This is to ask you to support HB 1918 - Driving is a big responsibility. It is incumbent upon us to help keep our youth as safe as possible by emphasizing to them the seriousness of being safe while operating a motor vehicle. It is worth the financial impact if any.

My name is Tammy Gweedo and I live in Yorktown Va I strongly support bill HB1918 My son Conner was killed by an unlicensed speeding driver leaving his Junior Homecoming Dance at Tabb High School 10/26/2019. This student was allowed to park on school property for several weeks before the crash with a parking permit that was issued to him by the school No one should be issued a parking permit without having completed the School and States curriculum as well as obtaining the parents consent Had the school been required to have a valid drivers license presented before issuing a parking permit I may not be where I am today, without Conner. I can’t save Conner now but this law can help save others We want to ensure that the high schools are doing their due diligence across the State protecting all students and drivers Currently the form is different from High School to High School across the State with little A uniformed approach provides consistency and protects our youth while being compliant with all rules Part 2 of this bills requests increased funding for Driver Improvement classes in the High School Teenage crashes are still the #1 cause of death in the United States We have to do more to affect change to support our teenagers. Driver education as defined from current students is a joke. It’s a free period, time for them to catch up on other more important classes or just to text and post on social media Driving is a privilege and one that should not be taken likely. Putting a 16 year old behind the wheel of a killing machine is not to be taken lightly. Yet the mentality is it’s just another class and one that no one looks at for your ultimate curriculum yet it’s truly so important We have to find ways to speak to our youth and make this important Increased funding will allow us to take a deep dive into this program to enhance the quality and urgency needed to make this learning relevant I urge you to support this bill in hopes we can prevent such a tragedy from happening again as no one should ever have to bury their child Thank you

Mister or Madam Chair and Committee Members. Thank you for allowing me to speak to you today. My name is Tammy Gweedo and I live in Yorktown Va I strongly support bill HB1918 My son Conner was killed by an unlicensed speeding driver leaving his Junior Homecoming Dance at Tabb High School 10/26/2019. This student was allowed to park on school property for several weeks before the crash with a parking permit that was issued to him by the school No one should be issued a parking permit without having completed the School and States curriculum as well as obtaining the parents consent Had the school been required to have a valid drivers license presented before issuing a parking permit I may not be where I am today, without Conner. I can’t save Conner now but this law can help save others We want to ensure that the high schools are doing their due diligence across the State protecting all students and drivers Currently the form is different from High School to High School across the State with little A uniformed approach provides consistency and protects our youth while being compliant with all rules Part 2 of this bills requests increased funding for Driver Improvement classes in the High School Teenage crashes are still the #1 cause of death in the United States We have to do more to affect change to support our teenagers. Driver education as defined from current students is a joke. It’s a free period, time for them to catch up on other more important classes or just to text and post on social media Driving is a privilege and one that should not be taken likely. Putting a 16 year old behind the wheel of a killing machine is not to be taken lightly. Yet the mentality is it’s just another class and one that no one looks at for your ultimate curriculum yet it’s truly so important We have to find ways to speak to our youth and make this important Increased funding will allow us to take a deep dive into this program to enhance the quality and urgency needed to make this learning relevant I urge you to support this bill in hopes we can prevent such a tragedy from happening again as no one should ever have to bury their child Thank you

AAA supports HB 1918, we strongly support additional education surrounding the dangers of distracted driving and speed. We understand there is a fiscal impact and we hope additional funding would be provided to Department of Education to help cover the cost.

I want you to know that I think citizens with criminal records are very likely some of the greatest beneficiaries of additional education as they struggle to return to being most productive in society, and the last sentence of the bill should be stricken or an explicit definition of the phrase "threat to the institution's community" must be included. Sincerely, Hal Higley

I am president of Safer Virginia, a criminal reform advocacy group. I had intended to speak on HB1930 and HB1975, but was stymied by this new remote participation process. I was unable to register to speak--I did not realize you had to register beforehand--therefore, I leave my comments and concerns here in hopes that they will be considered as these bills progress. HB1930: A criminal conviction should not be a societal death sentence, but too often organizations and employers shy away from admitting or hiring those with convictions out of fear of public vilification. Scholastic institutions are no different. But people with criminal convictions are very likely some of the greatest beneficiaries of additional education as they struggle to return to being productive in society. For that reason, we strongly support the aims of this bill, but highlight two points of concern we feel ought to be addressed. First, there's no definition for what a "threat to the institution's community" entails. Arguably any criminal conviction could be a "threat to the institution's community." This gives no ease of mind to an applicant with conviction because it is impossible for him or her to determine whether or not their admission will be rescinded. This problem also exacerbates the underlying issue because, by rejecting a person after they have been admitted, that person is now no longer able to pursue other academic opportunities from other institutions that they forewent. As a consequence, there's nothing stopping an institution from rescinding an acceptance to literally every student that it would have denied prior to this bill. How, then, does this bill actually address the issue if it can be essentially circumvented? Simply put, subsection (c) undoes any teeth this bill might have. We ask that the last sentence of subsection (c) be stricken ("Any public institution of higher education may withdraw an offer of admission to any individual whom the institution subsequently determines to have a criminal history that poses a threat to the institution's community") or that "threat to the institution's community" be more precisely defined. HB1975: While we support the aims of this bill and feel compassions for those who have survived sexual assault, we have a grave concern about potential unintended consequences HB1975 may promote. By providing free tuition to those who are the victim of past sexual assault, it incentivizes unscrupulous individuals looking for a "free ride" to fabricate allegations. There is now a substantial monetary gain for victimhood--in some cases hundreds of thousands of dollars--that may prove enticing. While rare, false allegations already exist; it is worrisome how some may accuse a parent, a friend, a teacher, or literally innocent person of egregious conduct in order to benefit themselves. We urge the General Assembly to table this bill without a proper plan on how to address this problem. Thank you Zachary Jesse President, Safer Virginia 804-512-1239

Discrimination in higher education admissions should not be permitted either based on criminal history or on an undefined term, "threat to the institution's community". Please remember, citizens with criminal records are very likely some of the greatest beneficiaries of additional education as they struggle to return to being most productive in society. This would only place additional barriers to those who are already down and out. If the bill does go forward, then at a minimum the last sentence of the bill should be stricken or an explicit definition of the phrase "threat to the institution's community" must be included. This phrase is too vague and open to abuse. In addition, it may unnecessarily burden our education institutions with legal costs associated with defending their interpretation of this language.

The bill contains no definition of "threat", leaving open the likelihood of discriminatory admissions decisions. Citizens with criminal records are very likely some of the greatest beneficiaries of additional education as they struggle to return to being most productive in society. Please strike the last sentence of the bill or include an explicit definition of the phrase "threat to the institution's community". Discrimination in higher education admissions should not be permitted either based on criminal history or on an undefined term such as "threat to the institution's community". Safer Virginia PO Box 4289 Richmond, VA 23220-8289 (804) 525-9186

Citizens with criminal records are very likely some of the greatest beneficiaries of additional education as they struggle to return to being most productive in society. The last sentence in lines 24-26 of the bill should be stricken. If not, an explicit definition of the phrase "threat to the institution's community" must be included as well as clarification of who makes that determination and by what criteria. Otherwise, prospective students are subject to discriminatory, irrational and emotional decisions that are without research-based merit.

