We are all devastated at the passing of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin. Valiantly, for years now, we have watched him fight and triumph over the secondary effects of his colorectal cancer from 2013. Tonight, he lost that battle, and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always fought for them and put them first. Until a new representative is elected, our office will remain open and continue to serve our constituents. The family asks for privacy at this time. Arrangements will be announced over the next few days. Tara Rountree, Chief of Staff to Congressman McEachin

Late Monday evening news broke that Congressman A. Donald McEachin had lost his long battle with the after-effects of colon cancer. Rev. McEachin was 61.

Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), who represents part of Northern Virginia, tweeted: “Heartbroken to learn of Don McEachin’s passing. A noble friend, husband, and father. An environmentalist, civil rights advocate, faithful public servant, and a man of consequence. There was no better ally to have. I will miss him terribly.”

"Donald and Colette McEachin have been wonderful friends to me and Lisa for more than thirty years. We often bonded over stories and laughs about our mutual challenges raising families with three strong-willed daughters. Up until the very end, Don was a fighter. Even though he battled cancer and faced other trials in recent years, he never lost his focus on social and environmental justice. Tonight, Virginia has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend," tweeted Senator Mark Warner.

Tim Kaine tweeted: "I was listening to a recording by Nina Simone—I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to Be Free—when I heard the news that my friend Donald had passed on. Save a spot for me brother..."

After this summer's redistricting City Council candidate Denise Webb was drawn out of District 7, but persisted in running in the race for that district's City Council seat.

The result of a Denise Webb win, given her ineligible status as a resident of another district, would have been a special election at taxpayer's expense.

The voters of District 7 took that and Council Member Hines' record of helping her constituents into consideration as they re-elected Council Member Yolanda Hines to the seat she has held for 4 years by a 15.96% margin on Tuesday.

Hines won 69 votes to Webb's 50 in the low-turnout election. 94 of those votes were cast on Election Day (Hines 52-Webb 42), while the early in-person vote accounted for 19 (Hines 11-Webb 7). Seven voters cast Absentee Ballots (Hines 6-Webb 1).

George E. Morrison, III, Chair of the Emporia-Greenaville Democrats commented that "We are excited and happy to see her win re-election and to see her continue her hard work to move the City of Emporia forward. We are also hopeful that Hattie Sue Jefferson will be able to join Mrs.Hines on City Council after today's canvas of the results."

Council Member Hines won this seat 4 years ago, defeating Mark Mitchell by ten votes.

Council Members Threat and White ran unopposed and will both be returning to City Council.

In City Council District 4 three candidates vied for the seat of late Council Member F. Woodrow Harris by Write-in. There were 149 Write-in Votes cast and the results will not be known until after the City of Emporia Board of Elections canvasses the results Wednesday. The Three were Hattie Sue Jefferson (Who was running with the support of the Emporia-Greensville Democrats), Mark Lily and Melinda Ann Terry.

Congressman Donald McEachin has defeated Leon Benjamin in a landslide. Currently, the margin is McEachin 64.4%-Benjamin 35.41%.

House Passes Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act to Fund the Federal Government

Washington, D.C. – On Friday, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) helped pass the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6833, the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, to continue government funding through December 16, 2022. The CR extends funding for vital federal agencies, including education, health, housing, and public safety programs to allow Congress time to complete its work on Fiscal Year 2023.

“It is imperative that our government remains open and working for the American people, which is why I voted for today’s stopgap funding measure,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “Not only does this bill fund our federal government, it includes important provisions to help hardworking Virginians with rising costs. Furthermore, this legislation provides necessary resources to help communities impacted from recent natural disasters and additional assistance to support the Ukrainian people, as Russia continues its aggressions. During this extension, we will continue working to advance all the necessary appropriations bills to fully fund our government for the coming fiscal year.”

The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act includes:

• Billions in relief for New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Florida, Alaska and other communities hit by natural disasters, especially in the wake of Hurricane Ian
• $12.3 billion to power the fight for freedom in Ukraine, including new security, economic and humanitarian assistance
• More resources to respond to the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi: an emergency that poses a direct threat to the health and well-being of Mississippi families
• Bolstering funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program: this will help working families pay for higher energy bills as we enter the winter months
• Five-year reauthorization of FDA user fees: ensuring no interruption to the FDA’s life-saving work reviewing and approving new prescription drugs coming to market
• More resources to continue resettling brave Afghan evacuees

Read the one-page fact sheet here and the section-by-section summary here.

