On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, the Virginia General Assembly convened in the Capitol for a “long” sixty-day legislative session. During this time, House and Senate members will negotiate and adopt a biennial budget while also considering thousands of bills. Notable this year is the sea of new faces. Over one-third of the House members are entering their first session, and nearly half of the Senate members are new to the body (though several previously served in the House). Learning the names, faces, and policy priorities of new colleagues will be at the top of the agenda for the upcoming week.
Of equal note is another new factor: the General Assembly Building. At long last following pandemic-induced supply chain delays, the facility (jokingly referred to as the “politician palace”) is complete. Meeting space is ample, staff offices have windows, and amenities abound. As we find our way around the building, I sincerely hope you will take the opportunity to visit during session. We will be more than happy to schedule a tour of the Capitol and help secure a seat in the gallery to view the House of Delegates.
Last but most certainly not least, after being sworn into office, the House of Delegates unanimously a new Speaker: Delegate Don Scott from Portsmouth (pictured with me above). As is tradition, a member of the Speaker’s party (Democrat) made the nomination, which was seconded by a Republican member. Additionally, the House reelected G. Paul Nardo as Clerk and established rules for the order of legislative business. Down the hall in the Capitol, the Senate likewise set rules. With both bodies duly organized, committee assignments were announced and the regular order of business commenced.
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2024 General Assembly Session Legislative Survey |
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During this year’s session, I will be serving on the following House Committees: Courts of Justice (a new one for me!), Public Safety, Education, and Rules. Today marked the first day of committee meetings, and based on the number of filed bills, long meetings are in the future. I look forward to hearing your legislative priorities, and I hope that you will take a moment to complete my 2024 legislative survey available online at https://vahouse.checkbox.com/batten2024. |
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What to expect? Who knows. |
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The dynamics of this year’s session remain to be determined. Structurally, the House and Senate operate with narrow Democratic majorities: 51-49 in the House, and 21-19 in the Senate. Theoretically, the legislature will simply pass an array of Democratic bills; however, our Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin retains veto power. For that reason, successful legislation will require bipartisan negotiation. Whether or not that is possible remains to be seen. While logic dictates that commonsense consensus can be form around policies tackling mental health, public safety, and education challenges, politics are anything but logical. To view legislation online, please visit https://lis.virginia.gov/. |
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Visitors (and yes--please visit!) |
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The past week brought district visitors from the following organizations:
Convention of States
Justice Forward
Virginia Agribusiness Community
Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Directors
The Virginia Bankers Association
Virginia Federation of Republican Women
Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association
At this time, my district office is closed as we operate out of our Richmond office. If you'd like to visit, I am located in Room 712 of the General Assembly Building at 201 North 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. As always, we remain available to assist with constituent service. If you have a problem with a state-related matter or agency or would like to set up a meeting by phone, email, or in-person, please contact one of my legislative aides, Ms. Lauren Keiser or Ms. Dayle Brittain by phone at 804-698-1071 or by email at DelABatten@house.virginia.gov.
Have a wonderful weekend!
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Contact Delegate Batten
Legislative Aides: Ms. Lauren Keiser & Ms. Dayle Brittain
Mail: P.O. Box 194, Norge, VA 23127
Phone: 757-741-7001
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Paid for and Authorized by Friends of Amanda Batten |
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