While the intention of this bill is laudatory, the prospect of a free college education might be enough of an enticement to motivate some to make false accusations. While we might take some comfort in that law enforcement and the courts might ferret out false accusations, it must be recognized that the mere accusation of a sex crime is enough to destroy lives and ruin reputations. Might there be a better way to assist victims? Maybe funding for counseling or mental health services. Something that would still assist victims without attracting scammers.

Wow. Falsely accuse someone of a sex offense against your child, get them convicted; free college and counseling! I recognize the intent of this bill, it is often very hard for victims to get their lives going, and they deserve help, but this bill would certainly be abused.

The bill is discriminatory. It favors a victim who wants to attend college, disregarding those who find that choice neither wise financially nor a benefit in their career field. The bill incorrectly exacts restitution from universities and taxpayers, neither of whom committed the offense.

My name is Patrick McKenna and I am an Attorney and the President of the Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking (VCAHT), an alliance of service providers, attorneys, survivor-advocates, and community members on a mission to remove barriers preventing survivors from achieving a full and healthy life through public awareness campaigns, policy reform and enacting survivor-centered human trafficking legislation. The member organizations represented within VCAHT are working with 100's of survivors throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. First VCAHT wishes to thank the members of the Subcommittee for this opportunity to present its position on House Bill HB1975 and it also wishes to thank Del. Rush for his concern for those victimized by the criminal activity outlined in the bill and his efforts to address these abuses and provide critical tools for the healing journey of those who have been victimized by these crimes through the mechanisms provided in the proposed legislation. The bill does this in a two fold manner. First, it provides for free counseling to help survivors address the affects of the severe trauma that they have experienced, which in the case of a sex trafficking survivors would include hundreds of incidents of rape and sexual abuse leading to multiple mental health issues such as complex PTSD, severe anxiety, depression and other maladies. Without this counseling, successfully navigating the rigors of academic challenges would make success in these academic and vocational pursuits extremely challenging at best and prone to failure at worst. With the academic performance called for to continue to maintain eligibility under the proposed legislation, it is all the more important that such counseling be made available to the survivor in order to help insure the survivor's success in completing their program. Second, but also very important, is that it provides financial help to those who have been victimized through the waiving of tuition and mandatory fees thereby allowing the survivors to focus on education rather than the stressors of paying for it and thereby helping to minimize impact on previous traumatic experiences and promoting their success in completing the education so necessary to their continued healing and future goals. Both provisions signal to the survivor that we believe in them and wish to do what we can to help and support them in their healing process and obtain success in the future. VCAHT would like to see the number of survivors who might be helped by this legislation expanded to include those who are up to age 21 to account for those being victimized who may have aged out of foster care and are and were still extremely vulnerable to being abused through sex trafficking and the other abuses listed. However, because the bill will help some of those survivors who have been victimized, VCAHT strongly supports this legislation and is asking the Committee to vote in favor of passing the bill to the full Committee for consideration. Thank you for your time and consideration of VCAHT's position.

I am president of Safer Virginia, a criminal reform advocacy group. I had intended to speak on HB1930 and HB1975, but was stymied by this new remote participation process. I was unable to register to speak--I did not realize you had to register beforehand--therefore, I leave my comments and concerns here in hopes that they will be considered as these bills progress. HB1930: A criminal conviction should not be a societal death sentence, but too often organizations and employers shy away from admitting or hiring those with convictions out of fear of public vilification. Scholastic institutions are no different. But people with criminal convictions are very likely some of the greatest beneficiaries of additional education as they struggle to return to being productive in society. For that reason, we strongly support the aims of this bill, but highlight two points of concern we feel ought to be addressed. First, there's no definition for what a "threat to the institution's community" entails. Arguably any criminal conviction could be a "threat to the institution's community." This gives no ease of mind to an applicant with conviction because it is impossible for him or her to determine whether or not their admission will be rescinded. This problem also exacerbates the underlying issue because, by rejecting a person after they have been admitted, that person is now no longer able to pursue other academic opportunities from other institutions that they forewent. As a consequence, there's nothing stopping an institution from rescinding an acceptance to literally every student that it would have denied prior to this bill. How, then, does this bill actually address the issue if it can be essentially circumvented? Simply put, subsection (c) undoes any teeth this bill might have. We ask that the last sentence of subsection (c) be stricken ("Any public institution of higher education may withdraw an offer of admission to any individual whom the institution subsequently determines to have a criminal history that poses a threat to the institution's community") or that "threat to the institution's community" be more precisely defined. HB1975: While we support the aims of this bill and feel compassions for those who have survived sexual assault, we have a grave concern about potential unintended consequences HB1975 may promote. By providing free tuition to those who are the victim of past sexual assault, it incentivizes unscrupulous individuals looking for a "free ride" to fabricate allegations. There is now a substantial monetary gain for victimhood--in some cases hundreds of thousands of dollars--that may prove enticing. While rare, false allegations already exist; it is worrisome how some may accuse a parent, a friend, a teacher, or literally innocent person of egregious conduct in order to benefit themselves. We urge the General Assembly to table this bill without a proper plan on how to address this problem. Thank you Zachary Jesse President, Safer Virginia 804-512-1239

On behalf of the Student Government Association at James Madison University, I Sara Comer would like to personally express why we believe this legislation is so important. My freshman year of college I was sexually assaulted by a dear friend of mine. I ran all the way home about a mile to get myself safe. Passing many police officers no one stopped to ask me if I was ok. As days passed I debated with myself on if I should file for a Title IX case, but from my experience with others I knew I would not have the ability to win. I cut my hair as I had huge gaps missing from my attacker pulling me back, I had bruises that stayed for months as a constant reminder of what had happened to me. I battled with my self worth, with my will to live, and also with my social anxiety. All things I still battle with today. I stayed silent out of fear that I would be blamed for my assault. I also was influenced by the high cost of court fees and hiring a lawyer. It would have drained any money I had for school and personal bills. This legislation is a great step to support survivors that are looking to continue with their lives and move toward successes in life such as attending university. As someone who struggled with mental health while also living with the fear of not having enough money to pay personal bills and tuition at the same time, this bill would help women and men who would be eligible for no cost counseling and tuition waivers. That is a huge weight that could be off so many peoples shoulders and could allow those to battle through their trauma and be the best students they can be. We should always help and protect those whom are victims of not only sexual assault crimes but also sex trafficking crimes. I hope that with my personal statement you will address this issue and see the major purpose of the benefits of this bill and how many lives that will be changed. I am going to shout from the rooftops until this piece of legislation is obtained. Please allow those who struggle financially to have the benefits of justice and of being able to move on with their lives and better themselves with an education. While I support this bill for all survivors under 18, I also implore you to consider a raise in the age requirement as many survivors of sexual violence, like myself, are students on college campuses and face these same burdens at an older age. Take this legislation a step further and provide financial relief to those of an older age carrying massive burdens many can’t even imagine. We also request that the pronouns are made more inclusive to include any gender and not just “he.”