Richmond, VA – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced the launch of his annual VA-04 Photography Contest for 2022.

The VA-04 Photography Contest challenges constituents to submit photographs of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. The competition is open to all residents of the district, regardless of age, and the winner’s photograph will be displayed in Rep. McEachin’s congressional offices and on his social media platforms.

“I am thrilled to announce the start of our annual photography competition,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “I am always impressed by the level of creativity and artistry constituents in my district display through their photography. Last year’s winner, Heath Covey, captured the serenity of Chesapeake with his ‘Great Bridge Sunrise’ submission, and I am confident this year’s participants will continue to show the beauty of Virginia’s Fourth. I encourage anyone with an interest in photography or a love of our district to step outside and take photos of the wonderful vistas and landscapes in the communities we get to call home.”

The following rules apply to this year’s competition:

• You must be a constituent of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District
• Photos must be submitted by the original photographer
• By submitting your photo, you authorize Rep. McEachin’s office to display your photo online and/or in his congressional offices. You also waive whatever rights you may have to the photo.
• Any photo of a minor must be submitted by a parent or guardian of the minor who agrees to the conditions listed above

The deadline to submit a photo for consideration is October 5th, 2022.

For more information, including how to submit your photograph, visit Rep. McEachin’s website.

Although the House was in recess last month, August was still a very busy time for Congress and the Senate, with critical votes such as the PACT Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act.

The CHIPS and Science Act would bring semiconductor chip manufacturing back to the United States. In doing so, this will lower the cost of goods, bolster domestic production, provide good paying jobs, and mitigate supply chain issues. As a result of this legislation, companies have already announced nearly $50 billion in additional investments in chip manufacturing.

We are working hard to ensure Virginia receives its fair share of federal funding and to attract manufacturers to consider Virginia for its new facilities, which would help create more jobs in our district and across the Commonwealth.

The Honoring Our Promises to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act was a major accomplishment to support our brave veterans. This long overdue legislation honors our commitment to our veterans who risk their lives to protect our freedom and, unfortunately, have been exposed to toxic chemicals while in service to our nation.

The PACT Act will expand health care benefits for millions of soldiers exposed to burn pits during their service. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs projects up to 3.5 million veterans may benefit from this legislation.

I also joined my House colleagues in passing the Inflation Reduction Act last month.

The IRA will take meaningful steps to lower the costs of health care and prescription drugs, combat inflation, reduce the federal deficit, and provide robust investments in our continued fight against the climate crisis.

Here in Virginia, energy bills will go down, air will be cleaner, and families will be able to live healthier lives.

I am also proud to say that the IRA includes notable environmental justice priorities I have advocated for since my time in Congress. These include billions for clean energy tax provisions to incentivize families to buy electric vehicles and retrofit their homes, urban forestry and tree planting, the electrification of our school buses, air pollution monitoring and mitigation, and so much more.

This legislation represents the largest federal investment to combat climate change in our nation’s history. There were some provisions in the bill that I would not have supported on their own, including opening up lands to drilling and attempts to weaken environmental review laws; however, I am still excited about this legislation and was proud to support it.

Finally, I was honored to participate in a forum put together by the Digital Dialogue Forum, a nonpartisan policy coalition, comprised of the world’s leading technology companies. This was an excellent opportunity to touch on the importance of equal access to high-speed broadband and the work to close the digital divide.

In my time in Congress, I have been working diligently to connect more Americans, and particularly Virginians, to affordable, high-speed internet. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed last year included $65 billion to expand broadband infrastructure into historically underserved communities to provide reliable internet. I will continue my efforts to ensure affordability and access to reliable digital infrastructure across the country.

Open to All Middle & High School Students in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District

Richmond, VA – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced the launch of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge for all middle and high school students in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District.

The annual competition challenges students to create an original software application. The winner will be eligible to have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website, and will be invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill reception.

