Governor and First Lady Northam visit Pacers Running in Alexandria on Wednesday, April 28. The Governor discussed the importance of paying working Virginians a living wage and applauded the woman-owned small business for raising its employees’ wages to $15 an hour amid the pandemic.
WEEK OF APRIL 30, 2021
Governor Northam Updates Mask Guidance to Align with CDC Changes, Fully Vaccinated Virginians Do Not Have to Wear Masks Outdoors When Alone or in Small Groups
“The CDC’s recommendations underscore what we have said all along—vaccinations are the way we will put this pandemic behind us and get back to normal life,” said Governor Northam. “Our increasing vaccination rate and decreasing number of new COVID-19 cases has made it possible to ease mitigation measures in a thoughtful and measured manner. I encourage all Virginians who have not yet received the vaccine to make an appointment today.”
“The Appalachian Regional Commission is a key funding tool for addressing the unique challenges facing our Appalachian region,” said Governor Northam. “Investing in Appalachia is more important now than ever before as we work to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that no area of the Commonwealth is left behind in our recovery. These 13 projects align with our ongoing efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of all those in our Appalachian communities by creating new economic opportunities, building critical infrastructure, preparing a skilled workforce, and supporting community development.”
Governor Northam Ceremonially Signs Three Key Bills to Create LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, Expand Access to Child Care, Address Equity in Emergency Management
TAKEAWAYS
“By creating the Virginia LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, we can ensure that the LGBTQ+ community has an established and permanent voice in the executive branch, no matter who is governor,” Governor Northam said about Senate Bill 1406 and House Bill 2312.“Like our other advisory boards, this Board will advise me, and future governors, on issues of importance to the LGBTQ+ community as we work to make Virginia a more welcoming, inclusive, and equal place for all people.”
“There is power in every child, and great beginnings lead to tremendous futures,”Governor Northam said about House Bill 2206.“Expanding access to quality early childhood care and education has been a top priority of our Administration from day one and I am proud to celebrate our latest effort to reshape Virginia’s early learning system.”
“Lower-income and other disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted by disasters,” Governor Northam said about Senate Bill 1296 and House Bill 2085. “We need to account for that when we are planning how to respond to emergencies. We have worked hard to make our policies and systems more equitable across the board, and this is an important next step.”
“Virginia boasts the largest data center market in the country, and this growing industry requires state-of-the-art cooling systems manufactured by leaders like Modine,” said Governor Northam.
“We salute Ridgeline International’s veteran-focused mission and innovative spirit and congratulate the company on the success that has led to this expansion in Fairfax County,” said Governor Northam.
“Dante Valve’s continued investment in Hampton Roads sends a clear message that manufacturers know they have a strong partner in our Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam.
“Thanks to companies like Traegar Grills, forestry contributes $21 billion to our economy each year and supports thousands of quality jobs across our Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam.
