On Tuesday, June 1st, the General Assembly will return to Richmond to vote on the budget. I look forward to reviewing the final budget report this weekend, and to review bills that have been vetoed by the Governor. This should be a one day meeting. We will also use this in person meeting of our caucus to elect a new leader.
Included in this week’s update is information about upcoming district events and the recent updates on 495NEXT and the Route 7 Project.
I am sure you have been following the news on the two heartbreaking gun violence attacks on innocent men, women and children. On May 14th, 10 people were gunned down while shopping at a grocery store in a predominantly Black Community in Buffalo, New York. Then on Tuesday there was a mass school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas where 19 children and two teachers were slaughtered. This is the second deadliest shooting on record in a K-12 School in our country.
These massacres are the direct consequences of the proliferation of weapons of mass murder. Choices made by Republican Governors and Republican legislatures have allowed easy access to these weapons. Too many politicians care more about the gun lobby than the lives of our citizens and the ability of our children to safely attend school. As we bury innocent children they talk about arming teachers instead of requiring background checks or limiting access to guns to anyone. The trauma from these tragedies is felt across the nation.
It has been nearly 20 years since my brother was murdered by robbers. I have been fighting for sensible gun safety measures for a very long time. I cannot understand how anyone votes against requiring background checks and responsible gun ownership.
I joined the Fairfax County Dems, members from Moms Demand Action and my colleagues Congressman Gerry Connolly, Delegate Ken Plum and Supervisor Jeff McKay, for a vigil and demonstration in front of the NRA headquarters to protest their irresponsible support for the proliferation of these dangerous weapons.
I have worked to pass sensible gun safety legislation in every session I have served in the VA House of Delegates. I started the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus and co-chaired the Safe Virginia Initiative and took our gun safety effort across Virginia to talk with folks about gun safety measures and how to keep our children safe from gun violence. I ask everyone to use their voice to speak out against gun violence and demand responsible gun ownership.
I ask that we all keep these families in our prayers. This is a tragedy for all of us. But we can make a difference if we demand our elected officials support safety measures. I promise you I will.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Murphy
District-34
Jill’s House Receives Spirt of Virginia Award
On Thursday, I joined Governor Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin as they presented the Spirit of Virginia Award to Jill’s House, an overnight respite care center for families with children with intellectual disabilities. The Spirit of Virginia Award recognizes unique qualities and standout achievements across the Commonwealth and salutes Virginians for their uncommon contributions in private industries, education, culture and the arts and philanthropy.
Jill’s House has served over 1,000 families at its location in Vienna, VA and an additional 300+ through their Weekend Adventures camps in four locations across the country, including Blue Ridge, VA. The organization has provided over one million hours of respite to families of kids with intellectual disabilities.
I am so grateful to Jill’s House for their service to those with intellectual disabilities and for their support for their families. Congratulations on receiving the Spirit of Virginia award! I was so pleased to share in this event with my colleagues Rep. Jennifer Wexton, and Supervisor Pat Herrity.
Fairfax NAACP 2022 DMV Trade Jobs Fair
Join us to learn about trade union jobs where you can learn the job, while being paid for the job. No experience necessary, no degree required. Get skills, pay the bills. There will be break-out rooms based on the job type, feel free to join as many rooms as you want to during the event.
Representatives from the Baltimore-Metro DC Building Trades Council, Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association, Carpenters Local 197, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-Local Union 26, Steamfitters Local 602, and Plumbers & Gasfitters of Local 5 will be in attendance.
Event Details
Jun 4, 2022 11:00 AM
Register for the DMV Trade Jobs Fair
Left-Shoulder Lane on Northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway) to Permanently Close as Early as May 31
This closure is needed to accommodate 495 NEXT construction; crews to restripe and realign general purpose travel lanes
The left shoulder lane on northbound I-495 (the Capital Beltway) in Virginia, which is open during morning and afternoon peak travel periods from where the current I-495 Express Lanes end near the Dulles Access Road to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, will close permanently as early as May 31, according to VDOT.
The closure of this shoulder lane is necessary to make space in the center of the Beltway for construction of new bridges that will span the wider, future Beltway at Old Dominion Drive, Georgetown Pike and Live Oak Drive. The work is part of the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project to extend the existing 495 Express Lanes from the Dulles Corridor interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway near the American Legion Bridge.
In addition to the left-shoulder lane closing, other changes include:
- Closing the southbound center shoulder.
- Restriping and realigning the general purpose lanes to create additional space in the center of I-495.
- Placing temporary barriers to secure the center work zone for the safety of drivers and workers.
Reminder: 495NEXT Public Meetings
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), along with project partner, Transurban, and contractor, Lane Construction, will host two project update meetings on June 6 and 7 to provide residents and travelers an overview of project construction and design updates. The meetings will include a virtual and in-person option, and will include a presentation, followed by a question and answer session.
Meeting Details:
In-Person Meeting
Monday, June 6, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
(presentation at 7 p.m.)
Location: Langley High School Auditorium
6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean VA 22101
Virtual Meeting Details
Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
(presentation at 6:30 p.m.)
Visit 495NEXT.org/public_meetings
for details on how to join the meeting.
Upcoming Lane Closures Route 7
Lane Closures for May 31-June 3, 2022
Crews will be performing excavation and fill operations, clearing and other construction-related activities on May 31 - June 3 along eastbound and westbound Route 7 and on other neighborhood streets.
As a reminder, drivers will experience lane shifts on Route 7, traffic pattern changes on neighborhood streets, and detours along the corridor. Please see the related traffic alerts. Temporary road closures can be found here.
Utility relocation work and other construction activities are ongoing in the Colvin Run and Difficult Run area.
Please note that Washington Gas crews are also working along the corridor as part of the concurrent pipe replacement project.
Stay Informed on Route 7
Sign Up for Route 7 Traffic Alerts on Virginia 511 Get alerts about work zones, accidents and other incidents via web, phone, text message or email. Visit 511virginia.org to create and configure your account.