JANUARY 8 – JANUARY 10, 2020
The Avoli Report
DELEGATE G. JOHN AVOLI
DISTRICT 20
DELEGATE G. JOHN AVOLI
DISTRICT 20
WEEKLY NEWS AND UPDATES
As your newly inaugurated Delegate for the 20th District, I will be publishing a weekly Newsletter to keep you informed about the legislation I see in Richmond, my involvement in the General Assembly, and highlighting meetings with members of the community who visit my office. My office is located on the 4th floor of the Pocahontas Building, room 437. I invite you to visit anytime you’d like. I ask that you call my Legislative Aide, Travis Smiley, at (804) 698-1120 to make sure I’m in the office. I look forward to seeing you all.
OPENING DAY
It was my honor to be sworn in as a member of the historic Virginia House of Delegates, alongside 17 other newly elected members. As control of the chamber shifted to the Democrat party, Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn opened the floor to nominations for a new Clerk of the House of Delegates. I am proud to have seconded the nomination of The Honorable Suzette Denslow, offered by Delegate Jeffrey M. Bourne (Richmond City, D-71). You can watch my address and the subsequent vote here. Opening day of Session ended with Governor Northam’s State of the Commonwealth. Read the transcript here.
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
I have been appointed to the Education Committee—my top priority when submitting requests for assignments— as well as the Committee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions.
As a teacher, principal, coach, Career and Technical Services director, and Executive Director of the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia – I have dedicated 43 years of my life to education, and I am honored to be able to continue working to improve Virginia’s education system through my appointment to the Education committee.
Drawing upon my experience as an educator and Mayor of Staunton , I look forward to working with my colleagues and collective Community Service Bards to help provide care to Virginians who need it most. The House Committee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions plays a vital role addressing solutions to issues of wellness and healthcare across the Commonwealth. I am particularly in favor of supporting early childhood intervention with mental health and increasing funding for programs that support people who have disabilities and their caretakers.
LEGISLATION
HB30 Budget Appropriations. (Torian D-52) I submitted a Budget Amendment, with Co-Patrons Delegates Ronnie Campbell (R-24) and Tony Wilt (R-26), to increase the budget for the Department of Criminal Justice Services from the state General Fund. The increase in funding from the state will ease the burden on localities in funding local law enforcement agencies.
I added my name as a Co-Patron to the following Bills and Resolutions:
HB363: Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and surviving spouses. (M.L. Cole R-88)
SB590: Advanced recycling; incentives in income tax, sales tax, and machinery and tools tax. (Hanger R-24)
HJ4: Celebrating the life of Alan Arnold Diamonstein. (Mullin D-93) HJ17: Commending the American Legion Auxiliary. (Cox R-66)
HJ46: Commending the United States Women’s National Soccer Team. (Sickles D-43)
HJ109: JLARC study/report; cost effective care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. (R.R. Campbell R-24)
FRIENDS FROM HOME
J.T. Bishop (Staunton) wanted me to know about local financial institutions and how regulatory relief can help maintain a level playing field.
Bill Hurt (Waynesboro) informed me of ways to focus on improving training and accessibility to Senior Care and Assisted Living Facilities.
Flint Engleman, a former student of mine, spoke about the cause of supporting legislation that will unite citizens and improve the lives of Virginians everywhere in the Commonwealth.
Brett Thompson (Waynesboro) visited to discuss the potential impacts of proposed legislation on small businesses and their importance as job creators in our area.
Pastor Heath Spivey (Augusta County) of Crossroads Baptist Church came over to offer his blessings and prayers for a fruitful New Year.
Amy Pultz and Brent Hull (Augusta County) met with me to talk about the importance of Vocation and Technical training- a cause near and dear to my heart.
J.T. Bishop (Staunton) wanted me to know about local financial institutions and how regulatory relief can help maintain a level playing field.
Bill Hurt (Waynesboro) informed me of ways to focus on improving training and accessibility to Senior Care and Assisted Living Facilities.
Flint Engleman, a former student of mine, spoke about the cause of supporting legislation that will unite citizens and improve the lives of Virginians everywhere in the Commonwealth.
Brett Thompson (Waynesboro) visited to discuss the potential impacts of proposed legislation on small businesses and their importance as job creators in our area.
Pastor Heath Spivey (Augusta County) of Crossroads Baptist Church came over to offer his blessings and prayers for a fruitful New Year.
Amy Pultz and Brent Hull (Augusta County) met with me to talk about the importance of Vocation and Technical training- a cause near and dear to my heart.