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce supports HB 1986, the management agreement between the Commonwealth and George Mason University granting the university Tier 3 status. George Mason has met all of the statutory requirements for approval as a Tier 3 institution, following its five-year pilot program in Tier 2.5. George Mason is an engaged contributor to our local community in Arlington and to our region and the Commonwealth as a whole, and we expect that it will make good use of this status to serve its educational mission. We thus encourage you to recommend reporting the bill.

The Prince William Chamber of Commerce and its 1200+ members strongly support this legislation. George Mason University has met the requirements set forth by the Commonwealth in order to achieve Tier 3 Status and we strongly encourage all members to support this bill.

I support this bill because I strongly believe lock down drills traumatize kids

Dear Delegates, I am a retired educator and I have seen firsthand the impact of good and poor nutrition. I support this bill because if a child is participating in an after-school program, there is a need for the child to have nourishment after school and before the child’s parent arrives after work. These times may vary between children, but the need is still there. If the program has applied for and qualifies for the administration of the food distribution, the program should exist. The qualification relates to the need for food and nutrition for the children. Food insecurity is a big concern for many families. Providing the children with a nutritious meal after school, might provide a relief for some families. Please vote in favor of HB2135 to provide nutritious meals for after-school programs that qualify for food distribution. Sincerely, Valerie Price Dear Delegates, I am a retired educator who has noticed firsthand that many families are struggling financially and need some relief. HB2013 will provide some relief for parents who have accumulated school lunch debt. Families have varying occurrences and some might have several children in the schools but not qualify for any other assistance. They could have been laid off due to the virus and will need some support. The vast majority of parents are conscientious and want to take care of their responsibilities, but circumstances can change. Please support families by voting in favor of HB2013. Sincerely, Valerie Price

HB2135 – The importance of free after school meals to school children cannot be overstated and is a long time coming. There are few if any families in Hampton where parents aren't working past school hours to pay the bills. I personally know first-graders who start the day with some kind of pre-school program, then a full day of school followed by after-school program that barely gives them enough time for a late dinner and bed. Most of us adults could not handle such a schedule, certainly not on an empty stomach.. I urge you to support this bill. HB2013 – To sue parents, who are already suffering from poverty, job loss and other issues over children's lunch debt is cruel. Many of us, through VA BLOC have raised money to offset those debts but what would be the alternative? Starve the children! My parents were poor, building supers in NYC. They got a “free” apartment plus about $50 a month to feed us. Thankfully, public schools in New York, even in the 50's had free lunch or I and my siblings might not have had lunch ever. Making parents suffer may seem like a good idea to those who have never suffered but it is a very bad idea. Please support HB2013. -Eileen Engel

Dear Subcommittee Members, My name is Kerry Greenhill, and I am a voter living in Hampton (House Delegate 91 / Senate District 2). I am writing in support of HB 2013, which prohibits school boards from filing lawsuits against a student’s parents/caregivers for an inability to pay for a school meal or having school meal debt. As a Christian minister, I am very concerned about issues of childhood hunger and the stigma of poverty in my community and across the Commonwealth. Filing or threatening to file lawsuits against families due to school meal debt is egregious at any time but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a global pandemic with increased food insecurity, we need to take action now to eliminate policies that punish families for not being able to afford school meals when they are already experiencing unprecedented financial insecurity. Currently, as many as 27 school divisions have school meal policies that either threaten the use of legal action or state their policy to take definite action against families to recoup the cost of school meal debt. The City of Hampton was one of these until grassroots organizing confronted the school board with the community’s perspective that the policy and practice were unacceptable. Children should not be worried that their lunch will cause their parents additional financial stress; to enforce a policy of legal action against families is to reinforce shame and guilt among children, as the results could essentially leave them with less resources than were available. This legislation and bill would ensure that no family is punished through legal means for strictly coming from low-income families and not being able to pay for a school meal their child had during the school day. Because the USDA has been providing free school meals to students during the pandemic since March of 2020, school meal debt should not have accrued in the past ten months. But as of right now, the USDA programs will only stop the accumulation of school meal debt until June 30 2021; that is just a few months. We all know that the economic hardship this pandemic has caused and its repercussions will extend way past that date. The time to develop more positive approaches to addressing school meal debt and student hunger is now. As a person of faith and a parent of two young children, I urge you to vote yes on HB 2013 to help reduce childhood hunger and the stigma of poverty in communities across Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Rev. Kerry Greenhill Minister of Discipleship and Community Engagement First United Methodist Church, Hampton, VA

"Hello, my name is Florence Johnson. I live in Chesterfield, VA, in House District 62. I'm writing to ask the committee to VOTE YES on HB2135 and HB2013. This bill is very important to me because food is not only the key to survival but it is also key to thriving and a basic human right. These bills will help address systemic student food insecurity in K-12 schools and help protect families against lawsuits and other burdens brought on by school meal debt. So with that being said, I would like the committee to vote yes on HB2135 and HB2103." -Florence Johnson

SOCIAL ACTION LINKING TOGETHER (SALT), with its more than 1,200 advocates for social justice, supports HB 2013, legislation prohibiting school boards from filing lawsuits against a student’s parent for an inability to pay for a school meal or having school meal debt. It is unacceptable at any time to threaten the filing of lawsuits against families struggling financially because of having school meal debt or being unable to pay for a school meal, but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and period of high unemployment. Food insecurity is a growing problem in Virginia as Virginia students and their families look for solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on research by The Commonwealth Institute, 1 out of 7 children live in families experiencing food insecurity in Virginia. Currently, up to 27 school divisions have school meal policies that either threaten the use of legal action or state their policy to taking legal action against families to recoup the cost of school meal debt. School meals access remains an equity issue that disproportionately affects communities of color. This legislation would ensure that no family is punished through legal means because of their poverty and inability to pay for a school meal their child had during the school day. This scare tactic to threaten parents with legal action is cruel and unacceptable. School meal debt should not have accrued since March 2020 - the USDA has been providing free school meals to students during the pandemic since then. Because of this, it is easier for school boards during this time to address school meal debt/use different mechanisms to address this debt if the overall school meal debt per school or school division has not increased. As of right now USDA under the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option program will only stop the accumulation of school meal debt until June 30 2021; that is only in a few months. There are other mechanisms that school divisions can use to address school meal debt: School divisions that meet federal USDA eligibility requirements can participate in the Community Eligibility Provision to provide federally reimbursed free school breakfast and school lunch to students [HB 5113 (SS 2020)]. In the FY 2020-2022 budget, funds were appropriated to partially fund the reduced-price school meal category statewide (eligible students for this category are often susceptible to accumulating school meal debt based on a number of higher needs-based factors). HB 703 (2020) authorized school boards to accept or solicit donations with the explicit purpose of paying off school meal debt and addressed a previous barrier to some school boards so that school divisions can work collaboratively with community organizations, raise funds through local PTAs. Schools can engage with families that have school meal debt or have trouble affording school meals, and can work with them on a collaborative basis to address higher levels of need in a positive, enriching way that does not involve shaming or stigmatization. Thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony. SALT hopes you will give it favorable consideration. We see this legislation as another opportunity for Virginia legislators to help bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. Submitted by Robert Stewart, SALT Coordinator of Public Affairs, on January 21, 2020

