Virginia Senate Democrats

On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom.

We honor the legacy of those who endured, those who resisted, and those who continue to lead the way towards liberation.

Happy Juneteenth. Let us celebrate, reflect, and recommit to the work ahead. ❤️💚🖤

Yesterday, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Senator Mamie Locke’s Senate Bill 22 into law.

This legislation helps address health disparities by requiring continuing education on implicit and explicit bias for health care providers. At a time when Black women continue to face disproportionately high maternal mortality rates and unequal health outcomes, this law is a step toward building a more equitable health care system.

Every Virginian deserves to be heard, respected, and receive quality care. The Virginia Senate Democrats are proud to see SB 22 become law.

Yesterday, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed two important childcare bills into law that will help working families across Virginia.

SB 134, chief patroned by Senator Mamie Locke, helps Virginia better understand and respond to the growing need for affordable childcare by improving how the Commonwealth plans for childcare funding, access, and waitlists.

SB 3, chief patroned by Senator Lashrecse Aird, creates the Employee Child Care Assistance Program to encourage employers to help working parents with the cost of childcare through a state matching program.

Families across the Commonwealth are struggling with the rising cost of childcare, and Virginia Senate Democrats are continuing to fight for real solutions that support parents, children, and working families.

Affordable childcare is not a luxury; it is a necessity!

In case you missed it, Monday we celebrated the signing of Senator Lashrecse Aird’s legislation to strengthen and continue the work of the Commission on School Construction and Modernization. This is a another step forward in investing in Virginia’s students, schools, and future.

Virginia Senate Democrats remain committed to pouring into public education and creating safe, updated learning environments for every child across the Commonwealth.

In case you missed it: Yesterday, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed landmark legislation into law making Senator Jennifer B. Boysko’s Paid Family and Medical Leave bill a reality.

Virginia is now the first Southern state to establish a paid family and medical leave program, giving Virginians access to up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a sick loved one, welcome a new child, or recover from a serious medical condition.

Before the start of this year’s General Assembly session, Virginia Senate Democrats made clear their focus would be putting families firs and making life more affordable for working Virginians. Paid Family and Medical Leave delivers on that promise by ensuring families no longer have to choose between caring for a loved one and keeping a paycheck.

May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 🌸

We’re proud to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities who help shape Virginia every day. From the Capitol to our neighborhoods, leaders like Kannan for Virginia and Senator Saddam Azlan Salim are making a difference.

A HUGE step forward for affordable housing in Virginia. The Faith in Housing law, led by Jeremy McPike empowers faith communities to turn unused land into affordable homes.

This means less bureaucracy, more housing and stronger communities.

Faith in Housing bill crosses finish line, clears path for church-based affordable housing The “Yes in God’s Backyard” movement is celebrating after the Faith in Housing bill, supporting expedited church-based affordable housing development, has been signed into law.

We’ve got BIG news 🎉 Senator Lashrecse Aird has been elected Vice Chair of the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus and Senator Kannan for Virginia will serve as Caucus Treasurer.

Together, both will lead our work to expand our majority, strengthen outreach, and keep delivering for VA!

Happy International Women’s History Day from the women of the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus! This month, we’re celebrating and uplifting the bold, powerful, change-making women who have shaped our past, are leading today, and are building a brighter future. We see you, we celebrate you, and we thank you. 💜🩷