virginia Democrats’ joint constitutional amendments to enshrine a woman’s right to choose in the Virginia Constitution. The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade makes it imperative that we write this basic human right into our constitution. I am proud to support these two bills.
Leader Scott joins Senator McClellan, Delegate Herring, and other General Assembly members at a ReproRising press conference.
Meeting with Deltas in Richmond
Ladies of public service! I was honored to meet with the incredible women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., on their Delta Day at the capital this week. I am grateful for their ongoing advocacy in Virginia.
Rivers Casino Opens in Portsmouth
Rivers Casino officially opened this week, marking the first full-service permanent casino in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We expect the casino to provide the great city of Portsmouth with a substantial new stream of tax revenue – funds that will go a long way in supporting our schools and essential infrastructure.
Meeting President Gregory Washington
George Mason University President Gregory Washington stopped by the capitol this week. It is always a pleasure having educators visit our office!
Centennial Celebration of Florence Bowser Elementary School
Suffolk Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John B. Gordon III was joined by Dr. Shalise M. Taylor, the principal of Florence Bowser Elementary School, and three of the school’s teachers visiting the General Assembly on Thursday in celebration of the school’s centennial. Also in attendance was Kimberly Martin, great-granddaughter of the late Florence Bowser. Ms. Bowser was an educator and philanthropist who became the only woman and African American to have a school named after her in Suffolk, Virginia. I was pleased to have the chance to meet with this incredible team of educators in my office.
Brunswick County Stew Day
One perk of working in the General Assembly is the chance to celebrate Virginia traditions like Brunswick Stew. Each year, representatives of the County of Brunswick come to Richmond to share their iconic southern stew on Brunswick Stew Day. This year, county representatives even let me stir the pot!
Burgers on Bank Street with the Virginia Farm Bureau
Agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry, bringing in $70 billion annually. I am proud to partner with the Virginia Farm Bureau to support bills that help our farmers. The Virginia Farm Bureau does more than just feed our Commonwealth – they sometimes feed the General Assembly! This week, my staff and I were lucky enough to grab a farm-fresh lunch as part of their annual Burgers on Bank Street event.
How to Get in Touch
Questions about Leader Scott’s priorities or timeline? Want to get involved with Leader Scott but not sure how? Want to stay in the know for all news relating to our fight for a better, stronger Virginia? Email us at info@leaderdonscott.com.
Questions about the General Assembly or the legislative process? Email us at DelDScott@house.virginia.gov or call us directly at 757-966-5086.
Respectfully,
Don L. Scott
Democratic House Leader
Member, 80th District
