Hello I’m Tisha Erby Mother of 5 boys , 4 are Richmond Public School Students and WE support HB 531 which will allow all counties and cities to use a 1% sales tax to pay for the construction of new schools. [RPS-George Wythe High School] needs this additional revenue to build new schools and modernize facilities to improve the learning experience of its students. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of the state’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Unfortunately, my community is home to several of these outdated buildings including George Wythe High School. Students and teachers are placed in unsafe environments that may have leaky roofs, windowless classrooms, mold, poor ventilation, and broken HVAC systems. It is not helpful to the learning environment and development of children to attend school in buildings that harm their health and well-being. Having the sales tax as an option will give us the opportunity to fix the crumbling schools in my school district. I am afraid that if the General Assembly doesn’t pass this bill, another generation of students will be forced to sit in outdated, 50-year old classrooms that are inadequate for what students need today. Please prioritize education and the future of our commonwealth by taking this necessary step to invest in our schools, our students, and our community. Thank you so much for listening and remember #WytheCantWait #AllRPSCantWait #WeAreRPS

Virginia Loggers Association supports HB106, HB180, HB295, and HB 297. HB180 may help localities to retain forest lands in land use taxation programs. Currently it appears many localities with forest land use taxation are considering its removal to meet operating costs. The forest products industry is Virginia's third largest industry and depends the sustainable forest supply to daily supply the needs Virginia's mills. This great industry is one we hope our elected policy makers will support with pro-business laws and supporting incentives for private landowners to maintain the forest land base. VLA also supports HB106, HB 295, and HB297 because they will help all businesses and especially those businesses struggling due to the pandemic, market declines, and causes beyond their control. The bills have the effect of freeing up money businesses can invest in rebuilding, updating, and holding on during declines. Ron Jenkins, VLA Executive Director

As a Virginin, educated in Virginian Schools, we were taught the importance of the Constitution of the Commonwealth with regard to our Nation's Constitution. These documents are articles that are supposed to guide our self governance. Article VIII, Section 10 Public dollars are not to go to schools NOT owned by the Commonwealth or a Municipality inside the Commonwealth's jurisdiction, except for when the Commonwealth has entered into an agreement with another jurisdiction. The Commonwealth should also not engage in the endorsement of private education cartels, weakening the publicly available options. This would do a disservice to the people, because the people's representatives have less oversight with regard to private institutions, than they have through electing their local boards.

On behalf of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, I would like to register our support for HB 332. This legislation will provide much needed relief for our region's small businesses and we respectfully ask that it be reported favorably.

The City of Portsmouth strongly supports this bill, and respectfully request favorable consideration by the committee on this legislative initiative. Thank you

As a Virginin, educated in Virginian Schools, we were taught the importance of the Constitution of the Commonwealth with regard to our Nation's Constitution. These documents are articles that are supposed to guide our self governance. Article VIII, Section 10 Public dollars are not to go to schools NOT owned by the Commonwealth or a Municipality inside the Commonwealth's jurisdiction, except for when the Commonwealth has entered into an agreement with another jurisdiction. The Commonwealth should also not engage in the endorsement of private education cartels, weakening the publicly available options. This would do a disservice to the people, because the people's representatives have less oversight with regard to private institutions, than they have through electing their local boards.

Good Afternoon, My name is Yasin Wade, and I am a resident of the Hunters Mill district. I am the widow of Navy LT Daniel Wade who died in March 2015. I am also the mother of 3 boys, Daniel, Jaden & Micah. I am here today asking for a more inclusive tax waiver for Surviving Spouses of Military Service Members to also include “Died in the Line of -Duty.” I am here today to ask that the exemption be extended to cover the surviving spouses of military services because the military doesn’t distinguish a difference in benefits between KIA and Died In the Line of Duty. We know grief is grief and loss is loss. I am here today asking for your support of HB957.. My husband Daniel was a prior-enlisted Naval Lieutenant. Daniel served for 10 years as a Submariner, earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer and, then later earned his rank as a Surface Warfare Officer. During his 16-year Naval career, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Highest non-combat decorations award for heroism). The impact of the loss of my late husband is the same as any other military widow. With Daniel gone, I am trying to be both Mom and Dad. Raising children is hard. But raising grieving children is even more difficult. I am the chauffeur that drives three kids to three different soccer games and practices during the week. I am the chef. I am the coach of my kiddos basketball team. I am the keeper of memories, as the years' pass, it becomes harder to remember what life was like when you were only 4, 6, and 8. I am here to honor my husband Daniel because he also paid the ultimate sacrifice and his service should be honored. I am asking the Virginia State House of Delegates to support expanding tax relief for surviving spouses of military service members.

