Bills to follow

As our community continues to face unprecedented difficulties because of the pandemic, the Virginia General Assembly needs to take action to help our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. Fortunately, there are several bills that will soon be put to a vote, which would help.

HB596 would help prevent landlords from exploiting their tenants by allowing localities to pass rent control ordinances. SB157 will increase teacher pay, which will help both our students by alleviating school staffing shortages and our teachers, who deserve a livable wage for the essential work they do. These bills both align with Virginia Organizing’s statewide priorities of improving access to affordable housing and school funding.

On the other hand, some very harmful legislation is in process as well. The Marcus Alert system was formally signed into law in 2020 to respond to mental health crises with mental health professionals and limit police involvement. SB361 would place limits on this program, returning some of this power to police.

I believe that mental illness and drug addiction cannot be solved by gunfire and chokeholds, and if you agree this bill should concern you. Virginia Organizing is also working to promote mental health and is strongly opposed to this bill.

If you want your voice heard, please contact your representatives and share your opinions on these bills. I also invite you to contact your local chapter of

Virginia Organizing if you want to learn more about, or possibly join, the work we do.

Timothy Scott, York County