2022 Session Update
Week 8
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VA Delegate John McGuire
(Navy SEAL - Father - Business Owner)
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The General Assembly convened on January 12, marking the beginning of the 402nd legislative session of the House of Delegates. |
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We have much work ahead of us to make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family. It is an honor to be your voice and fight for our conservative values in Richmond. Inflation, taxes, public safety, education, School Choice, Ukraine, election integrity, infrastructure, rural broadband, healthcare, and more are on the minds of fellow Virginians. Governor Youngkin and the rest of us in the General Assembly are working hard to address your concerns. We will send this newsletter out once per week while in session. We have one week to go! |
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It is past time to live with COVID, treat it like the flu, and move on. Students across Virginia went to school Monday mask optional. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin ordered State Agencies, including Public Colleges and Universities, to stop requiring employees to be vaccinated. Attorney General Jason Miyares issued a legal opinion that public campuses are not authorized to impose vaccination mandates for students.
The University of Virginia said Monday it will stop threatening to disenroll students who do not have booster shots this semester. The New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA) welcomed the University’s decision to reverse its mandate and recognizes that booster mandates, especially for young people and those who have just recovered from COVID-19, are unconstitutional, unethical, and unsupported by the science.
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Lunch with Governor Youngkin in Louisa County |
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It was an honor to have lunch with Governor Glenn Youngkin in Louisa to discuss current issues, such as eliminating the grocery tax, reducing taxes on Veteran retirement pay, and strategizing as we wrap up session. We are trying to get big things done in the next week! He also got a chance to greet other local elected officials and to taste Donna’s awesome BBQ! #SmokinEddies |
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The theme at CPAC 2022 was "Awake Not Woke". It was an honor to receive one of the highest awards for Conservative Excellence and to represent Virginia at CPAC 2022 in Orlando. Conservative Chair of the House Freedom Caucus Congressman Jim Jordan kicked off the Lawmakers Reception by thanking fellow lawmakers for fighting for conservative values. The Conservative Political Action Conference is the largest and most influential gathering of conservatives in the world. Launched in 1974, CPAC brings together hundreds of conservative organizations, thousands of activists, millions of viewers and the best and brightest leaders in the world.
Trump had us fired up for almost two hours at CPAC. You can watch his full speech here! For a list of President Trump‘s Accomplishments click here.
It was great to see fellow Virginia conservative Congressman Dave Brat at CPAC.
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Joe Thomas Radio Interview CPAC |
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While in Orlando, FL, I did an interview with our friend and Conservative radio talk show host, Joe Thomas, of Charlottesville’s “In-The-Morning” show. We covered a lot of ground. We discussed Ukraine, Biden’s failed administration, and legislation going through the General Assembly. Click Here for the interview.
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Family Foundation Breakfast |
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Saturday, it was a huge honor to introduce our friend and Congressman Rob Wittman at the Family Foundation breakfast. He is the ranking member of Congress in Virginia, sits on the Armed Services Committee, and is on the front lines ensuring we get a majority in November. Delegate Mike Cherry is having a great first session in the General Assembly. He started us off with a prayer and then gave a legislative update. |
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Chris and Jennifer Colsey Louisa County |
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It is encouraging to meet constituents who care about what is going on in the General Assembly. Thank you Chris and Jennifer Colsey in Louisa County for taking time to discuss policy and local issues with me. We need more people to get involved.
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John McGuire for Senate District 10 |
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In case you missed it, I announced my candidacy for the Senate of Virginia's 10th District for 2023.
List of the new VA Senate District 10 Counties:
Hanover
Powatan
Louisa
Fluvanna
Goochland
Buckingham
Appomattox
Amelia
Prince Edward
Cumberland
You cannot vote for me this year, but you can send prayers, sign up to become a volunteer, and more. Please tell friends to join Team McGuire at john@mcguireforvirginia.com
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The unnecessary Russian war with Ukraine is causing the death of thousands of innocent people. Now the Russians have taken control of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is setting an example for the world by showing great courage and strength in the face of extreme tyranny. Real sanctions, such as going after Russian oil, and fully resupplying Ukrainians can make a difference. May God grant strength to the people of Ukraine during these trying times. |
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Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James led the weekly Wednesday Speaker’s 7am Bible study this morning. She discussed John 15:1-8 and mentioned that her theme was “unbothered”, meaning she puts God first and doesn’t worry about negativity.