SOCIAL ACTION LINKING TOGETHER (SALT), with its more than 1,200 advocates for social justice, supports HB 2013, legislation prohibiting school boards from filing lawsuits against a student’s parent for an inability to pay for a school meal or having school meal debt. It is unacceptable at any time to threaten the filing of lawsuits against families struggling financially because of having school meal debt or being unable to pay for a school meal, but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and period of high unemployment. Food insecurity is a growing problem in Virginia as Virginia students and their families look for solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on research by The Commonwealth Institute, 1 out of 7 children live in families experiencing food insecurity in Virginia. Currently, up to 27 school divisions have school meal policies that either threaten the use of legal action or state their policy to taking legal action against families to recoup the cost of school meal debt. School meals access remains an equity issue that disproportionately affects communities of color. This legislation would ensure that no family is punished through legal means because of their poverty and inability to pay for a school meal their child had during the school day. This scare tactic to threaten parents with legal action is cruel and unacceptable. School meal debt should not have accrued since March 2020 - the USDA has been providing free school meals to students during the pandemic since then. Because of this, it is easier for school boards during this time to address school meal debt/use different mechanisms to address this debt if the overall school meal debt per school or school division has not increased. As of right now USDA under the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option program will only stop the accumulation of school meal debt until June 30 2021; that is only in a few months. There are other mechanisms that school divisions can use to address school meal debt: School divisions that meet federal USDA eligibility requirements can participate in the Community Eligibility Provision to provide federally reimbursed free school breakfast and school lunch to students [HB 5113 (SS 2020)]. In the FY 2020-2022 budget, funds were appropriated to partially fund the reduced-price school meal category statewide (eligible students for this category are often susceptible to accumulating school meal debt based on a number of higher needs-based factors). HB 703 (2020) authorized school boards to accept or solicit donations with the explicit purpose of paying off school meal debt and addressed a previous barrier to some school boards so that school divisions can work collaboratively with community organizations, raise funds through local PTAs. Schools can engage with families that have school meal debt or have trouble affording school meals, and can work with them on a collaborative basis to address higher levels of need in a positive, enriching way that does not involve shaming or stigmatization. Thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony. SALT hopes you will give it favorable consideration. We see this legislation as another opportunity for Virginia legislators to help bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. Submitted by Robert Stewart, SALT Coordinator of Public Affairs, on January 21, 2020

I understand that an amendment may be proposed to also provide for a study with results to be completed by July 1, 2021. The study should be the entirety of the bill unless a delayed enactment clause is added so that the benefits of the study can be fully digested before the operational parts of the bill are implemented.

HB 2019 Public elementary and secondary schools; administration of undesignated stock albuterol inhalers. This bill would require school boards to adopt policies for using undesignated stock albuterol inhalers and valved holding chambers in EVERY public school in a local school division. If every school would be required to purchase and provide these for student use it would be an unfunded state mandate with a high price tag. Even if the accompanying Budget Amendment would pass, it would not provide enough funds to stock all schools in even one of the Commonwealth's larger divisions. More important than the fiscal impact is that the bill, it would permit any school nurse, employee of the school board, employee of a local governing body, or employee of a local health department to administer this prescription drug. This would authorize administration of albuterol inhalers and valved holding chambers for ANY STUDENT believed in good faith to be in need of such medication. This is a complicated issue, but this could be potentially dangerous; enabling someone with no medical background to diagnose/assess the student's condition and administer this prescription medication. This bill has the potential to do more harm than good and we ask the Committee to oppose this legislation.

Dear Chairman Bagby and members of the subcommittee. I am Jim Council, the lobbyist for Prince William County Schools and am submitting this comment in opposition to HB 2019. PWCS is in agreement with the opposition comment [to be] submitted by Tom Smith, VASS representative. While PWCS is fortunate to have a Registered Nurse in every school, this is not the case for most school divisions within the Commonwealth. Del. Adams, in her comment on her HB 1736, noted (i) that it was not feasible to expect every school to have a Registered Nurse and (ii) only RN’s were equipped to make assessments with respect to treatments for Asthma. In addition to piling another responsibility on an over-worked school nurse staff, this bill is a significant unfunded mandate. In his comment in support of this bill, Dr. Schechter notes that asthma affects nearly ten percent of US children. Thus, this bill would require PWCS to inventory approximately quick relief inhalers for approximately 9000 students. At a time when every school division is experiencing Covid 19-related expenses far in excess of state and federal Covid funding, this is not the time for another expensive mandate.

January 21, 2021 Chairman Bagby and Members of the Subcommittee: My name is Dr. Michael S. Schechter, and I serve as the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR), and the Medical Director of the UCAN (yoU CAN Control Asthma Now) community asthma program at CHoR. I am writing to express CHoR’s and VCU Health System’s support of Delegate McQuinn’s HB 2019. Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood, affecting nearly 10% of children in the U.S. and diseases of the respiratory system are the most common cause of hospitalization and missed school days in children. Furthermore, it particularly afflicts low income urban minority children, who suffer a significantly higher rate of Emergency Department use, hospitalizations, and death due to asthma. It is necessary to point out that Richmond was determined by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to be the #1 or #2 worst city in the US to have asthma in yearly publications since 2010, based upon mortality and emergency room visits (although local initiatives have led to recent improvements in that rating). Norfolk’s statistics are comparable, though not highlighted by that same survey. For many children with asthma, flare-ups happen while at school. A quick-relief inhaler can reverse asthma symptoms, and most schools currently make efforts to allow older students to carry inhalers, but for younger students their families are required to provide paper work and their own inhalers and valved holding chambers to allow nurses to provide this reliever medication. If a student does not have an inhaler available, the only current option is for the school personnel to call 911 and send the child to the Emergency Department. But this doesn't have to be the case, if asthma inhalers are kept in stock by the schools for use as needed. Legislation providing for the availability of stock albuterol inhalers in the schools is endorsed by the National Association of School Nurses, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Lung Association, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and currently is in place in over a dozen states around the U.S. When this legislation was introduced in Arizona (as an example), one school district saw a 20% decrease in 911 calls and a 40% drop in ambulance transports. In my medical opinion, support for the proposed legislation is a “no-brainer,” although some input by informed medical experts may be appropriate to ensure that operationalization is accomplished smoothly and accounts for accommodation to individual needs. I would point out that since 2012 Virginia has had similar legislation requiring the availability of auto-injectable epinephrine units for administration to children with anaphylaxis, a far less common medical entity than asthma, so a policy of this type is clearly feasible. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Michael S. Schechter, MD, MPH Professor and Chief, Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Department of Pediatrics Virginia Commonwealth University Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU

Voices for Virginia's Children supports this legislation.

The Attorney General supports this bill. I will be available to respond to any questions of a legal nature from the subcommittee. M. Elizabeth Griffin Senior Assistant Attorney General - Education Section megriffin@vcu.edu 804-335-8405

The Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights and it's 39 member organization fully endorse HB2123. Granting scholarship to undocumented students is the best way to provide a bright future for deserving students, and continue the pathway of retaining the innovation and talent in Virginia. We urge all members to support this HB2123.

We strongly support this legislation and we thank the patron for carrying it. To put it simply, we believe that people who are living, working, and seeking an education in Virginia are Virginians, regardless of their immigration status. This body saw fit to rightly grant these students in-state tuition eligibility last year, and if the law considers them in-state students then they should be eligible for Virginia's financial aid programs as well. Thank you.

Why should illegal immigrants get anything before our own minorities? They have needs, we should be looking at them first. Next, I've been privileged to have many legal immigrants who studied, paid, and worked very very hard to be an asset to this country. Out of respect for what they've done to us, they would come first before those who violate the law.

Edu-Futuro supports HB 2123 January 26, 2021 Contact: Jorge E. Figueredo, MPP, Executive Director jorge@edu-futuro.org • 703-472-3838 • Good afternoon, Chair and members of the Appropriations - Higher Education Subcommittee, my name is Jorge Figueredo, Executive Director of Edu-Futuro a nonprofit organization that for the past 23 years has delivered after-school programs from pre-k to 12th grade and a two-generation approach to assist low income, and immigrant families to break the cycle of poverty in one generation. We have education, leadership, case management, workforce development, and parent engagement after-school programs in Fairfax and Arlington counties, the City of Alexandria, and the City of Roanoke from pre-K to post-secondary, to assist low income, immigrant, and minority students to stay in school, graduate on time, go to college, and find their first professional jobs. • HB 2123, if approved by the legislators, will extend the same educational benefits to all Virginia students who are currently eligible for in-state tuition, including access to state financial aid programs and resources. This proposal builds upon HB 1547/SB935 that passed in the 2020 legislative session. • Education enables the integration of immigrants into society. JLARC found that immigrants need additional information on how to operate within the “American system.” Education provides the means to remedy this. Thus, access to state financial aid programs and resources to all Virginia students who are currently eligible for in-state tuition should be granted. • Educating young people benefits Virginia. College opportunities reduce dropout rates and quickly pays for itself. It is a benefit to society. Providing access to state financial aid programs to all high school students who qualify for in-state tuition allows them to stay focused on getting better grades during their college years. Based on our experience, attaining a college degree with the lowest possible amount of debt significantly impacts the stability of low-income families. • HB 2123 is an investment in Virginia’s future. A report by VCU found that more than 27,000 job vacancies in Virginia require at least an Associate’s degree (including 18,000 requiring a Bachelor’s degree). Odds of educational & economic success improve for the American-born citizen offspring of immigrants when parents are more highly educated. Equity in financial aid is about strengthening our workforce. It’s not about immigration status. It’s about enabling all of Virginia’s in-state tuition eligible students to access state financial aid programs and resources. Thank you, Jorge E. Figueredo, MPP Executive Director Edu-Futuro www.edu-futuro.org

The Administration supports this legislation. I am available to be online for any questions as necessary.

Dear subcommittee members and chair, My name is Caroline Silvera, and I’m with CASA Virginia. On behalf of CASA, a community-based organization that fights for equity and justice, our 10,000 members strongly support the passing of HB 2123. With some of the best public universities and school systems in the country, Virginia provides a quality education for its students. However, there are still steps we need to take to ensure that all Virginians, regardless of their citizenship status, receive every educational opportunity they need to succeed. Out of 494,000 undocumented Virginians, there is a large number of students who will not be eligible for in-state tuition under the current law. By 2060, Latinos will comprise 30% of the school-aged population in the United States. Therefore, the success of Latino immigrants is critical to the economic and social future of Virginia and this country. Although citizenship status is no longer a barrier for Virginians seeking in-state tuition, they are still not eligible for most forms of financial aid. With no financial aid, many non-citizens are deterred from pursuing higher education. As a resident of Prince William County where the largest student group is Hispanic, I have heard countless stories of those deterred by higher education costs due to their citizenship status. My former classmate worked hard for four years, taking Dual Enrollment classes, just to give up her spot at a state university because her citizenship status made her ineligible for financial aid. The more education someone obtains, the greater their salary becomes. Removing barriers to higher education and allowing more Virginians to pursue it thus contributes to the economy, as payroll tax revenue will become greater. At CASA, we believe this bill is necessary in providing educational equity to all and ensuring a strong future economy. HB 2123 will make our workforce more skilled, and our education system stronger. Supporting this bill is supporting our economy and all students of Virginia. Thank you.

Thank you for continuing the work of helping dreamers afford a college education and stay here in Virginia. The impact of passage of this bill will help so many Virginian's plan to stay in Virginia colleges and universities. We need their talent here.

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) supports HB 2123. We ask the committee to favorably report HB 2123. Thank you.

My name is Ashley Hernandez Estrada, a senior at the College of WIlliam & Mary representing WMFIRE, a student advocacy organization that supports all students, regardless of immigration status. Every day when speaking to students, the main concern we hear about is students’ ability to receive financial aid. House Bill 2123, in making financial aid accessible to all students eligible for in state tuition, would be an enormous step in opening the Commonwealth to countless more brilliant minds and alleviating a tremendous amount of stress on students that call Virginia home. Please vote yes on moving Bill 2123 forward.

Dear members of the Virginia General Assembly, I write to you today regarding VA HB 2123 to support the bill. I am currently a student at the College of William and Mary. I have always been told that hard work and persistence are key to attaining higher education. However, for many students this is not the case. Undocumented students may work as hard as they can but may never have the opportunity to pursue higher education because they are financially unable to. Therefore, it is crucial for all students to have access to Virginia educational benefits. The ability to achieve higher education can provide these students with better futures and end the racial/ethnic divide in higher education. If these students attend college, it can bring communities above the poverty line if they have access to the same financial assistance that other Virginian students receive. When these students graduate from college, they will not only have a better future, but will strengthen our workforce and economy. For these reasons, I urge you to approve this proposal. Thank you, Alayna Sepulveda

The Student Government Association at James Madison University was proud to advocate against the former requirement of having documented citizenship status to be eligible for in-state tuition in the Commonwealth. We did so because DACA students and all our peers that are immigrants to the United States are deserving of fair access to higher education institutions at a more affordable price. We should always be fighting to make higher education more affordable and while this is an ongoing effort, this legislation would afford students, who are currently being slighted, educational benefits that other in-state students already receive. This legislation needs to be passed to open doors to proper financial aid opportunities and allow an easier pathway to greater job opportunities in the future. Supporting this bill is supporting equitable access to education.

