VCC Spring 2021

V irginia C apitol C onnections , S pring 2021 22 Virginia has made history with the increasing number of women elected to serve as State legislators in the Virginia General Assembly. However, there is only one woman from rural Southside Virginia. I am the first women to be elected to represent the 75th District in the House of Delegates and the first African American elected since slavery in 1862. I stunned the political world winning a primary election with a shoestring budget of $8,000 in 2005. I grew up as a country girl enjoying fishing, kayaking, and hunting with my family. I continue to reside in rural Virginia, and I am known as a one of the most effective leaders in theVirginia General Assembly. As a bi-partisan representative, I have a history of making common-sense stances to support my constituents in Richmond. Additionally, I am recognized for pioneering progress and funding in my district and across the Commonwealth. As a legislator, I have worked through the legislative ranks to serve as Chairperson of the Education Committee, Chairperson of Appropriation-Compensation and General Government Committee, Chairperson of the Virginia Rural Center and Vice-Chair of the Broadband Advisory Committee and member of the Major Employment and Investment Commission. I understand firsthand the challenges facing rural communities and their families. This is the reason I continue to work tirelessly to move Southside Virginia localities forward with additional funding for education, broadband/high speed Internet expansion, promoting economic development, affordable healthcare, protecting sportsmen rights, supporting the farming industry and public safety officers. Notably, as promised, I submitted, House Bill 2304, and it passed with democratic and republican votes to increase broadband and high speed Internet expansion to rural communities. This legislative priority will help not only our students to learn virtually or in-person to receive a quality education, but it will also help local governments to promote economic development and help our loggers and farmers in the agricultural and forestry industries. As chairperson of the House Education Committee, I have always stressed the importance of educating all children. I helped to start the local Head Start program to prepare children for kindergarten, voted for increased pay for teachers and support staff and voted to make college tuition more affordable for college students. I am extremely proud to have co-patroned the historic legislation HB 2105 and HB 1012 that provide $90 million dollars in the budget to educate all 3- and 4-year-olds in Virginia, thus providing young children with a strong foundation for success. I will continue to be a strong supporter of emergency service personnel, firefighters, law enforcement and correctional officers. As chairperson of the budget committee on Compensation and General Government and conferee, we passed budget amendments to increase these professionals’ salaries, funding for public safety equipment and benefits. Additionally, I voted to pass HB 1811 and SB 1375 for Worker’s Compensation benefits for public safety officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and emergency services employees working to save lives during the covid-19 pandemic. I strongly feel that “We must always support and protect those who protect us.” Progress will continue in Southside Virginia with my effective leadership. I will remain very humble and appreciative of the support of my constituents and supporters working in Richmond for 15 years. Delegate Roslyn C. Tyler is a Democrat who represents the 75th District, which includes Brunswick, Emporia, Franklin City, Greensville, Southampton, Sussex, and part of Lunenburg. An Effective Leader in Southside Virginia By Delegate Roslyn C. Tyler David Bailey and Angel Minor host Maribel Castañeda, Director of Board Appointments, and Shawn Soares, Special Assistant for Board Appointments, to discuss the many ways to become involved with government committees and state boards. This Week in Virginia , hosted by Virginia Capitol veteran David Bailey and Virginia Commonwealth University student Angel Minor, features discussions with Virginia elected officials, policy makers, and other leaders in the Commonwealth. From budget to regulatory affairs, the YouTube program spotlights behind-the-headlines analyses of the most recent news critical to the Commonwealth. This Week in Virginia began its 2020-2021 season in September on YouTube with a new episode each week, covering insider perspectives on the most recent public policy news. For the past 8 months, guests have included delegates, senators, cabinet secretaries, policy experts, and representatives from localities and associations across Virginia. Our guests have provided our viewers first-hand perspectives on topics ranging from Virginia’s budget to constituent communications. As the season continues, This Week in Virginia is excited to invite statewide candidates, climate change experts, and other leaders in the Commonwealth. Visit our website for more information: http://thisweekinvirginia.tv/ V