The Loudoun County Democratic Committee hosted its annual “Road from Richmond,” event on March 22, 2025, in Leesburg, Virginia, where State legislators gathered to share their experiences and discuss key bills from the General Assembly, focusing on pressing issues impacting Virginians.
State Senator Kannan Srinivasan (SD-32) was joined by Delegates Marty Martinez (HD-29), David Reid (HD-28), Atoosa Reaser (HD-27), and JJ Singh (HD-26). The event drew Loudoun County elected officials, residents, and volunteers eager to hear legislative updates.
South Asian Herald spoke exclusively with the legislators about their takeaways from the event and insights into recently passed bills in the Senate and House of Delegates.
Senator Srinivasan expressed pride in his first session, highlighting the passage of nine bipartisan bills, five of which were approved unanimously. As of March 22nd, three of his bills had been signed by the Governor. He anticipated further developments before the March 24th deadline for gubernatorial approval or vetoes.
“I’m also very glad that some of my budget amendments were included in the final budget,” he said. “We will reconvene on April 2nd in Richmond for what we call the reconvene session, and I’m also looking forward to a special session later this year as changes in the federal government will have a significant impact on Virginia.”
“We are ready to fight for Virginia to take care of every Virginian,” Srinivasan said emphasizing the importance of the upcoming November elections, where all 100 House seats, along with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General races, will be contested. “I’m looking forward to helping us not only keep but improve our majority, along with Democrats winning the top state offices,” he added.
Senior Delegate Reid highlighted that this session saw 2,500 pieces of legislation introduced, with about 900 passing both chambers. Seventy-five percent of those bills were passed with bipartisan support, proving that there is still an ability to work together in Virginia. However, 25 percent of them passed along party lines, according to him.
Reid underscored the significance of the March 24th deadline for the Governor to sign, amend, or veto bills. Looking ahead to 2025, he said the that the road to 2025 “looks very positive,” observing that the political energy resembled the enthusiasm seen in 2017.
Regarding President Trump’s election, he pointed out, “People probably thought he wouldn’t follow through on his campaign promises, but now we see him actively signing executive orders.” He also raised concerns about potential threats to Social Security and the unintended consequences of releasing the John F. Kennedy assassination files, which included personal information.
Reid further emphasized the need to assess direct, indirect, and induced impacts while talking about economic development in Virginia. Federal workforce cuts have a direct impact, contractors experience indirect effects, and local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and movie theaters feel the induced consequences, he explained.
Senior Delegate Martinez praised the event as a demonstration of Democratic unity. “This was a great example of how Democrats are working together to maintain our majority in both the House and Senate,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the November elections where we can highlight our legislative wins in the state legislature.”
Delegate Reaser echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of engaging with constituents. “It’s always a welcome opportunity to speak directly with voters and residents about our legislative accomplishments and future goals,” said the first Iranian American elected to the Virginia General Assembly.
Delegate Singh, who won a special election in January, emphasized his legislative focus on protecting Loudoun families. “I authored legislation to keep kids safe from gun violence and opioids,” he said. “I focused on our mandirs, mosques, gurudwaras, synagogues, temples and churches. They are welcoming places that do not have protections against the growing threat of hate crimes.”
Singh proposed a bill requiring the Department of Criminal Justice Services to develop best security practices. He also introduced legislation to bury power lines – an urgent need in Loudoun County. He added, “Seven of my bills passed both chambers on a strong bipartisan basis. And now, I run for reelection. I look forward to working with my colleagues, to push for the health, wealth, and safety of our families.”
Chair at-Large of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, Phyllis Randall, praised the event’s importance. “This was such an important event to understand what our delegation did in Richmond,” she said noting Loudoun has been impacted by federal executive orders, and the County delegation is working hard to counteract some of those policies.
Reaffirming the Democratic Party’s values, Randall said the Party’s principles are rooted in equity, fairness, and dignity for all. “And we learned today, the democratic values and democratic legislation match up perfectly,” she added.
Related posts:
‘I am Known for a Brand of Politics in Richmond for Reaching Across the Aisle, Building Consensus and Deep Relationships’
South Asian Americans Win the 2024 Loudoun Innovation Challenge Award in the Lifesciences Technology Category
Delegate Kannan Srinivasan Announces His Candidacy in Special Election for Virginia’s Senate District 32
Loudoun County Special Election: Spanberger, Srinivasan, and Singh Rally Voters Ahead of January 7th