Dear subcommittee members and chair, My name is Caroline Silvera, and I’m with CASA Virginia. On behalf of CASA, a community-based organization that fights for equity and justice, our 10,000 members strongly support the passing of HB 2123. With some of the best public universities and school systems in the country, Virginia provides a quality education for its students. However, there are still steps we need to take to ensure that all Virginians, regardless of their citizenship status, receive every educational opportunity they need to succeed. Out of 494,000 undocumented Virginians, there is a large number of students who will not be eligible for in-state tuition under the current law. By 2060, Latinos will comprise 30% of the school-aged population in the United States. Therefore, the success of Latino immigrants is critical to the economic and social future of Virginia and this country. Although citizenship status is no longer a barrier for Virginians seeking in-state tuition, they are still not eligible for most forms of financial aid. With no financial aid, many non-citizens are deterred from pursuing higher education. As a resident of Prince William County where the largest student group is Hispanic, I have heard countless stories of those deterred by higher education costs due to their citizenship status. My former classmate worked hard for four years, taking Dual Enrollment classes, just to give up her spot at a state university because her citizenship status made her ineligible for financial aid. The more education someone obtains, the greater their salary becomes. Removing barriers to higher education and allowing more Virginians to pursue it thus contributes to the economy, as payroll tax revenue will become greater. At CASA, we believe this bill is necessary in providing educational equity to all and ensuring a strong future economy. HB 2123 will make our workforce more skilled, and our education system stronger. Supporting this bill is supporting our economy and all students of Virginia. Thank you.

Hello. My name is Kassandra Benson. I live in Newport News, VA. I’d like to speak on HB2135 which would require school boards to enroll in afterschool free meals program (similar to the CEP). I care about this issue because through working with the Virginia Black Leadership Organizing Collaborative, I’ve seen these programs work to the benefit of the students, parents, and the Newport News Schools when supported and implemented. I also followed how Hampton City School leadership lagged behind to support such programs and, in my opinion failed their students. Many of the children who would benefit from these school feeding programs have fewer options for nutritious meal based on their socio-economic status. Learning can be difficult if you’re hungry on a daily basis. A free afterschool feeding program could fill a gap for children who may not receive a meal at home later or it may be a less nutritious one. Healthy meals make healthier children more equipped to learn and pay attention. This option could also lessen the burden on already strained wallets of low-income families. Requiring school boards to enroll in afterschool free meal programs (similar to CEP) is the moral thing to do to fill a hunger gap for children in need. Subsequently, schools will see more alert children ready to learn! Vote YES on HB 2135. Thank you for the opportunity to weigh in on this issue. Sincerely, Kassandra Benson

The School Nutrition Association of Virginia supports HB 2135 and thanks Delegate Roem for her continued leadership in strengthening access to nutritious meals for Virginia’s school children. We also thank the patron and stakeholders for working together to accommodate practicable participation in the Afterschool Meals Program, including the ability to collaborate with community partners, the wavier process, and the delayed enactment date. We urge the committee to vote yes on this bill. Thank you.

Dear Delegates, I am a retired educator and I have seen firsthand the impact of good and poor nutrition. I support this bill because if a child is participating in an after-school program, there is a need for the child to have nourishment after school and before the child’s parent arrives after work. These times may vary between children, but the need is still there. If the program has applied for and qualifies for the administration of the food distribution, the program should exist. The qualification relates to the need for food and nutrition for the children. Food insecurity is a big concern for many families. Providing the children with a nutritious meal after school, might provide a relief for some families. Please vote in favor of HB2135 to provide nutritious meals for after-school programs that qualify for food distribution. Sincerely, Valerie Price Dear Delegates, I am a retired educator who has noticed firsthand that many families are struggling financially and need some relief. HB2013 will provide some relief for parents who have accumulated school lunch debt. Families have varying occurrences and some might have several children in the schools but not qualify for any other assistance. They could have been laid off due to the virus and will need some support. The vast majority of parents are conscientious and want to take care of their responsibilities, but circumstances can change. Please support families by voting in favor of HB2013. Sincerely, Valerie Price

HB2135 – The importance of free after school meals to school children cannot be overstated and is a long time coming. There are few if any families in Hampton where parents aren't working past school hours to pay the bills. I personally know first-graders who start the day with some kind of pre-school program, then a full day of school followed by after-school program that barely gives them enough time for a late dinner and bed. Most of us adults could not handle such a schedule, certainly not on an empty stomach.. I urge you to support this bill. HB2013 – To sue parents, who are already suffering from poverty, job loss and other issues over children's lunch debt is cruel. Many of us, through VA BLOC have raised money to offset those debts but what would be the alternative? Starve the children! My parents were poor, building supers in NYC. They got a “free” apartment plus about $50 a month to feed us. Thankfully, public schools in New York, even in the 50's had free lunch or I and my siblings might not have had lunch ever. Making parents suffer may seem like a good idea to those who have never suffered but it is a very bad idea. Please support HB2013. -Eileen Engel

Dear Subcommittee Members, My name is Kerry Greenhill, and I am a voter living in Hampton (House Delegate 91 / Senate District 2). I am writing in support of HB 2135, which addresses food insecurity among K-12 students by ensuring that eligible schools are participating in the Afterschool Meal Program, and can therefore receive federal reimbursement dollars for meals or snacks provided to students in communities with high percentages of low-income families. As a Christian minister, I am very concerned about issues of childhood hunger in my community and across the Commonwealth. Last year’s special session of the Virginia Assembly passed much-needed legislation requiring school districts to apply for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for all schools that were eligible, thus making federal funds available to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in communities with high indicators of poverty. While we might wish it were unnecessary to require school boards to participate in these federal programs, the truth is that the city of Hampton had 10 schools that were eligible for CEP but not participating in the 2019-2020 school year. Sometimes local school boards need firm requirements to do what is right for the most vulnerable members of their community. Under the current circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity is a growing problem for Virginia students and their families. According to The Commonwealth Institute, 1 out of 7 children in Virginia live in families experiencing food insecurity. Furthermore, with the shift to virtual learning under COVID-19 exacerbating the educational learning gap, we need to increase the availability of afterschool programming to ensure our students have comprehensive access to learning. The federal Afterschool Meal Program fills the hunger gap that students may experience after school for millions of low-income children. As a person of faith and a parent of two young children, I see this bill as a logical next step from last year’s CEP legislation, and an important measure to use the resources available to us to make sure young people are not going hungry when we could do something about it. Please vote yes on HB 2135 to help reduce childhood hunger in communities across Virginia. Thank you for your consideration. Rev. Kerry Greenhill Minister of Discipleship and Community Engagement First United Methodist Church, Hampton, VA

"Hello, my name is Florence Johnson. I live in Chesterfield, VA, in House District 62. I'm writing to ask the committee to VOTE YES on HB2135 and HB2013. This bill is very important to me because food is not only the key to survival but it is also key to thriving and a basic human right. These bills will help address systemic student food insecurity in K-12 schools and help protect families against lawsuits and other burdens brought on by school meal debt. So with that being said, I would like the committee to vote yes on HB2135 and HB2103." -Florence Johnson

The School Nutrition Association of Virginia supports HB 2135 (Roem) to expand access to school meals through the Afterschool Meal Program.

Social Action Linking Together (SALT), with its more than 1,200 advocates for social justice, believes that the justice of a society can be determined by how the most vulnerable are faring and being treated. Therefore, SALT supports HB 2135, legislation that addresses systemic student food insecurity in K-12 schools by ensuring that eligible schools are participating in the Afterschool Meal Program. Food insecurity is clearly a growing problem our state as Virginia students and their families look for solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on information provided by The Commonwealth Institute, 1 out of 7 children live in families experiencing food insecurity in Virginia. This legislation would require eligible public schools to participate in the program but would not require other eligible organizations qualifying as "at-risk afterschool care centers" to participate in the program (it only applies to school sites). If a school already has an existing partnership with an organization that already participates in the Afterschool Meal program and can provide afterschool programming in collaboration with a school or schools, then that could count as participation, provided that meals or snacks would be served in conjunction with that programming. There is a similar limited circumstance waiver included in this legislation (similar to the CEP bill) that accounts for limited circumstances when a school or schools apply to participate in the CACFP Afterschool Meal Program and a subsequent evaluation of the school or schools by VDOE does not deem it financially viable for that school or schools to participate in the program. Any concern that a school board may have relating to participating in the Afterschool Meals Program can be addressed through this financial viability waiver (potential costs concerns about providing afterschool enrichment or educational programs, utility costs for keeping school sites open afterschool, compensating staff for afterschool programming if needed, etc.). The Virginia Department of Education is available to work with any school or school division to address any financial concerns that may arise relating to making application to participate in the Afterschool Meal Program. Due to COVID-19 and the extent of the federal program, the bill has a delayed enactment clause to give school boards, administrators and school nutrition departments more time to plan and apply to participate in the program after operations normalize a little more. The program, offered through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), provides federal funding to afterschool programs operating in a low-income area to serve meals and snacks to children 18 and under after school, on weekends, and during school holidays Participants in the Afterschool Meal Program receive a federal reimbursement for each breakfast, lunch, or supper, and snack served. Breakfast and lunch can only be served on weekends and during school breaks (not including summer). CACFP sponsors can choose to receive cash in lieu of commodities. Thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony. SALT hopes you will give it favorable consideration. We see this legislation as another opportunity for Virginia legislators to help bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. Submitted by Robert Stewart, SALT Coordinator of Public Affairs, on January 21, 2020

Social Action Linking Together (SALT), with its more than 1,200 advocates for social justice, believes that the justice of a society can be determined by how the most vulnerable are faring and being treated. Therefore, SALT supports HB 2135, legislation that addresses systemic student food insecurity in K-12 schools by ensuring that eligible schools are participating in the Afterschool Meal Program. Food insecurity is clearly a growing problem our state as Virginia students and their families look for solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on information provided by The Commonwealth Institute, 1 out of 7 children live in families experiencing food insecurity in Virginia. This legislation would require eligible public schools to participate in the program but would not require other eligible organizations qualifying as "at-risk afterschool care centers" to participate in the program (it only applies to school sites). If a school already has an existing partnership with an organization that already participates in the Afterschool Meal program and can provide afterschool programming in collaboration with a school or schools, then that could count as participation, provided that meals or snacks would be served in conjunction with that programming. There is a similar limited circumstance waiver included in this legislation (similar to the CEP bill) that accounts for limited circumstances when a school or schools apply to participate in the CACFP Afterschool Meal Program and a subsequent evaluation of the school or schools by VDOE does not deem it financially viable for that school or schools to participate in the program. Any concern that a school board may have relating to participating in the Afterschool Meals Program can be addressed through this financial viability waiver (potential costs concerns about providing afterschool enrichment or educational programs, utility costs for keeping school sites open afterschool, compensating staff for afterschool programming if needed, etc.). The Virginia Department of Education is available to work with any school or school division to address any financial concerns that may arise relating to making application to participate in the Afterschool Meal Program. Due to COVID-19 and the extent of the federal program, the bill has a delayed enactment clause to give school boards, administrators and school nutrition departments more time to plan and apply to participate in the program after operations normalize a little more. The program, offered through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), provides federal funding to afterschool programs operating in a low-income area to serve meals and snacks to children 18 and under after school, on weekends, and during school holidays Participants in the Afterschool Meal Program receive a federal reimbursement for each breakfast, lunch, or supper, and snack served. Breakfast and lunch can only be served on weekends and during school breaks (not including summer). CACFP sponsors can choose to receive cash in lieu of commodities. Thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony. SALT hopes you will give it favorable consideration. We see this legislation as another opportunity for Virginia legislators to help bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. Submitted by Robert Stewart, SALT Coordinator of Public Affairs, on January 21, 2020

Thank you Madam Chair and members of the House Education Committee, The Virginia Council of Administrators (VCASE) includes over 400 members who directly supervise the provision of services for more than 164,000 Virginia students with disabilities. VCASE appreciates Del. Wilt's HB2182 that will change the definition of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Our public school special education administrators work closely with our parents and students in considering eligibility for special education. We realize and are already serving students with many of the traumas decribed in the revised definition under other existing disability categories, such as Other Health Impaired, Speech Language Impairment , Multiple Disabilities, and others. VCASE will work with VDOE as it develops training and documentation needed to revise the definition as school divison staff consider eligibility for special education services, should the General Assembly pass this bill. Thank you, Mike Asip VCASE

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on HB2182. I am Anne McDonnell, the Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Virginia. Brain injury is not an event, like a broken bone…it’s not over and done. It sets off lifelong medical, cognitive and behavioral issues. A child who has a brain injury may look like they’ve had a miraculous recovery. But in reality, kids grow into their injury, and demands on a three year old are much different than those on a thirteen or twenty-three year old. Undiagnosed and mismanaged brain injury can lead to catastrophic consequence, and that’s why it is imperative children receive appropriate and timely interventions. The schools are the single largest provider of services to student with brain jury and that’s why it is critically important to ensure their special education classification is accurate. Federal regulations define disability categories and criteria for special education eligibility. Although states may further define categories and criteria, Virginia has chosen to mimic the federal definition, thereby limiting access to proper identification for special education. Six other states have modified their definition and/or identified credible evidence criteria to determine eligibility for services related to a child’s brain injury. The son of one of Del Wilt’s constituents developed neonatal meningitis at one week. He required significant intervention to save his life, including multiple resuscitations. At 3, he was determined to have a developmental delay; he began preschool and started receiving early intervention services, meaning he got Occupational and Physical Therapy as well as therapy for his speech and language deficits. However, Developmental Delay is not recognized by the school system at age 5, so when he moved into kindergarten his Special Ed classification was changed to Speech Language Impairment, and the school treated her son for a communication disorder while other issues went unaddressed. Sadly this is not a unique situation in Virginia or across the country. Inappropriate classification and/or eligibility determinations can result in students not receiving services they need, or receiving services they do not need. Pediatric case managers in our community based brain injury programs tell us the definition and services issue is problematic for many of the children and families they serve. Data tells us approximately 400 children are admitted annually into a Virginia hospital for a diagnosis related to traumatic brain injury. Yet in 2018, there were slightly more than 400 kids were identified by DOE in the whole state as receiving Special Education services with a TBI classification. Something’s not adding up, if we’re adding that many kids a year to the overall total. A Joint Legislative and Audit Review Commission report issued in December of 2020 found “enrollment in special education varies across Virginia school divisions, both overall and by disability, and insufficient guidance and vague terms in the state’s eligibility criteria likely contribute to this variation.” The report recommended eligibility criteria be more clearly defined and explained by VDOE. As the agency will need to address this recommendation, this would the exact time to address this issue. The Brain Injury Association of Virginia supports this bill, and thanks Delegate Wilt for filing it.

