Brunswick County is an economically challenged rural community that was devastated by the sudden closure of the former Brunswick Correctional Facility, and we would like to gain access to this property to market and foster economic development, attracting a business and thus creating much needed tax revenue and job creation. We have been working with General District but was unable to make any real progression over the last 3 years towards some resolve thus the property has remained in its current state. Having this property as a part of the County's aggressive marketing resources will help to revitalize this struggling economic engine.

Support of HB 793

Support of HB 793

Brunswick County is an economically distressed rural community that has narrowly survived several traumatic economic and workforce disruptions, most notably the closure of the former Brunswick Correctional Center and St. Paul’s College. Together, these losses resulted in the elimination of hundreds of jobs, significant decline in infrastructure usage, and a measurable decrease in population. The transfer of the former Brunswick Correctional Facility property to Brunswick County would represent a substantial economic boost at a critical time, as the County continues its efforts to revitalize the local economy and position itself for sustainable growth. Ownership of this property would significantly enhance the County’s ability to attract new investment, support business development, and create quality employment opportunities. As Brunswick County actively pursues market opportunities in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and information technology, control of this site would serve as a strategic asset-providing a competitive advantage in business attraction and long-term job creation for our community.

I am writing to oppose the current slate of firearm restriction bills before the General Assembly. While these proposals are framed as public safety measures, in practice they disproportionately harm marginalized Virginians — including racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals (especially trans people), immigrants, and low-income residents — who often face higher risks of targeted violence and slower or unequal police response. These bills add costs, delays, and bureaucratic hurdles to exercising a fundamental right. Increased fees, mandatory waiting periods, feature bans, and expanded disqualifications fall hardest on people with limited financial resources, unstable work schedules, or justified concerns about their personal safety. For many vulnerable individuals, the ability to lawfully and promptly acquire a firearm is not about ideology, but about self-defense. History shows that restrictive gun laws are most aggressively enforced in minority communities, amplifying disparities in arrests, prosecution, and legal exposure — even when no harm has occurred. Expanding civil liability, criminal penalties, and subjective risk standards increases that risk. Public safety should not come at the expense of civil rights or equal access to self-protection. Policies that price people out of their rights or delay lawful self-defense do not address the root causes of violence and instead leave the most vulnerable less safe. I respectfully urge you to oppose these bills and support approaches that protect both public safety and the rights of all Virginians, regardless of income, identity, or background. Thank you for your time and consideration.