As a surviving active duty widow I fully support HB 957!!!!!! My friends thought when they voted yes for this that it included ALL survivors.

I, Krista Simpson Anderson, am the gold star spouse of SSG Michael Harrison Simpson a U.S. Army Green Beret who died of wounds sustained in an improvised explosive device attack in eastern Afghanistan while returning from a mission with Charlie company, 4th battalion 1st Special Forces Group. Our family isn’t any more worthy of a property tax exemption, or any other benefit, than the service member’s families who died any other way. You see, they dedicated their lives to protect and serve our great nation and her people no matter the cost. They lost their lives in the end too. Their families should not be penalized due to the circumstances surrounding their death but should be honored and supported for their service and sacrifice as a whole. Our community has suffered due to losing our loved ones but even more so with the hierarchy of sacrifice our government has placed on them. I humbly ask you to allow the counties to waive property tax for the widows of our active duty service members.

My name is Marjorie Grube and I am a constituent of your District. I am a single mother of three children who are 6, 8 &11. I am a widow and the surviving spouse of Navy SEAL Devon Jon Grube who died while on active duty December 28, 2016. While in SEAL training, Devon received the distinctive recognition as Honor Man. After graduation, Devon was sent to SEAL Team Eight where he deployed to Afghanistan, Europe, and Africa. During his service he was highly sought after to mentor and train young SEALs in tactical shooting, stalking, ballistics. Devon was declared 100% disabled at the time of his death. Had he been severely injured, returned home and been deemed 100% disabled, and then died, I would have qualified for property tax relief. Please support removal of this injustice to those who paid the ULTIMATE sacrifice. Tax relief should be granted to all military Widow(ers) whose spouses died "In the Line of Duty." Kathy Tran's Bill gives counties the LOCAL OPTION to grant relief to these widow(ers). Approximately 30 Active Duty Widow(ers) per year have a nexu to Virginia. Please support sharing this sacrifice to all Virgininians. Very Respectfully, Marjorie Grube 414-243-3241

My spouse served in the Navy for 28 years and passed away from a service-connected disability while on active duty. I fully support bill HB 957. Passing this bill would tremendously help me financially support my family.

Subject: Military Widow, testifying in support for HB 957, Property Tax Relief for Military, In Line of Duty Deaths Dear Delegates, My name is Christina Valentine, and I am a constituent of your District. I am also a single mother, widow, and the Surviving Spouse of SOCS Thomas Valentine, who was killed in a HAHO (high altitude, high opening) training exercise in Arizona in 2008. My husband, Tom, deployed and fought for our nation countless times over a span of 19 years of dedicated and honorable service. He was a United States Navy SEAL and a member of Naval Special Warfare Development Group. During his 19 year of service Tom was gone more than he was home. He participated in 13 combat deployments and was defending our nation from the very beginning of the Afghanistan conflict. This level of service and dedication to our nation requires some of the most extreme training and with that comes extreme risk. Tom was training for his next combat deployment at the time of his death. Training to go into harm’s way, willing to give up all his tomorrows to protect your freedom, and the freedom of all citizens of the United States of America. I am denied property tax forgiveness simply because my husband’s death was not ‘hostile’, or at the hands of the enemy. The Department of Defense makes NO distinction in benefits between those associated with my husband's death and those of a widow(er) whose spouse was "Killed In Action," yet the Commonwealth of Virginia DOES discriminate. Tom was on orders issued by the United States Navy at the time of his death. Tom died while in the line of duty. Tom was declared 100% disabled at the time of his death. Had he been severely injured, returned home and been deemed 100% disabled, and then died, I would have qualified for property tax relief. Please support removal of this injustice to those who paid the ULTIMATE sacrifice. Tax relief should be granted to all Military Widows(ers) whose spouses died "In the Line of Duty." Kathy Tran's Bill gives counties the LOCAL OPTION to grant relief to these widows(ers). Approximately 30 Active Duty Widows(ers) per year have a nexus to Virginia. Please support sharing this sacrifice to all Virginians. Respectfully, Christina Valentine (757) 581-0664

