Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope today has brought a little extra joy and love into your life.
My Valentine’s Day gift to all of my colleagues
It’s hard to believe that there is only one week left of the 2025 General Assembly Legislative Session. I just presented the last of my bills in Senate committees, and many of them are quickly progressing on the Senate floor. I have also been busy hearing and voting on Senate bills that were sent over to the House for our consideration.
Many bills have already passed out of both chambers and will soon be sent to the Governor, who can either sign them into law, suggest amendments, or veto the bills entirely.
If the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill, a conference committee will be appointed to resolve the differences. Conference committees are made up of an even number of legislators from both chambers. Bills in conference will also make their way to the Governor after the committee members come to an agreement.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit our comprehensive Legislative Information System to track the progress of bills that are important to you. If you need help navigating the website or would like clarification on the status of any bills, please reach out to my office.
Legislative Update
FIVE of my bills have successfully passed the General Assembly this week and are now heading to the Governor’s desk!
- HB1614: Increases the number of postpartum doula visits covered by Medicaid from 4 to 6, and extends the period of time to utilize these services from 6 months to 12 months.
- HB1617: Waives fees for homeless youth related to obtaining vital documents, such as birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and state ID cards.
- HB1623: Expands and makes permanent the Eviction Diversion Court Program within the General District Court.
- HB1886: Prevents a conviction from being entered solely due to unpaid court costs if all other terms and conditions of a deferred disposition have been met.
- HB2074: Grants tow truck professionals and road construction workers authority to use portable messaging signs on the back of vehicles to warn drivers of dangerous situations.
If you would like to see these bills signed into law, please reach out to the Governor’s office and express your support.
Additional Updates
The House and Senate budget proposals were debated and solidified this week. I am extremely proud of the $25 million that I secured in both budget bills to make child care more affordable for our workforce. This amendment creates a public-private partnership that allows employers, businesses, and communities to contribute to the success of Virginia’s early learners and support our hardworking families.
My remaining bills currently on the Senate floor awaiting a final vote:
- HB1625: Ensures that farmworkers and temporary foreign workers are included in Virginia’s minimum wage law.
- HB1867: Requires landlords to provide 60 days’ notice if they decide not to renew a tenant’s lease.
- HB1869: Closes the “dating partner loophole” to extend firearm prohibitions to dating partners convicted of assault.
- HB2064: Requires licensed firearm dealers to provide a locking device when selling or transferring a firearm.
- HB2515: Ensures full disclosure of mandatory “junk” fees in the advertised price of goods and services.
- HB2721: Updates the Washington Commanders’ special license plate to reflect the team’s new name and logo.
- HJR466: Designates May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month.
Maternal Healthcare Press Conference
On Wednesday, I joined my Democratic colleagues for a press conference to celebrate the progress of our “Momnibus” package, which encompasses a number of bills and budget amendments aimed at improving maternal health outcomes.
The “Momnibus” includes my bill, HB1614, which expands Medicaid coverage for postpartum doula visits. As a new mom, I am experiencing firsthand the importance of emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. I am so proud that this critical bill passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support, and now heads to the Governor’s desk.
Voices For Virginia’s Children “Playdate”
Earlier this week, I had the incredible opportunity to join Voices for Virginia’s Children for their “Playdate at the Capitol.” It was a true pleasure to speak with families, community partners, and advocates on the importance of investing in early childhood education, which is near and dear to me since my mom was an early childhood educator for 10 years. I also enjoyed getting to take a break from the busy legislative session to play games and dance with young Virginians!
This event reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that every child in Virginia, regardless of their background, has access to the high-quality early care and education they deserve. By prioritizing early childhood education, we are not only helping children succeed in school, but we are also investing in the long-term health and prosperity of all our communities.
Black History Month Spotlight: L. Douglas Wilder
L. Douglas Wilder is a true pioneer in American politics and one of my role models.
Wilder was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1931. He made history in 1989 when he became the first Black governor elected in the United States, serving as the 66th Governor of Virginia from 1990 to 1994. His victory was a milestone in the fight for racial and political equality, proving that leadership and excellence know no racial bounds.
Before becoming governor, Wilder was a decorated veteran of the Korean War and an accomplished attorney. He entered politics in 1969, winning a seat in the Virginia State Senate, where he championed civil rights, education, and public safety. Later, as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, he continued his legacy of service before ascending to the governorship.
Wilder’s leadership brought significant advancements in higher education, fiscal responsibility, and gun control, making Virginia a model of governance. After serving as governor, he remained a powerful voice in public service, including a term as Mayor of Richmond from 2005 to 2009.
His legacy stands as a testament to resilience, excellence, and the continued fight for progress. This Black History Month, we celebrate Governor L. Douglas Wilder—a trailblazer who changed the course of American history.
Upcoming Events
Digital Skills Training Classes
📅 WHEN: February 18-20, 2025
📍 WHERE: Arlington Mill Community Center, Room 503
Class Descriptions:
- Computer Basics –Learn the essentials of using your computer, including how to navigate and use your mouse efficiently.
- Mobile Device Basics – Familiarize yourself with your iPhone or Android device, learning how to navigate it, plus some handy tricks.
- Open Lab Workshops – Come ask questions about using the internet, email, devices, and more.
- Internet Basics – Learn how to use popular web browsers like Google Chrome and search engines like Google.
- Internet Safety – Learn how to protect yourself online by creating secure accounts and avoiding common scams.
- Email Basics – Understand the basics of email, such as sending messages and managing your inbox.
- Video Conferencing – Learn how to set up a Zoom account and explore key features of Zoom.
These classes are free, and the instructor speaks English and Spanish. Click here to view the class schedule and register to attend.
Although I’m enjoying my time in Richmond, I look forward to going back to Arlington to continue engaging with you all in the district. Please let me know if you would like me to attend any community meetings in the coming months to provide an overview of the 2025 legislative session.
Yours in Action,
Delegate Adele McClure (HD-2)
Delegate Luke Torian and I on the House floor
Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine
Sanu Cooper, VA Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance