We have finally wrapped up the 2023 regular session of the General Assembly. Throughout this session, I worked hard to respond to the needs of my constituents. In this session, only three of the eleven bills I proposed managed to pass. It isn’t unusual for the party in the majority to table the bills offered by members of the minority.  In addition to my two bills that passed through both houses last week, my third bill, HB2224 passed through the Senate. HB2224 directs the Department of Health and the Department of General Services to convene a work group to evaluate the current funding model for the Commonwealth's newborn screening program. All three of my bills will now make their way to the Governor who will sign them into law. You can read more about my bills HERE. 

Working together we have accomplished a lot during this session.  I will continue to advocate for issues important to my constituents, to our district and to the Commonwealth. We will return to Richmond when the Governor calls for a special session in April to deal with budget issues.   

On Thursday, Delegate Jackie Glass (VA-89) and I hosted a Women Veterans Roundtable here in Richmond.  This was the 15th Women Veterans Roundtable that I have hosted. The Secretary of Veteran Affairs and the First Lady joined us briefly to help kick off our event. We had a great turn out and I really appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from our women veterans about their specific needs and concerns. Thank you to all of the incredible women veterans who attended the event. And a special thank you to all of the women who have served our great country. It was so great to meet you! I look forward to organizing another roundtable in the future.

Last week, Delegate Sickles and I celebrated our birthdays together with a sweet treat from Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co. It was a joy to celebrate with my General Assembly friends. Thank you for all of the birthday wishes! 

Although I have announced that I will not be a candidate for re-election in next year’s General Assembly elections, I will continue to work for all of you in the 34th District for the rest of this year. I encourage you to continue reaching out to my district office at [email protected]. I can promise you that you will continue to have my full attention. I have been your Delegate for over 9 years and am grateful to have had the honor to serve. With the redistricting that occurred, starting with next year’s election, Delegate Rip Sullivan will now be in our district (which will become the 6th).  I hope you will give him your full support.

It has been an honor to represent you in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Warm Wishes,

Delegate Kathleen Murphy
VA-34

2023 Spring & Summer Break Camps

Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is pleased to offer Spring Break Camp programs, Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 7, for students ages 5 to 18 through programs at School Age Child Care (SACC) centers, community centers, and teen centers throughout Fairfax County. Registration is ongoing for these supervised recreation and learning opportunities:

• SACC Spring Program: The theme for this year’s spring program for children in kindergarten to sixth grade. These safe, fun, and educational camps are located at SACC sites in Fairfax County elementary schools and community centers and are open to children not currently enrolled in SACC. Camp Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:15 p.m. A sliding fee scale is available.

• Spring Break Camps at select Fairfax County community centers offer fun and creative opportunities for first through sixth graders to develop valuable life skills and make positive social connections. Camp Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Financial assistance is available.

• Teens In Action offers an engaging, healthy, and affordable recreation program for ages 12 to 18 to learn, play and serve. Activities include team sports, games, arts and crafts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programming, service projects, cultural field trips, and much more. Free, nutritious lunches and snacks are served. Camp Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free, but some activities require a fee; financial assistance is available.

Registration for the summer 2023 Camp Fairfax begins on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 8 a.m. The summer day camp is open to rising first through seventh graders living in Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax. Camp Fairfax gives campers the opportunity to explore interests in performing arts, visual arts and sports/team-building. For more information on locations, dates, activities, fees, and registration, visit the Camp Fairfax website.

Changes to SNAP Benefits Begin in March

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government passed a law to temporarily increase SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to support families. The law has recently changed, and the benefits will end Feb.16. Effective in March, SNAP benefits will return to normal, without the added supplement. Learn more.

• Virginia Department of Social Services has created a temporary information line: 1-855-635-4370
• If you need food now, call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning: 703-222-0880
• For more food resources, visit the Human Service Resource Guide online at FairfaxCounty.gov/HSRG, and search “food.”

McLean Community Center Governing Board Elections

McLean Community Center is looking for district residents to serve on its Governing Board. The Board, which is composed of volunteers elected by the community, sets policy, approves budgets and provides general oversight for Center programs and facilities. Board members have a unique opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents of Dranesville Small District 1A.

There are three adult board seats and two youth board seats. Adults must be 18 years of age or older on May 20, 2023 (McLean Day 2023). Youths must be 15-17 years old on May 20, 2023—that is, born May 21, 2005 to May 20, 2008.

Candidates must pick up Candidate Packets in person at MCC during business hours. For more information click HERE.