Thank you for your time delegates. My name is Meghan Rodman, resident of Virginia Beach, and I am a single mother, widow, and the Surviving Spouse of Aviation Electronics Tech Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Rodman. My husband served his country honorably for nearly 16 years before passing away of cancer in 2015 whilst on active duty. As hard as the last year and a half of his life was, and when he wasn’t in the hospital for treatment, he was still going in to work and supporting his brothers any way he could. He was proud to serve his country and just as proud and determined to fight for our daughter and myself. Unfortunately because he didn’t die on the battlefield in “HOSTILE” territory and because wasn’t retired at 100% before dying, I do not qualify for the property tax exemption. I’m asking today for your support for SB957 in hopes that the Commonwealth of Virginia will stop discriminating the manner in which one active duty service member dies to provide this exemption for. There are such a small number of new widows every year that this would effect and while the number is small, the benefit this would have on our families would be huge! My daughter and I carry on his honorable death everyday and I hope that our states delegates will support us in this fight to get SB957 passed. Thanks again for you time. Meghan Rodman

I am Edith Smith, National Military Family Association. I am in favor of HB 957, sponsored by my Delegate, Kathy Tran. HB 957 provides “Classification of real property owned by certain surviving spouses for tax purposes (local option)” The “certain surviving spouses” are those whose service member died while serving on active duty in line of duty. DoD reports less than 30 statewide connected to Virginia in 2021. Not all of these will have remained in Virginia or own a home. Service members are committed to the military’s mission of protecting and defending our country. Virginians have reflected a similar strong patriotic commitment to our servicemembers. 85% of Virginians who voted in past years said “yes” to the real property tax exemptions. This vote honored the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, their memory, and to help their surviving spouses by “sharing this sacrifice.” Will you, Virginia’s lawmakers, take action to reflect the favorable will of Virginia’s past voters? 100% of Members of the General Assembly voted “yes” for bills to authorize prior real property tax exemptions. Totally Disabled Veterans, First Responders, and their surviving spouses have a standardized “line of duty” eligibility. HB 957 provides the same eligibility standard for this class of survivors who were left out. 11.3% of Virginia’s Budget comes from Defense spending, #2 state in the country to receive $64.3 Billion from the Defense Mission. Servicemembers who die on active duty are unmistakably part of this Defense mission. Passage of HB 957 by Virginia’s General Assembly will recognize, with honor, the “Ultimate Sacrifice” made by all service members who suffer the misfortune to die while serving on active duty.

My name is Robyn Thomson and I am writing in support for Del Tran’s bill HB957. My husband was LTC Todd Thomson and he served 20.5 years in the Army. Todd died on March 13, 2015 from Toxic Exposure causing a rare form of colon cancer that has been positively linked to benzene exposure while living and working near the burn pits at Camp Victory Baghdad. Our daughter’s were six and three when their dad died. Todd died on Active Duty and was given a Line of Duty death. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The federal benefits my family receive are the same as if he were Killed in Action. These benefits are for lost income. When I applied for the Virginia Property Tax Waiver I was told it was for either Killed in Action or 100% disabled and my husband’s Active Duty and Line of Duty death did not qualify. If Todd lived a few more months then the outcome could have been different and he could have retired and a received a disability rating and my family would have qualified for Tax Waiver. I am a widow that is trying to do the best for my children first. I had to make a decision when Todd died of whether to stay in my home and the only home my children know, or to up root them and move somewhere else where the quality of life, education, support is not as good as here. My children are well adjusted, doing very well, have friends and support systems. However, each year it becomes more difficult to stay in Virginia because the increase in real estate taxes and the inequitable policy of the military tax exemption. Todd did not have the opportunity to retire, then take on another profession to earn other benefits or and income, and this impacts our financial situation. Please support and pass HB957 to end the inequities for the families who have also sacrificed so much for our country.

I am Kelly Riske, I reside in Newport News. I am writing in support of Del Tran’s bill, HB957. My husband, MSgt Frank Riske, died in Nov 2005 in a vehicle accident in Newport News. He was serving on his 24th year of Active Duty in the US Air Force. His death was ruled Line of Duty by the Air Force, yet I do not qualify for the Virginia Property Tax Exemption; due to the date of his death being too early to qualify; the fact that he died in a vehicle accident, not in a combat zone; and that he was not rated 100% disabled by the Veterans’ Administration. Although the amendment provides tax relief to “certain surviving spouses,” so many of us are not eligible for this relief. The fine print and modifications eliminate many spouses. I truly believe that the intent of the Virginians who voted in favor of the Constitutional Amendment, to provide real estate tax relief to veterans and surviving spouses of those who died while serving their nation on active duty, intended for this tax exemption to apply to the surviving spouses of line of duty deaths. Please correct this inequity.

My name is Robyn Thomson and I am writing in support for Del Tran’s bill HB957. My husband was LTC Todd Thomson and he served 20.5 years in the Army. Todd died on March 13, 2015, from Toxic Exposure causing a rare form of colon cancer that has been positively linked to benzene exposure while living and working near the burn pits at Camp Victory Baghdad. Our daughters were six and three when their dad died. Todd died on Active Duty and was given a Line of Duty death. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The federal benefits my family receive are the same as if he were Killed in Action. These benefits are for lost income. When I applied for the Virginia Property Tax Waiver, I was told it was for either Killed in Action or 100% disabled and my husband’s Active Duty and Line of Duty death did not qualify. If Todd lived a few more months then the outcome could have been different, and he could have retired and a received a disability rating and my family would have qualified for Tax Waiver. I am a widow that is trying to do the best for my children first. I had to make a decision when Todd died of whether to stay in my home and the only home my children know, or to uproot them and move somewhere else where the quality of life, education, support is not as good as here. My children are well adjusted, doing very well, have friends and support systems. However, each year it becomes more difficult to stay in Virginia because the increase in real estate taxes and the inequitable policy of the military tax exemption. Todd did not have the opportunity to retire, then take on another profession to earn other benefits or and income, and this impacts our financial situation. Please support and pass HB957 to end the inequities for the families who have also sacrificed so much for our country.

I am Edith Smith, National Military Family Association. I am in favor of HB 957, sponsored by my Delegate, Kathy Tran. HB 957 provides “Classification of real property owned by certain surviving spouses for tax purposes (local option)” The “certain surviving spouses” are those whose service member died while serving on active duty in line of duty. DoD reports less than 30 statewide connected to Virginia in 2021. Not all of these will have remained in Virginia or own a home. Service members are committed to the military’s mission of protecting and defending our country. Virginians have reflected a similar strong patriotic commitment to our servicemembers. 85% of Virginians who voted in past years said “yes” to the real property tax exemption. This vote honored the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, their memory, and to help their surviving spouses by “sharing this sacrifice.” Will you, Virginia’s lawmakers, take action to reflect the favorable will of Virginia’s past voters? 100% of Members of the General Assembly voted “yes” for bills to authorize prior real property tax exemptions. Totally Disabled Veterans, First Responders, and their surviving spouses have a standardized “line of duty” eligibility. HB 957 provides the same eligibility standard for this class of survivors who were left out. 11.3% of Virginia’s Budget comes from Defense spending, #2 state in the country to receive $64.3 Billion from the Defense Mission. Servicemembers who die on active duty are unmistakably part of this Defense mission. Passage of HB 957 by Virginia’s General Assembly will recognize, with honor, the “Ultimate Sacrifice” made by all service members who suffer the misfortune to die while serving on active duty.

My name is Traci Voelke and I am the Surviving Spouse of MAJ Paul C. Voelke, who was killed by a MRAP ( Mine-resistant, ambush protected) vehicle in 2012, in Mazar-i-Sharif. He was supporting the Special Forces, in a combat zone during Operation Enduring Freedom. We were married for 12 years, and this was his 5th deployment overseas, serving two prior tours in Iraq, one prior tour in Afghanistan and a tour to Kosovo. Paul had earned three bronze stars, the combat infantryman’s badge and several other accolades during his 14 years of service. I became a widow when I was 37 years old. Paul and I had two young children we owned a home in Virginia. I had applied for the ‘Killed in Action’ property tax relief under Virginia law, in Fairfax County. I was granted relief but this past May, Fairfax County sent me a letter stating that I was erroneously granted relief and may be subject to 3 years of back property taxes. The Department of Defense makes no distinction between Paul’s death and a death ‘Killed in Action.’ I receive the same Federal Benefits as any other spouse who died in the ‘Line of duty.’ I wear a purple lapel pin with a star, as I am considered a Gold Star Spouse. Had Paul had been severely injured in Afghanistan, returned home and been deemed 100% disabled, and then died, I would have qualified for property tax relief under Virginia’s disabled Veteran Law. First responders in Virginia killed “In-the-Line of Duty,” are also granted property tax relief. Clearly the Virginia law left us out. Please support this injustice to those paid the ULTIMATE sacrifice. Tax relief should be granted to all Military Widows whose spouses died "In the Line of Duty." Kathy Tran's Bill gives counties the LOCAL OPTION to grant relief to these widows. Approximately 30 Active Duty Widows per year have a nexus to Virginia. Please support sharing this sacrifice to all Virginians.

