This Equity Agenda was crafted from lessons learned over four years of policy making and community engagement. It serves as a road map to recover the right way, outlining priorities for the next four years and beyond. But before Mayor Stoney introduces it to Richmond City Council as a resolution, he and his team wants to be sure it reflects the city's vision, and that includes yours.

In an effort to ensure members get information in a more timely manner, I have set up a Google group. This group will not only provide a way in which to share information but it will also provide a means for us discuss topics and share ideas. The group requires only that you have an email address. I would like to do a test run with a few people to work though any issues. If you are willing to help me test, please click on the "Yes" button below otherwise there is nothing you need to do.

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The murder conviction of a police officer is an exceedingly rare event.

There have been only seven murder convictions of officers for fatal police shootings since 2005, according to Philip Stinson of Bowling Green State University. That suggests the chances of a killing by the police leading to a murder conviction are about one in 2,000.

Check out the City Of Evanston's Reparations website https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/city-council/reparations

Governor Northam Approves Voting Rights Act of Virginia

"Governor Ralph Northam today announced he has approved the landmark Voting Rights Act of Virginia, providing comprehensive protections against voter suppression, discrimination, or intimidation. He made minor technical amendments to Senate Bill 1395, sponsored by Senator Jennifer McClellan, and House Bill 1890, sponsored by Delegate Marcia Price, which prohibit any state or local policy from denying or restricting the right to vote of any Virginian simply because of their race, color, or membership in a language minority group. Virginia is the first state in the nation to enact its own version of a voting rights act." https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/

"Governor Ralph Northam today signed legislation creating his signature “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back” initiative, or “G3” program, which makes tuition-free community college available to low- and middle-income students who pursue jobs in high-demand fields. The G3 program includes $36 million to cover tuition, fees, and books and provide wraparound support for eligible students at the Commonwealth’s two-year public institutions." -https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/

"Governor Ralph Northam today signed legislation abolishing the death penalty, making Virginia the 23rd state, and the first in South, to stop executions. Senate Bill 1165, sponsored by Senator Scott Surovell, and House Bill 2263, sponsored by Delegate Mike Mullin, prohibit the use of capital punishment for any violation of Virginia law." -https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/

Virginia has passed several bills related to criminal reform in the past 2 years. Many of new reforms take affect in July. Some are active now. Click on the links below to see the status of a few of bills of interest. Although this is a good start, Virginia still has a long way to go so, get ready to contact your representatives!