“The Congressional App Challenge is an exciting annual competition that encourages students to strengthen and showcase their skills in coding and computer science,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “STEM fields are burgeoning industries with strong career prospects, so I am thrilled to host this competition and provide a unique opportunity for young minds in our district. I encourage any interested students to participate in this year’s Congressional App Challenge and begin working on their applications now.”

The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for students to compete against their peers and test their abilities in coding and computer science. The competition provides students with the chance to hone their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines and begin exploring new industries and potential future career paths.

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students who reside in or attend school in the Fourth Congressional District. Students may begin registering for the event today on the Congressional App Challenge website. The deadline to submit an original app is November 1st, 2022.

For more information, visit Rep. McEachin’s website.

This month, I am excited to share more on the events I recently attended in Virginia’s Fourth. 

I was honored to welcome First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to Henrico last month to discuss the exciting news that children under 5 can receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The First Lady and I met with parents & children at the Henrico Health Department East Clinic who were eager to protect themselves by getting vaccinated. As parents, we want to do everything we can to protect our children. Now, parents across the U.S. will have the opportunity to do so.

Vice-President Kamala Harris also came to Henrico last month to talk about the importance of preserving women’s reproductive rights. I was pleased to join the Vice President, and members of the Virginia General Assembly, to talk about the importance of safeguarding the right to choose in the Commonwealth, and federal efforts to codify Roe into federal law.

Lastly, I joined House Committee on Natural Resources Chair Raul Grijalva for a tour of Virginia’s Fourth District and discussed the impacts of our bill, the Environmental Justice for All Act.

In 2018, Chair Grijalva and I launched an inclusive, transparent, community-led and community-driven process to create a comprehensive environmental justice bill: H.R. 2021, the Environmental Justice for All Act. This year, we're looking to improve this legislation by meeting with community stakeholders and others impacted by environmental injustice.

During our bus tour of the district, we were able to see areas of concern in which environmental justice legislation would be most beneficial. On our tour, it was noted that many urban areas in Richmond are lacking significant tree canopies, which contributes to higher temperatures, known as the Urban Heat Island Effect. We also visited African American cemeteries, various sites in Jackson Ward, and Hillside Court, a Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority property, located in a high-risk zip code for lead paint, and, unfortunately, subject to many environmental injustices.

I was glad to not only be joined by experts of the area, but constituents who provided input to make this legislation stronger.

As the new school year is upon us, I want to remind high school students who are interested in attending a service academy that the application for a nomination is now open.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

For details and to begin an application, visit https://bit.ly/ServiceAcademyMcEachin. I look forward to nominating deserving students from Virginia's Fourth.

Washington, D.C. – On Friday, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) voted to help curb gun violence by passing H.R. 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2022, to restore and update the prior assault weapons ban.

“Assault weapons have become the weapon of choice for mass shooters. As a nation, we have seen the devastation these weapons of war can cause in instances like Uvalde, Buffalo, and more,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “We cannot sit idly by and allow these tragedies to continue. These weapons have no place in our communities. I am proud to vote in support of the Assault Weapons Ban to reduce the prevalence of these weapons, protect our communities, and save lives.”

From 1994 to 2004, semiautomatic assault weapons were banned. During this period, researchers found that mass shooting fatalities were 70% less likely to occur. There are currently no federal laws that restrict the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons or large capacity ammunition feeding devices

Among its provisions, H.R. 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, would:

• Prohibit the sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices
• Require that semiautomatic assault weapons be securely stored so that they are not accessible to those who are prohibited from possessing them
• Allow states to use Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds for voluntary buyback programs for semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity magazines
• Exempt the use of semiautomatic weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices for specific uses such as law enforcement, nuclear security, testing authorized by the Attorney General, and temporary transfers without a background check for target shooting at a licensed target facility or established range

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) voted in support of H.R. 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act, to protect marriage equality for same-sex and interracial marriages.

“The Supreme Court’s recent departure from judicial precedent and Justice Thomas’s concurrence in Dobbs ­has left many families worried about their future,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “This far-right Supreme Court threatens constitutional rights that millions of Americans currently enjoy. We saw it happen with reproductive health care, and now Justice Thomas has called into question access to contraception, marriage equality, and the legality of same-sex relations. We will not stand idly by why these rights are undermined.”