Comments Document

Testimony from the Surviving Spouse of MAJ Paul C. Voelke regarding property tax in Virginia.

My name is Bonnie Kellem, spouse of the late LTC Marvin D. Kellem IV, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly while on Active Duty. His passing is designated Line of Duty by the Army, however I am not eligible for the property tax relief in Stafford County. The current bill only covers 100 % disabled or those deaths killed by enemy however my husband's passing was the ultimate sacrifice and no less worthy. The price paid for his service is priceless and I implore to you include all Line of Duty Deaths. We were not fortunate enough to make it to retirement where he may have received a disability rating. This should be a shared sacrifice not limited to one group. We have all suffered and one death is no less honorable than another. Sincerely Bonnie Kellem

My husband died in a vehicle accident while on active duty in 2005. Although the amendment provides tax relief to surviving spouses, so many of us are not eligible for this relief. The fine print and modifications eliminate many spouses. My husband died on active duty, prior to the passage of the amendment. He was not 100% disabled, per the Veterans' Administration, since he was serving on active duty, he was never rated for any disability. This amendment/tax exemption should include active duty deaths.

Good morning, my name is Major William J. Collins, Jr., USMC (Ret), and I write today in support of HB 957 Real property; classification, property owned by certain surviving spouses for tax purposes. It seems to me a sad state of affairs that this legislation is needed to address two grave injustices. The first injustice was the failure of the legislature to specifically include surviving spouses along with service-disabled veterans who were extended reduced property tax rates in previous legislation. As 100% rated service-connected disabled veterans I am grateful for this tax relief in recognition of my service and sacrifice on behalf of the Nation and the Commonwealth. So, it befuddles me as to how my sacrifice can be recognized but that of those who made the ultimate sacrifice goes unrecognized. The second injustice is one of interpretation by some counties in applying certain benefits to surviving spouses by requiring that they not only be surviving spouses but require that the service member have died as a direct result of combat with the enemy. The Federal Government does not even make this distinction in awarding federal benefits, the simply require that it be in the line of duty and not due to misconduct. The Commonwealth does not apply this requirement in extending benefits to wounded, ill and injured, they simply require honorable service and a certain percentage of disability that is service connected. This seems to me a cruel way to treat surviving spouses and complete disrespect for the service member who has lost his or her life in the line of duty. I consider myself fortunate, despite my disabilities, because I came home alive and have been able to see my children grow up and two so far go off to college. I have shared over a dozen anniversaries since then with my wife and created many more wonderful memories with her. I have several friends who did not come home. They have not seen their children grow up nor were they able to create any new memories with their spouse. When I was in Iraq my greatest concern was not for myself but for my family should anything happen to me. By far the most asked promise among those of us with families before leaving the wire was that should anything happen to us, the others would help look after our families. So, to see the law as it stands now that allows me a benefit for my disability while denying that same benefit to the wives of several close friends who lost their life in the line of duty, seems nothing short of a betrayal of that promise. Surviving Spouse’s SBP is only half that of a service member who retires. That may seem generous to some, but the vast majority of service death are young and junior in rank, so retirements are not large sums, and many have young families. The cost of raising that family is not halved just because the service member died. Reduced property taxes may make the difference in a Gold Star family keeping their home or having to leave it. And for a family that has lost a parent there are few things more important than ensuring the stability of their home. So, I implore you to please support HB 957. It is a matter of fairness, a matter of equity, and a matter of honor. Please help veterans like me keep our promise to lost comrades to help look after their families. Thank you very much.