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Veteran Retirement Pay Tax Reduction |
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My bill, HB 1128, to reduce taxes on Veteran Retirement Pay passed the House with 98 yes votes. This bill had an emergency clause, no age requirement, and would reduce taxable retirement pay for retired Veterans 20k year one, 30k year two, and 40k the third year on. Unfortunately, the Senate would not accept my bill that passed the House. The senate version, carried by Senator Reeves, had no emergency clause, an age requirement of 60, and reduced taxes on retired Veteran pay 5k year one, 10k year two, and 15k the third year on. Delegate Barry Knight helped us work out a compromise. The compromise bill will have no emergency clause, has an age 55 requirement, will reduce taxable retirement pay for retired Veterans 10k year one, 20k year two, 30k year three, and 40k the fourth year on. I'll keep you posted as we make progress on veteran issues! |
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Promises kept! Governor Glenn Youngkin day one game plan. There was a “Cut the Grocery Tax” rally at the Capitol building. My friend and fellow Delegate Joe McNamara is carrying the HB 90 bill which will cut taxes for Virginians by approximately $500 million per year! |
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Democrats Support Criminals |
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On a slew of party line votes, VA State Senate Democrats killed 17 out of 20 Republican bills this week that would have made it easier for law enforcement to keep violent criminals off our streets. The theme under Democrat rule has been, “police are bad, criminals are good.” Clearly, Democrats learned nothing from last year’s elections, when Virginians made it clear that they want safer communities, not more crime. |
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SB 36: Repeal "Predator Protection Act" |
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Many you remember the boy who attacked a girl in the bathroom in Loudon County and the superintendent tried to cover it up. The Senate version to repeal HB 257, “Predator Protection Act”, passed the House and is headed to the Governor. Police and parents should be informed on stalking, abduction, and sexual battery cases. Our children are number one and must be protected. |
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Fentanyl Overdose Bill Killed in Senate |
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My bill, HB108, was killed in the Senate this week. This bill would have made it a felony homicide for someone to distribute fentanyl and other controlled substances, which results in a fatal overdose. We have a fatal overdose epidemic in Virginia. In fact, Richmond is the center of these deaths. How many more Virginians need to die before the General Assembly takes seriously the unprecedented health emergency caused by drug traffickers? |
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We are huge supporters of farmers and agri-business. We must preserve rural Virginia from these outside companies that destroy thousands of acres of land, so I continue to vote no on Solar Farm bills. What are your thoughts? |
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There is a catalytic converter theft epidemic in Virginia. We are working on a couple of bills that would increase penalties for those who steal or sell stolen catalytic converters. |
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The State of the Union under President Biden can be summed up in one word: failure. Inflation failure, border failure, Afghanistan failure, COVID failure, supply chain failure, Ukraine failure, and crime failure. Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert spoke up and reminded Joe Biden and others to remember our 13 fallen who were killed in action during the failed withdrawal from Afghanistan.
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We raised $50,263 for the VCU Massey Cancer Center. In a Basketball game fundraiser, Glenn Youngkin and his staff beat the Lobbyists 38-34. The House of Delegates beat the State Senate 33-26. Since our financial goal was met, Republican Delegate Matt Faris shaved the mustache off of Democrat Delegate Mike Mullins. We had a great time blowing off steam in a bipartisan way for a good cause.
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I attended the weekly Wednesday General Assembly Military & Veterans Caucus with U.S. Marine and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, fellow veterans, and other fellow legislators. |
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Josh Usry, who is a Goochland High School football player, came to shadow me at the General Assembly this week. He has a bright future and would like to attend a service academy. Thank you, Josh, for your interest to serve |
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SB 656: Sexually Explicit Material |
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Parental Empowerment, a bill giving parents the power to review sexually explicit material before it is taught in the classroom, has passed both chambers of the General Assembly and is headed to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk, fulfilling one of the key promises of the Republican’s campaign for office. |
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Unfortunately, all pro-life bills such as "born alive" and "20-week abortion ban" failed to pass in the General Assembly this year. Democrats in the Senate supported by organizations like Planned Parenthood defeated all efforts to protect the life of the unborn and the mother. That is why we must win the Senate next year. I will never stop fighting to protect our most vulnerable. |
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Unfortunately, all pro-2nd Amendment bills including "repealing red flag laws" failed to pass in the General Assembly this year. Democrats in the Senate do not believe it is our God given right to protect ourselves and our family. What part of "Shall not be infringed" do they not understand? |
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In 1987, Congress expanded Women's “Week” to Women’s “Month” since it passed a resolution (and the President issued a proclamation) designating the month of March, “Women's History Month”. I recommend you stop by the Capitol and visit the Virginia Women's Monument, a state memorial in Richmond, Virginia, commemorating the contributions of Virginia women to the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America. Learn more here.
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Military & Veterans Caucus Legislative Reception |
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We held our Veterans Caucus Reception at the Virginia War Memorial with special speakers Gov Youngkin, Lt.Gov Sears, AG Miyares, and General Williams. Our caucus focuses on issues related to taking care of our veterans in Virginia. Great to see so many friends and supporters there! #VeteransCaucus #America #GoNavy |
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2022 McGuire LEGISLATION
McGuire Legislation as Chief Patron:
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McGuire Legislation as Chief Co-Patron:
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McGuire Legislation as Co-Patron:
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I am committed to adhering to the principal duties of Government, as stated in our Declaration of Independence, the protection of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I look forward to seeing you in the District. In the meantime, please continue the teamwork and let me know what you are thinking. You can reach me at deljmcguire@house.virginia.gov or 804-698-1056.
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Delegate John McGuire
Virginia House District 56
900 East Main Street
Pocahontas Building,
Suite E213
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-698-1056
Twitter: @JohnMcGuire4VA
Instagram: JohnMcGuire4VA
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Paid for and Authorized by Friends of John McGuire |
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