Rep. McEachin, a proud member of the LGBT Equality Caucus, is an original cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act. He has long advocated for equal protections for the LGBTQ+ community and continues those efforts with the Respect for Marriage Act, which will:

• Repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. Although this law was rendered inert by the Supreme Court’s marriage equality decisions, it remains on the books. Enacting the Respect for Marriage Act would finally erase the discriminatory law from the U.S. code.
• Protect marriage equality for federal purposes by ensuring that for federal law purposes people are considered married if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed.
• Provide additional protections at the state level by prohibiting any person acting under color of state law from denying full faith and credit to an out of state marriage based on the sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin of the people in the marriage.

“I am proud to cosponsor and help pass the Respect for Marriage Act to codify marriage equality into federal law and defend the rights of the LGBTQ+ community,” continued Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “Today, we took an important step in defending the many families and children who rely on the constitutional right to marriage equality. I urge the Senate to move this legislation forward expeditiously to ensure it remains the law of the land.”

Read a summary of H.R. 8404 here.

Editor's Note: This bill, should it become law, would not just protect same sex marriage. According to the summary, H. R. 804 would also protect interracial marriages, as Loving v. Virginia would also likely be tested, "...although Justice Thomas did not mention the right to interracial marriage, that right relies on the same constitutional doctrines as the right to same-sex marriage and, therefore, could be vulnerable to a legal challenge."

Today Marks the Second Federally Recognized Juneteenth Holiday

Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued the following statement in honor of Juneteenth:

“Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, recognized as the oldest celebration to mark the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, Union Forces arrived in Galveston, Texas, to tell enslaved African Americans that the Civil War had ended, and they were free.

“For years, people across our nation have celebrated Juneteenth and the progress and achievements of the African American community. Last year, I was proud to vote for and help pass the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to officially designate June 19th as a federal holiday. I had the opportunity to visit the White House to watch President Joe Biden sign this historic legislation into law. 

“On the second federally recognized Juneteenth holiday, we reflect on our nation’s sordid history with slavery, acknowledge and commemorate the progress that has been made, and renew our commitment to advancing equity and justice in all aspects of American life. I will continue my efforts at the federal level to safeguard voting rights, dismantle long-standing inequities that disproportionately impact communities of color, and ensure a more equitable future for all Americans.

“Together, we will continue the fight for more comprehensive protections under the law. I wish you and your families a reflective and meaningful Juneteenth celebration.”

McEachin Submits 15 Requests to the House Appropriations Committee

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced the Community Project Funding (CPF) requests that he submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023) appropriations process.

“Our district experienced great success with last year’s Community Project Funding requests, and I was able to successfully secure over $19 million for Virginia’s Fourth. I am thrilled to announce the next round of submissions for the upcoming appropriations process,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “These projects are important priorities for localities across our district and will make a meaningful, real impact in the lives of Virginians. While there is no guarantee that all the requests will be funded, I will be diligently fighting for these priorities and engaging with the House Appropriations Committee throughout the process. I look forward to advocating for our district in Washington and working to secure much-needed federal funding for these projects.”

Rep. McEachin submitted the following 15 requests to the committee, grouped by geographic location or recipient category:

The Greater Richmond Area

• City of Richmond’s Help1RVA to help further establish and scale Help1RVA, a one-stop shop for social services in Central Virginia, as the region’s primary social needs navigation service. Funding will support technology and staffing for YMCA to be the backbone of Help1RVA and allow the City of Richmond to hire an Information and Data Integration Consultant to align the program with existing technology.
• City of Richmond’s First North-South Bus Rapid Transit Line to kickstart Richmond’s efforts to create a North-South line of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), also known as the “Pulse.” This project would fund the planning, outreach, design, and construction of 1.9 miles of Richmond’s North-South line.
• Henrico County’s Central Gardens Rehabilitation to upgrade the Central Gardens building, a former Henrico County School, to be used as the headquarters for the Henrico Police Athletic League (HPAL), a nonprofit that provides safe and structured activities to the youth of Henrico County. The project would construct a new roof and HVAC system and install solar panels once deemed safe.
• Capital Region Airport Commission’s Richmond International Airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station to replace the existing station at Richmond Airport with a new facility that meets current FAA standards and is based on current and projected operational needs. The new ARFF Station will be in a safer location that will not require crossing taxiways to access it.
• Charles City County’s Construction of a New Water & Sewer Infrastructure to extend water and sewer infrastructure along Roxbury Road / State Route 106, bringing sewage generated along the Roxbury Corridor to the existing Roxbury Wastewater Plant, which will be expanded to accommodate additional flow.