My name is Meredith Williams. My late husband, LT Nathan H. Williams served in the United States Navy from 2004 until his death in April 2011. He was a Weapons System Officer and flew in the F/A-18 Super Hornet. He served in Afghanistan aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, providing air support for US ground troops. He died on April 6, 2011, in a crash during a training flight in the F/A-18 Super Hornet. His death certificate states his cause of death was an "accident" and because of this, I am not eligible for the real estate property tax exemption. His death was directly related to his job protecting this country. He paid the ULTIMATE sacrifice while on active duty, but because he was not killed overseas or by the enemy, his death is somehow considered less important to those who make government policies. I would like to request that the Real Estate Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses be expanded to include all Line of Duty Deaths. Recognizing all active duty Line of Duty Deaths will honor the ultimate sacrifice made by these service members and their surviving spouses.

Comments Document

Good afternoon. My name is Maggie McCloud and I am the surviving spouse of Marine LtCol Joseph Trane McCloud. My husband was in combat, on active duty, serving in Iraq in 2006 when his helicopter crash landed at Haditah Dam. He and three others aboard were killed. Had his helicopter been shot down by enemy fire, his death would be considered killed in action and I would then qualify for the Virginia property tax relief, but because it was an accident in combat, I am now told that I am ineligible. In 2015 upon passage of the Amendment to provide the property tax exemption to the surviving spouses of fallen military members I applied for and was granted the exemption by Fairfax County. Then last year I received a letter from the County informing me that upon a review of their records I was inappropriately granted the exemption because his death was not the result of hostile combat action. To grant me the exemption and then to remove it retroactively years later with a short letter in the mail is shocking, unjust and unfair to my family, and an insult to my husband's death in military service. The Department of Defense considers me a "Gold Star" spouse as my husband was serving in a combat operation. I receive no difference in federal benefits from the DoD than any other spouse considered "killed in action." The precedent for this exemption was established. Is my husband’s death in Iraq no less worthy than another’s? If my husband had survived, been severely wounded, declared 100% disabled and then died, I would receive the property tax exemption. The intent of the law was certainly to honor and share the sacrifice of service members such as my husband who served 17 years in the United States Marine Corps and who also owned property in Virginia as well. The Virginia Constitutional amendments for 100% permanently and total disabled veterans and first responders provide benefits for line of duty deaths and to their surviving spouses. The surviving spouses of those who die on active duty should receive no less than what has been provided to the others. Virginia Law should be changed to reflect that all military surviving spouses of those who died on active duty who are eligible for federal survivor benefits receive the property tax exemption. I respectfully ask for your support of all efforts to fix this inequity. Thank you.

Good Afternoon, My name is Yasin Wade, and I am a resident of the Hunters Mill district. I am the widow of Navy LT Daniel Wade who died in March 2015. I am also the mother of 3 boys, Daniel, Jaden & Micah. I am here today asking for a more inclusive tax waiver for Surviving Spouses of Military Service Members to also include “Died in the Line of -Duty.” I am here today to ask that the exemption be extended to cover the surviving spouses of military services because the military doesn’t distinguish a difference in benefits between KIA and Died In the Line of Duty. We know grief is grief and loss is loss. I am here today asking for your support of HB957. My husband Daniel was a prior-enlisted Naval Lieutenant. Daniel served for 10 years as a Submariner, earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer and, then later earned his rank as a Surface Warfare Officer. During his 16-year Naval career, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Highest non-combat decorations award for heroism). The impact of the loss of my late husband is the same as any other military widow. With Daniel gone, I am trying to be both Mom and Dad. Raising children is hard. But raising grieving children is even more difficult. I am the chauffeur that drives three kids to three different soccer games and practices during the week. I am the chef. I am the coach of my kiddos basketball team. I am the keeper of memories, as the years' pass, it becomes harder to remember what life was like when you were only 4, 6, and 8. I am here to honor my husband Daniel because he also paid the ultimate sacrifice and his service should be honored. I am asking the Virginia State House of Delegates to support expanding tax relief for surviving spouses of military service members.

Dear Delegate, I am writing to urge you to support local control over tax dollars for school facilities. Local voters and local parents should have the right to approve or deny a special 1% sales tax for this purpose. These taxes don’t fill government coffers - they can only be used for school construction and renovation, can exempt groceries and medications, and have a built in-expiration date. The General Assembly has previously granted this authority to nine localities and this year, three politically diverse localities have requested this ability, the City of Charlottesville, Isle of Wight County, and Prince Edward County. There is also a bill to grant this local authority to all municipalities in the Commonwealth. This local tax for schools was unanimously recommended by the bipartisan Commission on School Construction and Modernization. Here in Cville it has a lot of support and momentum, and has already passed the Senate. Governor Youngkin has promised a record investment in education while also urging us to move beyond our fractured politics. I respectfully ask you to reconsider the decision to table bills HB531, HB545 and HB63. Please support local parents and voters with the authority to decide for themselves on local taxes for their schools. Please think about this important initiative for Charlottesville, its kids, and future generations. Matt Caesar

I select these particular bills because I feel that any increase in taxes that will go strictly to support the renovation of our school to prepare the environment for our students. Greatly needed.

