ADVOCACY UPDATES
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Clayton Medford, NOVA Chamber's Vice President, Government Relations
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Concerning Schools
Childcare is a critical component of returning to the office, just as it’s been a stressor for employees working from home. Last week, a national push led by the Trump Administration for full reopening in the fall has spurred a debate over how to return to school safely. Learn
more
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On the local front, area school districts are rolling out their plans for the fall:
- Fairfax County parents have two options for reopening schools—and a week left to decide. Learn more.
- Montgomery County schools announces plans for fall classes, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more.
- Loudon County Public School extends deadline for parents to select return to school scenario. Learn more.
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Legislators to Tackle Budget, Justice in August Special Session
The Virginia General Assembly will return to its socially distanced workplace in mid-August to tackle some major initiatives in a short period of time. While we don’t yet know for certain the full agenda for the August Special Session, we do know the legislature will at least address the 2-year budget and criminal justice and police reforms.
For the current budget, the legislature will need to decide how to address the “pause” made by the Governor after COVID upended state revenue projections. While the latest numbers show less of a shortfall than expected (and, in fact, revenue grew by 2% over 2019), Virginia is still facing a budget shortfall of $236.5 million. That means Chamber priorities like increased base support for Mason and the Governor’s G3 program will need support from legislators to be fully funded. The General Assembly has a well stocked rainy day fund, and previously planned appropriations to that fund, to help make up the shortfall. It is also widely expected that the next round of federal stimulus will include support for state and local governments. The Chamber will be in Richmond or virtually advocating for our budget priorities.
For criminal justice and policy reforms, there will be a number of proposals put forward. The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus released its
list of priorities
back in June which among other goals aim to address systemic racism in policing and criminal justice, eliminate excessive use of force by police, and encourage greater use of mental health professionals in place of police in certain situations. A more just and equitable Virginia will help realize the Governor’s vision of a strong economy to which all have access. The Chamber looks forward to working with legislators to advance this goal through reform.
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Keep an eye out in early August for the Chamber’s legislative priorities for the Special Session. In the meantime, please contact me at
cmedford@novachamber.org
with any questions or concerns.
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COUNCIL SERIES & NETWORKING
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
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Business Planning in Today’s New World
July 15th | 10-11:30AM | Virtual
How will our Northern Virginia business region look post-pandemic?
What can you do to maintain business continuity during the pandemic's transitional phase, pre-and post-vaccine?
Is there anything you can do now to aid business recovery in the future?
For our next Workforce Series virtual event, the Chamber has assembled a stellar panel of experts who will discuss the COVID-19's impact on our Northern Virginia region before sharing steps owners and managers can take to move their businesses past the pandemic and into the future.
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Webinar with Virginia Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne
July 27th | 11AM-12PM | Virtual Event
Join the Chamber's NOVABIZPAC on July 27th as we host Virginia Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne.
Secretary Layne will present the latest revenue projections for the Commonwealth and talk about the August General Assembly Special Session. This is your opportunity to learn how COVID is having an impact on the state's finances and how the Northam Administration is responding to the challenges.
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A Practical Workshop to Help Attract Veterans to Your Organization
July 28th | 10-11:30AM | Virtual
Immediately increase your Veteran talent pool using these low-cost hiring strategies!
Join the Chamber’s Veteran and Military Business Council and our expert panel for this virtual workshop focused on improving veteran hiring strategies and increasing Military Hiring Program ROI. Designed with HR leaders, Talent Acquisition Professionals, and Hiring Managers in mind, the event will cover:
- Making your organization appealing to military job seekers.
- How to review a military resume, including how to best apply key veteran skills within your organization.
- How to craft job descriptions that stand out to military candidates.
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Health IT: Telemedicine
July 30th | 10-11AM | Virtual
The Covid-19 pandemic catapulted telehealth from an interesting option for cost savings to a necessary means of care delivery. Join us as we discuss the value of offering this important benefit to support employees’ health, how it can reduce healthcare costs for employees and employers, and its value in improving employee satisfaction and productivity - during and post-pandemic.
What can you expect to learn:
- How to provide access to telehealth for employees from the workplace and home
- Ways to benefit from providing your employees with access to telehealth
- How to identify and evaluate quality telemedicine programs
- How to work with insurance carriers to provide these programs
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Webinar with Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Tom Barkin
August 3rd | 1-2PM
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Join the Chamber on August 3rd as we host Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Tom Barkin.
The Federal Reserve has and will continue to play a key role in economic recovery, and President Barkin will provide exclusive insight into what the Virginia and the national economy will look like in the short and long term.
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Apply by August 7th
here
to
be considered for the 2020 Greater Washington Innovator of the Year Award!
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You have until August 7th to submit your 1-minute video application showcasing all things business innovation and tell us why you deserve to take home not only the award but bragging rights for the next year. On October 8th, we'll all gather for the Greater Washington Innovation Celebration, the Region's zaniest event showcasing your great minds and business creativity.
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Nonprofits 101
September 1st | 10-11AM | Virtual Event
How well do you know the nonprofit world? Have you been thinking about making a career switch?
We've got the information that will help you succeed within this unique and vital world that often plays a key role in the continuing education of our workforce, standards development, and public policy. Join us for Associations 101 to learn about this part of our economy, including its unique environment, culture, and energy.
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Doing Business is the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce's weekly e-newsletter focused on member-relevant news, Council Series updates, and upcoming events. Each month we will feature advocacy updates, a message from our President & CEO, and member-written blog posts. Subscription sign-up and past issues may be found on our
website.
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Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
7900 Westpark Drive | Suite A550 | Tysons Corner | VA | 22102
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