Virginian Universities

• Virginia Commonwealth University’s Richmond Talent Pathway to enable VCU, in partnership with the City of Richmond, Richmond Public Schools, and the Central Virginia business community, to launch a new talent pathway to recruit, support, train, and retain diverse student populations in high-need career fields.
• Virginia Commonwealth University’s Community Health Workforce Continuum to develop a comprehensive workforce development model that leverages existing partnerships with Virginia’s community colleges, including their workforce development divisions, high schools, and regional career and technical education centers. This project will jumpstart initiatives to address the health care workforce shortage and persistent unemployment in communities served by the health system.
• Virginia Union University’s Center for Technology and Innovation to help connect students with local and national technology companies to improve learning opportunities and outcomes, accelerate economic growth, and strengthen the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in the science and technology industries while providing real-world, job-based training to strengthen the workforce.
• Virginia State University’s Broadband Improvement Project to help improve broadband access, reliability, and affordability on VSU’s campus by ensuring the university can deliver a stable and robust network.  

The Tri-Cities Area

• City of Petersburg’s Emergency Public Safety Communications System to upgrade the existing system to support and protect an economically depressed population, logistics, military, transportation, and growing pharmaceutical cluster that is critical to Virginia and the United States.
• City of Petersburg’s Lock’s Watermain Replacement to construct approximately 7,650 feet of twenty-inch ductile iron water main to replace the existing asbestos cement watermain, which has exceeded its useful life and has experienced substantial breakages. Lock’s Watermain is the sole supply of water to all residents and businesses in the City of Petersburg.
• City of Hopewell’s Courthouse Road Pedestrian Improvements to support the construction of Courthouse Road Pedestrian Improvements. This project will improve the safety and non-vehicular mobility along Courthouse Road by installing 5-footwide sidewalks, curb and gutter, underground storm drainage, and new ADA-complaint bus shelters to improve pedestrians’ access to bus access along Courthouse Road.
• Prince George County’s Roundabout at the Intersection of Jefferson Park Road and Middle Road to construct a one-land roundabout at the intersection of Rt. 630 and Rt. 646. This project would address congestion and safety at the intersection and provide an efficient, safe travel route for students, buses, and parents to the new 850 student elementary school near the intersection.

Southern Virginia Area

• City of Emporia’s Pedestrian Accommodation for US 58 to provide a safe path for pedestrians attempting to across US 58 to Purdy Road. This project would construct sidewalks along both sides of US 58 and install a push button pedestal to stop traffic and allow pedestrians to cross the highway safely.
• County of Greensville’s Mid-Atlantic Advance Manufacturing Center Collection System to bring sewer service to 1,600 acres of industrial zoned land, improving the marketability of the site and attracting industrial clients. The Mid-Atlantic Advance Manufacturing Center is a regionally developed site, and it is estimated that manufacturers would bring nearly 2,000 new high-wage jobs into Southern Virginia.

Last year, Members were allowed to submit up to ten requests, which Rep. McEachin successfully did, securing $19.1 million dollars in federal funding for Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District.

Updated guidance from the House Appropriations Committee for the FY2023 appropriations process allows Members to submit up to fifteen requests for consideration – although only a handful may be chosen for funding. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding

In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Rep. McEachin has certified that he and his immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects he has requested.

More information on Rep. McEachin's FY2023 Community Project Funding requests are available here.

Richmond, VA – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for $3,564,549 to support cancer prevention research.

“Cancer is a leading cause of death in the Commonwealth and has touched the lives of too many Virginians,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “I am grateful to see this federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services coming into Virginia to support cancer prevention efforts. This grant money will support important work at the Virginia Department of Health, which could help save thousands of lives and support better health outcomes in our Commonwealth.”