Hello I’m Tisha Erby Mother of 5 boys , 4 are Richmond Public School Students and WE support HB 531 which will allow all counties and cities to use a 1% sales tax to pay for the construction of new schools. [RPS-George Wythe High School] needs this additional revenue to build new schools and modernize facilities to improve the learning experience of its students. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of the state’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Unfortunately, my community is home to several of these outdated buildings including George Wythe High School. Students and teachers are placed in unsafe environments that may have leaky roofs, windowless classrooms, mold, poor ventilation, and broken HVAC systems. It is not helpful to the learning environment and development of children to attend school in buildings that harm their health and well-being. Having the sales tax as an option will give us the opportunity to fix the crumbling schools in my school district. I am afraid that if the General Assembly doesn’t pass this bill, another generation of students will be forced to sit in outdated, 50-year old classrooms that are inadequate for what students need today. Please prioritize education and the future of our commonwealth by taking this necessary step to invest in our schools, our students, and our community. Thank you so much for listening and remember #WytheCantWait #AllRPSCantWait #WeAreRPS

Hello I’m Tisha Erby Mother of 5 boys , 4 are Richmond Public School Students and WE support HB 531 which will allow all counties and cities to use a 1% sales tax to pay for the construction of new schools. [RPS-George Wythe High School] needs this additional revenue to build new schools and modernize facilities to improve the learning experience of its students. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of the state’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Unfortunately, my community is home to several of these outdated buildings including George Wythe High School. Students and teachers are placed in unsafe environments that may have leaky roofs, windowless classrooms, mold, poor ventilation, and broken HVAC systems. It is not helpful to the learning environment and development of children to attend school in buildings that harm their health and well-being. Having the sales tax as an option will give us the opportunity to fix the crumbling schools in my school district. I am afraid that if the General Assembly doesn’t pass this bill, another generation of students will be forced to sit in outdated, 50-year old classrooms that are inadequate for what students need today. Please prioritize education and the future of our commonwealth by taking this necessary step to invest in our schools, our students, and our community. Thank you so much for listening and remember #WytheCantWait #AllRPSCantWait #WeAreRPS

Hello I’m Tisha Erby Mother of 5 boys , 4 are Richmond Public School Students and WE support HB 531 which will allow all counties and cities to use a 1% sales tax to pay for the construction of new schools. [RPS-George Wythe High School] needs this additional revenue to build new schools and modernize facilities to improve the learning experience of its students. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of the state’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Unfortunately, my community is home to several of these outdated buildings including George Wythe High School. Students and teachers are placed in unsafe environments that may have leaky roofs, windowless classrooms, mold, poor ventilation, and broken HVAC systems. It is not helpful to the learning environment and development of children to attend school in buildings that harm their health and well-being. Having the sales tax as an option will give us the opportunity to fix the crumbling schools in my school district. I am afraid that if the General Assembly doesn’t pass this bill, another generation of students will be forced to sit in outdated, 50-year old classrooms that are inadequate for what students need today. Please prioritize education and the future of our commonwealth by taking this necessary step to invest in our schools, our students, and our community. Thank you so much for listening and remember #WytheCantWait #AllRPSCantWait #WeAreRPS

I am Monti Zimmerman, a retied Colonel from the US Army. I serve as the Vice Chair of the JLC and believe this will bill go a long way to support retaining those who now leave the Commonwealth upon military retirement as well as recruiting people to return or choose Virginia as a place to retire. The National Headquarters of the Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) is located in Alexandria, Virginia. I am the MOAA representative to the JLC. The national organization wishes me to convey that this bill will assist in bringing military retirees into Virginia that will be hired and continue to work in Virginia.

I am Monti Zimmerman, a retired Army Colonel with almost 31 yeas of service and 32 months in combat or hazardous duty zones. I believe this bill would help military retires decide to come to Virginia or stay in Virginia and contribute to the general economy at significantly greater numbers than they do at this time.

