Taking action on guns is a top priority for Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-10, Loudoun, Prince William).
“The time has finally come to do something about it,” said Wexton, Wednesday at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. Her comments come after a recent string of mass shootings in Texas, California, Ohio, and Virginia Beach.
Short on details on how she would address the issue, Wexton said gun show loophole legislation passed by the House of Representatives, after the mass shooting death of nine people in a Charleston, S.C. church waiting for action by the Senate, would help.
Wexton also denounced the NRA. “The NRA has morphed into an organization that no longer represents responsible gun owners and now represents gun manufacturers,” she said.
On mental health, Wexton said the expansion of Medicaid could lead to more funding for mental health services in Virginia. She said it would require a federal, state, and local partners to do more for those suffering mental health issues.
On Memorial Day, Virginia law enforcement had nowhere to turn as zero beds were available for people who had been temporarily detained for mental issues.
Also on healthcare, Wexton said she doesn’t support Medicaid for all. “A lot of people have private insurance they like,” she said.
She does support giving people more federally funded options for people who live in communities with no or one healthcare provider on the public exchange.
Keeping the Federal Government open is another top priority. Short of a new budget deal, Wexton said to expect a continuing resolution to temporarily fund the government through December.
Wexton also talked about expanding rural broadband access to the state, and agrotourism in the region, for farmers that have been affected by “rock bottom” prices on grocery store produce. Farmers have started to host festivals and tourists on their farms.
“As the areas develop, and we have more of the suburban encroachment, a lot of people in the suburbs — you know, they’re young families — they wanna take their kids out and show them where the produce grows and see the animals…,: said Wexton.
Wexton took office in January, replacing Republican Barbara Comstock. Before that, she served in the Virginia House of Delegates State Senate in Richmond.
Author
Recent Stories
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
Looking for a new best friend? Meet Echo, a 3-4-month-old pup full of love, energy, and curiosity. This little guy, possibly a Boxer mix, is still finding his voice, but…
Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
