From protecting children online to challenging obesity, she discussed several topics that became key points of legislation

The General Assembly can bring a level of challenges when it begins each year. For some, it’s an opportunity to maintain control of the governing structure. For others, to introduce legislation that will improve the well-being of Virginians across the commonwealth.

As the work session draws to a close, Delegate Elizabeth Guzman (D-31st House District) recently spoke with the PW Perspective about the bills that she was able to get passed, and how she will continue to fight for the ones that did not.

One of the bills that she was proud of seeing come to pass was HB 1023, which allows school divisions across the state to provide age-appropriate programs in family life education on the prevention, recognition, and awareness of human trafficking of children. “We realized Virginia was 6th in the country in trafficking cases,” said Guzman, “and something needed to be done on all levels, not just in high schools. The Department of Education placed it in the curriculum with a 90-minute video, and it was shown to over 900 students, with half of them saying that they had been abused in some way.”

“It was important to ensure that grades K-12 are educated on how to be prepared to know the signs and respond appropriately.”

In addition, HB 1026 was also passed, allowing for the Digital Citizenship, Internet Safety, and Media Literacy Advisory Council to advance the goal of safe, ethical, and responsible use of media and technology by students and teachers in public elementary and secondary schools. This bill requires the council to develop and recommend instructional practices that encourage safe and responsible media and technology usage for students. “We know children are being exposed to the virtual world, and we did nothing about the safety net to protect them from seeing inappropriate material,” said Guzman. “I have conversations with teachers and students as they talk about the interaction they have with others during the pandemic. We never had those systems in place and were in reactive mode.”

“As we’re moving forward, now we are in position where we sit down and create a protocol with a council to address these issues.”

Another cause that she challenged was addressing obesity and was able to get HB 1098 passed. This bill directs the Joint Commission on Health Care to study and provide recommendations related to the payment of medical assistance for obesity prevention and other obesity-related services. 

Recognizing traditions was something that was a core value to Guzman, and allowing children of Virginia’s Tribal Nations to be excused once during the school year to attend Pow Wow ceremonies was very special. “I could get the support that I need across the aisle in the House and Senate, but I think it was important that we respect those that differ from us to spend such an important tradition to be with their families. I felt I could do that by highlighting their stories and promote their traditions, and I was glad to get it through. I hope everyone can celebrate their traditions and must make exceptions,” said Guzman.

While being able to get statewide legislation passed, it was getting the budget approved for the Crisis Stabilization Unit in Prince William County that stood out, and she appreciated the teamwork needed to get it done. “It was a collaborative effort. In the beginning, many people didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I want to thank the Board of County Supervisors, especially [Potomac District Supervisor Andrea] Bailey for helping us see this through,” said Guzman.

“The state said they wanted to commit to the center, if the county was committed in the same way. That way, we could get the letter to get the $2 million to invest in the health center.”

Despite the support, there were still several obstacles to clear. “Once we got to Richmond, we didn’t have the numbers to get it through. So, as we created a strategy, Delegate Luke Torian (D-52nd) was able to make it a priority and get it to the Republicans. I went into the hearing and with my background of knowing how PWC compared to other counties, we weren’t doing enough to help those with mental health situations.”

“While I do not serve as a budget conferee, I am working hard to ensure that the funding for the Prince William Crisis Receiving Center is retained in the final budget heading to the Governor.”

However, not every legislation came to pass, and were defeated in the House committee process. Senator Hashmi’s SB156 which better funds English language learner teacher positions has been continued to next year. In addition, Senator Favola’s SB624,  which would provide paid sick days to agency-directed home healthcare workers, was defeated in the House Commerce and Energy committee on a party-line vote. 

In a press release, Guzman stated that she is going to continue to press on until they come to fruition.

“While this is very disappointing, I promise to continue the fight on these issues in future sessions.”

A full list of Delegate Guzman’s legislation can be found online here.