Hello I’m Tisha Erby Mother of 5 boys , 4 are Richmond Public School Students and WE support HB 531 which will allow all counties and cities to use a 1% sales tax to pay for the construction of new schools. [RPS-George Wythe High School] needs this additional revenue to build new schools and modernize facilities to improve the learning experience of its students. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of the state’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Unfortunately, my community is home to several of these outdated buildings including George Wythe High School. Students and teachers are placed in unsafe environments that may have leaky roofs, windowless classrooms, mold, poor ventilation, and broken HVAC systems. It is not helpful to the learning environment and development of children to attend school in buildings that harm their health and well-being. Having the sales tax as an option will give us the opportunity to fix the crumbling schools in my school district. I am afraid that if the General Assembly doesn’t pass this bill, another generation of students will be forced to sit in outdated, 50-year old classrooms that are inadequate for what students need today. Please prioritize education and the future of our commonwealth by taking this necessary step to invest in our schools, our students, and our community. Thank you so much for listening and remember #WytheCantWait #AllRPSCantWait #WeAreRPS

Hello I’m Tisha Erby Mother of 5 boys , 4 are Richmond Public School Students and WE support HB 531 which will allow all counties and cities to use a 1% sales tax to pay for the construction of new schools. [RPS-George Wythe High School] needs this additional revenue to build new schools and modernize facilities to improve the learning experience of its students. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of the state’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Unfortunately, my community is home to several of these outdated buildings including George Wythe High School. Students and teachers are placed in unsafe environments that may have leaky roofs, windowless classrooms, mold, poor ventilation, and broken HVAC systems. It is not helpful to the learning environment and development of children to attend school in buildings that harm their health and well-being. Having the sales tax as an option will give us the opportunity to fix the crumbling schools in my school district. I am afraid that if the General Assembly doesn’t pass this bill, another generation of students will be forced to sit in outdated, 50-year old classrooms that are inadequate for what students need today. Please prioritize education and the future of our commonwealth by taking this necessary step to invest in our schools, our students, and our community. Thank you so much for listening and remember #WytheCantWait #AllRPSCantWait #WeAreRPS

Hello I’m Tisha Erby Mother of 5 boys , 4 are Richmond Public School Students and WE support HB 531 which will allow all counties and cities to use a 1% sales tax to pay for the construction of new schools. [RPS-George Wythe High School] needs this additional revenue to build new schools and modernize facilities to improve the learning experience of its students. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of the state’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Unfortunately, my community is home to several of these outdated buildings including George Wythe High School. Students and teachers are placed in unsafe environments that may have leaky roofs, windowless classrooms, mold, poor ventilation, and broken HVAC systems. It is not helpful to the learning environment and development of children to attend school in buildings that harm their health and well-being. Having the sales tax as an option will give us the opportunity to fix the crumbling schools in my school district. I am afraid that if the General Assembly doesn’t pass this bill, another generation of students will be forced to sit in outdated, 50-year old classrooms that are inadequate for what students need today. Please prioritize education and the future of our commonwealth by taking this necessary step to invest in our schools, our students, and our community. Thank you so much for listening and remember #WytheCantWait #AllRPSCantWait #WeAreRPS

Hello I’m Tisha Erby Mother of 5 boys , 4 are Richmond Public School Students and WE support HB 531 which will allow all counties and cities to use a 1% sales tax to pay for the construction of new schools. [RPS-George Wythe High School] needs this additional revenue to build new schools and modernize facilities to improve the learning experience of its students. According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than half of the state’s school buildings are more than 50 years old. Unfortunately, my community is home to several of these outdated buildings including George Wythe High School. Students and teachers are placed in unsafe environments that may have leaky roofs, windowless classrooms, mold, poor ventilation, and broken HVAC systems. It is not helpful to the learning environment and development of children to attend school in buildings that harm their health and well-being. Having the sales tax as an option will give us the opportunity to fix the crumbling schools in my school district. I am afraid that if the General Assembly doesn’t pass this bill, another generation of students will be forced to sit in outdated, 50-year old classrooms that are inadequate for what students need today. Please prioritize education and the future of our commonwealth by taking this necessary step to invest in our schools, our students, and our community. Thank you so much for listening and remember #WytheCantWait #AllRPSCantWait #WeAreRPS