May was a very busy month, both in the district and in Washington, DC. 

I held a district-wide telephone town hall where I was able to connect with constituents and answer questions. I was also pleased to be joined by State Senator McClellan who provided updates on the General Assembly. Speaking with voters is one of the most important parts of my job and I was happy hear from you all during this tele-town hall.

My office also hosted several Mobile McEachins in May. During these meetings, my staff was able to connect with constituents in person to help them with issues regarding federal agencies. If you were unable to attend but are looking for help from my office, you can visit my website to begin the process.

This month, my team is hosting another Mobile McEachin in Hopewell on Thursday, June 30^th from 11AM to 2PM in Hopewell at the Appomattox Regional Library- Hopewell Branch (209 East Cawson St in Hopewell, 23860).

Please RSVP here to make an appointment.

I also participated in several climate related events, including one with the Virginia League of Conservation Voters to discuss the future of electric vehicles through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. I also attended an event hosted by the Choose Clean Water where I was honored as a 2022 Clean Water Champion.

As the impacts of climate change accelerate, I will continue to dedicate my work to preserving our planet, and ensure all Virginians live in a healthy environment free of chemical hazards and pollution. We have a responsibility to leave a livable earth for future generations.

Finally, I am eager to attend your events around the district. If you have something that you would like myself or a member of my staff to attend, please fill out this form.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)  for $982,827 to build and retain a knowledgeable workforce to ensure school lunches are nutritious and meet students’ needs.

 “Many children in our district and throughout the Commonwealth rely on school lunches for a healthy, nutritious meal,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “As families struggle with escalating food prices, it is even more important that school lunches meet children’s needs. No student should ever go hungry, especially while trying to receive an education. This grant from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service will help ensure Virginian school food authorities, especially in more rural areas, have the necessary training and knowledge to plan nutritious lunches and support students in the Commonwealth.”

 This grant will allow VDOE to assess the barriers for meeting transitional school meal pattern requirements and for offering freshly prepared, local, and culturally inclusive school meals. The funding will support VDOE in the creation and implementation of a comprehensive training program estimated to reach 155 school nutrition directors and 2,100 frontline cafeteria managers. Sub-grant incentives will be awarded to school food authorities to provide a monetary incentive of $175 for each cafeteria manager who completes the training program within a 6-month period.

 For more information, visit the USDA’s website.

April was a busy month as we continued to deliver millions in Community Project Funding checks throughout Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District.

Last month, I presented two funding checks, one for $3,200,000 to Surry County and another for $2,432,000 to Petersburg, for water/ sewer service infrastructure upgrades.

I also presented two checks to VCU totaling over $1.3 million. One check for $996,000 went towards VCU’s RVA Gun Violence Prevention Framework, an evidence-based public health response to curb gun violence in Richmond. The other check was for $400,000 to support VCU’s RTR Teacher Residency Early Childhood Pathway, a program to help recruit, train, and retain high quality, early childhood educators throughout Central Virginia. 

That same day, I traveled to Hopewell to deliver another check for $750,000 for their Cattail Creek Crossing Project. This project will improve the strength and resiliency of the city’s storm drainage infrastructure and protect the integrity of nearby infrastructure systems and homes in the area.

Finally, at the end of April, I traveled to Henrico to deliver a $1,500,000 check to An Achievable Dream for the support of its program at Highland Springs Elementary School and expansion to middle school.

I was incredibly excited to advocate for this funding and deliver checks to these deserving localities. Serving constituents is a critical part of my job and I am excited to see these improvements made to the VA-04 community.

My constituent service team has also been working hard this year, and I am pleased to announce that they have already closed over 300 cases in 2022! If you are experiencing an issue such as a lost passport, missing benefits, late tax return, or other issues with a federal agency, we are here to help. To receive assistance, you can go to my website, fill out the necessary form, and a member of my staff will be in touch.

As we resume in person activities and events, you can also invite myself or a staff member to participate by visiting https://mceachin.house.gov/contact/request-appearance and we’ll make every effort to accommodate you. Serving you is the most important part of my job!