I am thrilled that this Bill is up for debate and hope that it will be accepted. I have the privilege of helping families care for their children with all types of acquired brain injuries (ABI). Our clinic sees patients who have sustained injuries not just from external trauma (such as is the current traumatic brain injury definition), but also from circumstances such as strokes, meningitis/encephalitis, brain tumors, chemotherapy, and hypoxic-ischemic insults. "Brain injury" should not be a definition limited by mechanism or etiology. All of these children (and their families) are affected by the brain injury and are in need of specialized supports at school spanning the preschool through post-high school. Thank you for supporting this bill.

The Virginia Council of Administrators of Special Education (VCASE) appreciates Del. Wilt's committment to those who have suffered brain injury. We will work with the VDOE on implementation of this redefinition of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) pertaining to eligibility and needed special education services.

Due to the current definition of Traumatic Brain Injury students and children in Virginia who acquired a Traumatic Brain Injury due to a medical condition are limited to the educational resources and accommodations they can receive. Updating the current definition as stated ensures that these students/children are given the free and appropriate education they are promised by IDEA.

Please vote yes! Our children need this! Support all children!!!

I am writing in support of HB2182 amending the regulatory definition of Traumatic Brain Injury for the purpose of identifying special education services for children with disabilities to include "an acquired injury to the brain caused by a medical condition, including stroke, anoxia, infectious disease, aneurysm, brain tumors, and neurological insults due to medical or surgical treatments". I am the parent of a daughter who sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury and received special education services from 3 years until graduating high school in 2017. Even though her injury fit under the previous definition obtaining services through her IEP was a daunting task. My husband and I were fierce advocates and forced to hire advocates to obtain the proper services. I can not begin to imagine the struggle other families suffer when a child does not meet that definition. I also believe and support the recommendations of the recent Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission on special education eligibility, IEP monitoring, and transition services. All of these are critical to the success of all special education students in the state. Thank you!

I, hereby, support the expansion of the definition of traumatic brain injury, for the purpose of eligibility for Special Education . There are many causes of brain injuries. The current definition discriminates against students who, do not meet the current definition. I have personally witnessed this and the exclusion leading to denied access of an IEP and services therein. It is time to re-examine what constitutes a brain injury and to reconsider.

I am writing to support bill 2182 that will expand the definition of a traumatic brain injury to include all ways that the brain can be damaged. The current definition is very narrow and denies many students the educational services they need. Regardless of how a child’s brain is injured, it creates lasting effects that must be taken into account in providing the educational services that they need. The current definition of a TBI is used by many school system special education leaders to deny the educational benefits that all students deserve. Please support this bill on behalf of all students who have a brain injury that affects their learning and quality of life. I am a semi-retired former elementary school principal and I have personally observed cases where students could not receive the free and appropriate public education they need due to the current law. I can be reached at (540) 908-1120. Thank you.

I agree the definition needs to be changed. Thank you!

The Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 1996 was signed into law on July 29, 1996. The term TBI was defined as an acquired injury to the brain. The term did not cover congenital or birth related trauma but included injuries caused by anoxia due to drowning. The bill was amended in 2000 and changed from “anoxia due to near drowning” with “anoxia due to trauma,”. The purpose of the bill was to reduce incidence of TBI, continue research and most importantly improve access to rehabilitation and related services. Va Dept. of education does not acknowledge acquired brain injuries that are caused by other trauma than direct impact in their categorization for disabilities. This can cause improper categorization and services for children who need special services and supports related to their brain injury as a whole, treating only symptoms of the injury has negative consequences on the child’s education. The category is there, please consider amending the definition to be more inclusive and not exclude children (including my own son) based on the cause of their injury. You can read more information about this act at the following link. https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/public-policy/traumatic-brain-injury-act

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce supports this legislation because it meets a critical need in our Commonwealth for connecting student in need with funds and drives them to in-demand careers. This bill provides financial assistance to certain low-income and middle-income Virginia students who are enrolled in an educational program at an associate-degree-granting public institution of higher education that leads to an occupation in a certain high-demand field. This is a wonderful step in creating the educated and skilled workforce that will help lead to a strong economy in the future.

The Prince William Chamber of Commerce supports this legislation because it provides financial assistance to certain low-income and middle-income Virginia students who are enrolled in an educational program at an associate-degree-granting public institution of higher education that leads to an occupation in a certain high-demand field. This is a wonderful step in creating the educated and skilled workforce that will help lead to a strong economy in the future.

The Student Government Association at James Madison University believes that this legislation is a great step in making education more attainable and economical. The program will boost the Commonwealth’s workforce while boosting community colleges that are much deserving of this investment. Please support this legislation to help reform and incentivize education in Virginia to be more equitable, more effective in creating jobs in high-need fields, and more affordable at the same time.

The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce supports HB 2204. The G3 program will increase opportunities for Virginians to fill jobs in high-demand fields, which is needed now more than ever. Please vote "yes" on HB 2204.

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce supports HB 2204 and the establishment of the G3 program. Advancing workforce development policy initiatives will position Virginia as a global leader in workforce readiness, and so we support a forward-looking approach where innovation and creativity foster better outcomes that benefit our community. The Chamber supports funding for career and technical education opportunities at all educational levels and for all stages of life. The G3 program is an important tool for helping Virginians pursue an education in the Commonwealth’s community college system. We thus ask you to recommend reporting the bill.

Good afternoon, First and foremost, it is great to say thank you for the ability to testify safely and remotely, we appreciate your leadership taking this pandemic seriously. I’m Luis Aguilar, CASA’s Virginia Director. CASA is a community based organization fighting for justice & equity. I am here today to speak in support of the “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back” or G3 program. Like many of you, I am optimistic about our pandemic recovery this year. However, I know that when this is over, we will need to rebuild our workforce to help us in our recovery. This is why this program must be restored. This is why we need to invest in working-class Virginians. The G3 program will assist our working-class Virginians to obtain career training skills at our community colleges. It will offer additional financial assistance to develop a trained workforce needed in high-demand occupations such as healthcare, public safety, early childhood education, technology, and more. The pandemic taught us that essential workers are what keeps our Commonwealth running and we should proudly support initiatives that support the training of our people to become essential in our economy. We believe our 10,000 CASA members and the broader immigrant community will benefit from extraordinary initiatives such as this one. Thank you and have an excellent day,